Amphetamines
Amphetamines
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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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Common names & How they are used?
Speed
Fast
Up
Uppers
Goey
Whiz
Amphetamines are generally swallowed, injected or smoked. They can also be snorted.
Side Effects of Amphetamines
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
Amphetamines 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
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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
Amphetamine Overdose
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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
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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.
Mixing Amphetamines with other drugs
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Amphetamines + some Antidepressants
Elevated blood pressure, which can lead to irregular heartbeat, heart failure and stroke.
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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.
The effects of taking Amphetamines with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.
