Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Some types of amphetamines are legally prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Amphetamines have also been used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Other types of amphetamines such as speed are produced and sold illegally.
The appearance of amphetamines varies. These drugs may be in the form of a powder, tablets, crystals and capsules. They may be packaged in ‘foils’ (aluminium foil), plastic bags or small balloons when sold illegally.
Amphetamine powder can range in color from white through to brown, sometimes it may have traces of grey or pink. It has a strong smell and bitter taste.
If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you could overdose. If you have any of the following symptoms, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:
High doses and frequent heavy use can also create an "amphetamine psychosis", characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and out of character aggressive or violent behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using amphetamines.
In the 2 to 4 days after amphetamine use you may be experience:
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
The effects of taking Amphetaminesol with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.