Pharmacology · single question

Which of the following is NOT a side effect of amphetamines?

  1. Orthostatic hypotension
  2. Tachycardia
  3. Xerostomia
  4. Fever
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Correct answer: A. Orthostatic hypotension

Amphetamines are sympathomimetic stimulants that act by releasing catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine) and blocking their reuptake. Their sympathomimetic effects produce: tachycardia and hypertension (not hypotension), xerostomia (dry mouth from reduced salivary flow), hyperthermia/fever (from increased metabolic rate), anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, and in overdose, hypertensive crisis. Orthostatic hypotension is characteristic of alpha-adrenergic BLOCKERS (like prazosin, doxazosin) or clonidine (alpha-2 agonist). Amphetamines cause vasoconstriction and INCREASED blood pressure — the opposite of orthostatic hypotension.

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