Central nervous system stimulants and sport practice
Athletes are likely to use amfetamines to sharpen reflexes and reduce tiredness. However, athletes have died as a result of amfetamine misuse, since the increase in blood pressure combined with increased physical activity and peripheral vasoconstriction makes it difficult for the body to cool down. If the body overheats, it dehydrates and blood circulation decreases, and the heart and other organs are unable to work normally.
Side effects of amfetamine, besides headaches, sleeplessness and anxiety, are particularly important to athletes. Indeed, amfetamine use may carry significant health risks for the sportsperson as evidenced by several amfetamine‐linked deaths in sport. Two of the major risks are amfetamine induced heatstroke and cardiac arrest, which have resulted in several fatalities among cyclists during arduous effort. Amfetamines obscure pain from injuries and have enabled athletes in some sports to continue to compete and thus exacerbated their injuries. The side effects of amfetamine with regard to behaviour also are important in sport. The euphoriant effects of amfetamine—taken to promote aggression and lower fatigue—has led in misjudgments and major fouls on the pitch.