Which common side effect is associated with amphetamines?

Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system and can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. The mechanism involves the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine, which, among other effects, can cause vasoconstriction and elevate systemic vascular resistance, resulting in hypertension. This cardiovascular side effect is particularly important to monitor, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

While other side effects such as bradycardia, somnolence, and constipation can occur but are not typical for amphetamines. In fact, somnolence is more often associated with sedative medications rather than stimulants, and bradycardia tends to be contrary to the expected cardiovascular responses of stimulants which broadly increase heart rate and blood pressure. Constipation may occur as a result of decreased gastrointestinal motility, but again, hypertension is a more direct and common side effect seen in those using amphetamines.