Amphetamines (central nervous system stimulant)
Amphetamines are a perfect example of why drugs are classified into clinical and legal categories. The same chemical can be a life-changing medicine or a dangerous street drug, depending on its source and use.
Common Brand Names for amphetamines are Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and Ritalin.
One of the compositions for amphetamine is methylated phenylethylamine. The other drug, methamphetamine, is similar to amphetamine but contains more methylated phenylethylamine. Their chemical structure is very similar. Doctors prescribe amphetamines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
In Canada, they are also prescribed to treat Parkinson’s. Both drugs cause the same side effects, dangers, potential for overdose and the same risk of physical dependence.
Description, Street Names & Effects
Amphetamine, like the drug cocaine, is a stimulant which increases a person’s ability to stay awake and increases focus. It raises levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. When consumed, these chemicals will cause a person to feel euphoria and increased energy.
Clinically, this is dangerous because without a doctor’s supervision, users may have underlying heart conditions or psychiatric vulnerabilities that could lead to a stroke or stimulant-induced psychosis.
Street Names:
Speed, whiz, uppers, amph, billy, sulphate, grudge, dexys, blues, base, ups, wake-ups, bennies, dexies, black beauties, jollies, crazy medicine, yaba, and crazy horse.
Effects:
As mentioned, amphetamines are stimulant drugs, and their effects are very much like an adrenaline rush, with breathing and heart rate increasing. It is an appetite suppressant, and users feel energetic and confident, with the effects usually lasting for several hours. Under this drug, the body’s temperature increases, the pupils dilate, and there is an increased risk of dehydration.
More on Amphetamines
Amphetamines are human-made drugs with a bitter taste. They usually come as white, greyish white, pale pink, or yellow powder, and sometimes as brightly coloured tablets.
Amphetamines can be snorted, swallowed, injected, dissolved in a drink, or smoked. The substance has only limited medical applications because of its abuse and harm potential.
When produced by a pharmaceutical company and prescribed by a doctor, amphetamines are legitimate medical treatments. They require a prescription and are strictly monitored by pharmacists to prevent “double-doctoring.”
Of course when produced in illegal labs or diverted from the medical system for recreational use, amphetamines are considered street drugs.
Amphetamines, also called amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), were developed in the 1920s to treat depression and obesity, but stringent controls have greatly reduced medical use in Canada.
What is the Difference Between the Legal and Street Version
Amphetamine provenance
Medical amphetamine is regulated by Health Canada, While street amphetamines are made in clandestine labs.
Amphetamine's purity
Depending on the provenance, a medical grade is 100% pure, while on the street, it will often be “cut” with other ingredients such as caffeine, talc, fentanyl and other substances.
What form does it have?
The medical grade is sold in pill or capsule form with extended release, while the street drug is sold in powder, crystals or pressed tablets
What is the intended goal?
Medical grade amphetamine is prescribed to improve focus and cognitive control, while the street drug’s intent is to produce euphoria, a rush, or extreme wakefulness.
Legality of the drug.
A valid prescription is legal, whereas illegal possession can lead to three to seven years’ imprisonment.
Side Effects
The powerful stimulant effects are similar to cocaine. They generally include rapid heartbeat and breathing at low doses. Increased blood pressure, sweating, dilated pupils, and dry mouth are other side effects of the drug. A person may become talkative, restless or excited, feel powerful, superior, aggressive or hostile, or behave bizarrely or repetitively.
Appearance and Use
Amphetamine, like speed, is usually sold in baggies like cocaine. Pure amphetamine is white and odourless and has a bitter taste. Prescription amphetamines like Dexedrine are usually white pills.
When taken orally, the effects typically begin within about 30 minutes, although they occur much more quickly when the drug is smoked or injected. The stimulant effects can last for several hours—often up to six hours—depending on the potency and purity of the substance. After the initial high, users often experience a gradual and sometimes prolonged comedown.
Coming Down from the Drug
The comedown from amphetamines can be unpleasant and difficult.
These are some symptoms:
- sleep difficulties, extreme exhaustion
- headaches, muscle twitching and aches
- intense irritability, mood swings and depression
- paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, confusion
- change in body temperature.
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling worthless or despair
Some people use other drugs like opioids, cannabis or alcohol to help them go through this stage. This practice is not safe and could create other dependencies. The comedown from just one use can take a couple of days, sometimes longer, affecting concentration and memory.
Mental Health & Amphetamines
People using amphetamines can develop mental health issues. Individuals using frequent high doses of the drug can experience a drug-induced psychosis. But in most cases, symptoms disappear after the person stops using amphetamines.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal can be challenging. The symptoms should calm down after a week or so and mostly disappear after a month. Symptoms include:
- cravings for the drug
- increased appetite
- confusion and irritability
- aches and pains
- exhaustion
- restless sleep, vivid dreams and nightmares
- anxiety, depression and paranoia.
Long-term use
With this drug, post-acute withdrawal syndrome or post-withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can occur. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome is defined as experiencing the drug effects after a prolonged withdrawal period. Some symptoms can last up to a year in chronic amphetamine users.
This would include:
- Problems with short-term memory
- Impaired ability to focus, concentrate, or maintain attention
- Lack of self-control
- Depression with or without suicidal thoughts
- Inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia)
- Cravings
- Fatigue, sleep problems
- Weakened ability to deal with stress
Other Risks of Amphetamines
The body develops a tolerance to the regular use of amphetamines. Tolerance is the need for larger doses of the drug to achieve the same high, which can quickly lead to addiction. Some users can be tired and depressed for several days after using the drug. And high repeated doses can place a serious strain on the heart.
An overdose of amphetamines can be fatal, and mixing amphetamines with other drugs increases the danger significantly.
- Avoid taking speed and anti-depressants or alcohol. This combination can be fatal.
- Speed puts a strain on your heart. So, people with high blood pressure or a heart condition should not indulge.
- Taking a lot of speed can batter the immune system, so more colds, flu, and sore throats can occur.
List of Drugs
TESTIMONIALS
Marc Bernard
Author,
Addiction Field Specialist,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor, Ethics in Practice – NAADAC
Reviewed by Susan Chubbs Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist
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