Amphetamines

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.

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What do they Look Like?

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.

Amphetamine capsules and tablets vary considerably in size and color. Amphetamines purchased on the street often includes substantial amounts of dilutes and impurities.
Also, street drug sellers or ‘pushers’ often misrepresent, either knowingly or unknowingly, the substances that they are selling. As a result, amphetamines bought on the street may actually be partly, or entirely made up of one of the weaker stimulants such as ephedrine or caffeine.

Common Names & How they are Used?

  • Speed
  • Fast
  • Up
  • Uppers
  • Goey
  • Whiz

Amphetamines are generally swallowed, injected or smoked. They can also be snorted.

Amphetamine Overdose

Dangerous Signs

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:

  • Racing heartbeat
  • Fits
  • Passing out or breathing difficulties
  • Chills or fever
  • No urine output
  • Arching of the back/convulsions
  • Stroke, heart attack and death

Amphetamine Psychosis

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.

Coming Down

In the 2 to 4 days after amphetamine use you may be experience:

  • Restless sleep and exhaustion
  • Headaches
  • Paranoia, hallucinations and confusion
  • Twitching and muscle aches
  • Fluctuating temperatures
  • Irritability, mood swings and depression
Using a depressant drug such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or cannabis to help with the come down effects may result in a cycle of dependence on both types of drugs.

Side Effects of
Amphetaminesol

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.

Amphetaminesol affects everyone differently, based on:

  • The amount taken
  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The strength of the drug (which can vary)

You might feel the effects of amphetamines immediately

(if injected or smoked) or within 30 minutes (if snorted or swallowed)
  • Happiness and confidence
  • Talking more and feeling energetic
  • Large pupils and dry mouth
  • Fast heart beat and breathing
  • Teeth grinding
  • Reduced appetite
  • Increased sex drive
  • Snorting amphetamines can damage the nasal passage and cause nose bleeds.
If injecting drugs & needle sharing there is a risk of:
  • Tetanus
  • Infection
  • Vein damage
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV and AIDS

Long-term use of amphetamines may eventually cause:

  • Reduced appetite and extreme weight loss
  • Restless sleep
  • Dry mouth and dental problems
  • Regular colds and flu
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Depression
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect
  • Dependence on amphetamines
  • Financial, work and social problems

AMPHETAMINES + SOME ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Elevated blood pressure, which can lead to irregular heartbeat, heart failure and stroke.

AMPHETAMINES + ALCOHOL, CANNABIS OR BENZODIAZEPINES

The body is placed under a high degree of stress as it attempts to deal with the conflicting effects of both types of drugs, which can lead to an overdose.

Mixing Amphetamines with other Drugs