From the Research
Yes, amphetamines can increase ammonia levels in the body, as evidenced by a study published in 2016 1, which found that methamphetamine increases plasma ammonia and active MMP-9 in the cortex of rats. This occurs through several mechanisms, including increased protein catabolism, dehydration, and liver stress. When amphetamines accelerate metabolism, they break down proteins more rapidly, releasing ammonia as a byproduct. Additionally, amphetamines often cause reduced fluid intake and increased sweating, leading to dehydration that concentrates ammonia in the blood. In individuals with underlying liver conditions, this effect can be more pronounced since the liver is responsible for converting ammonia to urea for excretion. Elevated ammonia levels can cause symptoms like confusion, irritability, and in severe cases, encephalopathy, as supported by a study published in 2009 2, which demonstrated that elevated concentrations of ammonia in the brain lead to cerebral dysfunction involving a spectrum of neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms. People taking prescribed amphetamines should stay well-hydrated, maintain proper nutrition, and attend regular medical check-ups to monitor for potential metabolic effects, especially those with liver conditions or other risk factors. Key points to consider include:
- Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system and can affect metabolism in ways that elevate blood ammonia
- Increased protein catabolism, dehydration, and liver stress are potential mechanisms by which amphetamines increase ammonia levels
- Elevated ammonia levels can cause neurological dysfunction and symptoms like confusion, irritability, and encephalopathy
- Individuals with underlying liver conditions are at higher risk of experiencing adverse effects from increased ammonia levels
- Regular medical check-ups and monitoring of metabolic effects are crucial for individuals taking prescribed amphetamines, as suggested by studies published in 2014 3 and 2013 4.