Final answer:
Amphetamines stimulate dopamine release and block its reuptake, with some therapeutic applications for impulse control, while cocaine prevents dopamine reuptake, leading to a pleasureless state post-use.
Step-by-step explanation:
One difference between the effects of amphetamines and the effects of cocaine is that amphetamines block the reuptake of dopamine and stimulate its release, while cocaine primarily prevents the reuptake of dopamine without directly stimulating its release. Amphetamines can cause increased neurotransmitter activity within the brain areas associated with impulse control, such as the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, which is why they are prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In contrast, cocaine's effects cause a strong 'high' followed by a rapid depletion of dopamine, leaving the user in a pleasureless state and craving more cocaine.
One difference between the effects of amphetamines and the effects of cocaine is that while both drugs stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain, amphetamines also block the reuptake of dopamine. This means that amphetamines not only increase dopamine levels, but they also prolong its action in the synapse. In contrast, cocaine only prevents nerve cells from taking up dopamine, leading to a buildup of dopamine in the synapse. The differences in the mechanisms of action between amphetamines and cocaine contribute to variations in their overall effects on the brain and body.