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Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the body’s system. Some are legally prescribed and used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Origin and History

  • 1930s: Amphetamines were first marketed as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion.
  • 1937: Amphetamines became available by prescription in tablet form and were used in the treatment of the sleeping disorder narcolepsy and ADHD.
  • Current Trends: Over the years, the use and abuse of clandestinely produced amphetamines have spread. Today, clandestine laboratory production has mushroomed, and the abuse of the drug has increased dramatically.

Appearance and Common Street Names

  • Appearance: Amphetamines can look like pills or powder.
  • Prescription Forms: Common prescription amphetamines include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse™), and methamphetamine (Desoxyn®).
  • Street Names: Bennies, Black Beauties, Crank, Ice, Speed, and Uppers.

Methods of Abuse

  • Ingestion: Amphetamines are generally taken orally or injected.
  • Smoking: The addition of “ice” (the slang name for crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride) has promoted smoking as another mode of administration. Just as “crack” is smokable cocaine, “ice” is smokable methamphetamine.

Effects of Use

Effect on the Mind

The effects of amphetamines are similar to those of cocaine, but their onset is slower, and their duration is longer.

  • Metabolism: In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed from the brain and almost completely metabolized, methamphetamine remains in the central nervous system longer. A larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body, producing prolonged stimulant effects.
  • Psychosis: Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations.
  • Behavior: Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among chronic users.

Effect on the Body

Physical effects of amphetamine use include:

  • Increased blood pressure and pulse rates.
  • Insomnia.
  • Loss of appetite and physical exhaustion.

Overdose Effects

Overdose effects include:

  • Agitation and increased body temperature.
  • Hallucinations and convulsions.
  • Possible death.

Similar Substances

Drugs that cause similar effects include:

  • Dexmethylphenidate and phendimetrazine.
  • Cocaine and crack.
  • Khat.

Legal Status in the United States

Many amphetamines are Schedule II stimulants, which means that they have a high potential for abuse and a currently acceptable medical use (in FDA-approved products).

Pharmaceutical products are available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled.