Amphetamines

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Slang names include speed, up, uppers, goey and whiz.

There are both legal and illegal amphetamines. Some are prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as narcolepsy (a sleep disorder) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using amphetamine medications without a prescription is illegal.

It is illegal to make, sell, possess or use amphetamines unless they have been prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons.

Types of amphetamines#

Amphetamines come in several forms, including powder, tablets, crystals and capsules. The most common amphetamine in many places is methamphetamine, which includes:

• speed – usually a powder
• base – an oily, sticky or waxy paste
• crystal methamphetamine (ice) – a crystal or crystalline powder, and the strongest form, also known as crystal meth, shabu, shard or glass

Amphetamines can be injected, snorted, smoked or swallowed.

Illegally produced amphetamines are difficult to assess for quality and purity. They can be a mix of drugs, binding agents, caffeine, new psychoactive substances and sugar.

Synthetic products and MDMA#

A range of synthetic products claiming to have similar effects to amphetamines are also available. It is often unclear what the active ingredient is – they may contain various chemicals, such as methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). These drugs can have more unpredictable effects and may be more harmful than amphetamines.

MDMA (ecstasy) is classified as an empathogen drug. Many pills or capsules sold as MDMA contain only small amounts of MDMA, or sometimes none. Its effects can share some similarities with amphetamines, such as feeling energetic and euphoric and having an increased heart rate.

How amphetamines work#

Amphetamines increase dopamine and serotonin levels – the feel-good chemicals in the brain. Effects can be felt immediately when injected or smoked, or within about 30 minutes when snorted or swallowed.

Short-term effects#

Some of the immediate effects of amphetamines include:

• a burst of energy – feeling alert, talkative, restless and excited
• happiness and confidence
• aggression or anger
• fast heart rate and breathing
• high blood pressure
• dry mouth, jaw clenching and teeth grinding
• sweating
• dilated (large) pupils
• loss of appetite
• increased sex drive

Snorting can also damage the nasal passage.

Injecting amphetamines#

Sharing needles increases the risk of serious infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, as well as vein damage, blood clots and infections such as tetanus.

How long do the effects last?#

Even after the effects of amphetamines have worn off, the drug may still be in your system. As a rough guide, methamphetamine can be detected in the blood around 4 to 8 hours after use, and in the urine for around 2 to 5 days after use.

Amphetamine use can also impair judgement and contribute to accidents and injury, such as motor vehicle crashes.

Coming down and binge crashing#

Some people experience a pattern of “binge crash” after amphetamine use. This happens when amphetamines are used continuously for several days without sleep. When this period ends, the person “crashes” and experiences a period of heavy sleeping.

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

• restless sleep and exhaustion
• changes in body temperature
• headaches, muscle twitching and aches
• irritability, mood swings, anxiety and depression
• paranoia, hallucinations and confusion

Using other drugs (such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis or opioids) to cope with the come-down can lead to a cycle of dependence on multiple drugs.

Overdose#

Mixing amphetamines with other drugs can be dangerous. This includes alcohol, benzodiazepines (including sleeping pills), some antidepressants, cannabis, opioids, and over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

An amphetamine overdose may occur if you take a strong batch, use a large amount, or mix amphetamines with other drugs. An overdose is a medical emergency. You can still be in danger even if not all overdose symptoms are present.

Symptoms of amphetamine overdose may include:

• breathing difficulties
• seizures (fits and uncontrolled jerking)
• chest pain or racing heartbeat
• chills or fever
• no urine output
• extreme agitation, which can lead to hostility, aggression and violence
• paranoia, hallucinations or delusions

An overdose can lead to stroke or heart attack.

Fast action could save someone’s life. If you suspect an overdose, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) for an ambulance immediately. Ambulance officers do not need to involve police.

Long-term effects#

Using amphetamines regularly can lead to significant health and lifestyle problems, including:

• amphetamine psychosis (including hallucinations and paranoia)
• extreme weight loss and malnutrition
• dry mouth and dental problems
• regular infections such as colds and flu, due to reduced immunity
• mood swings, panic attacks, anxiety and depression
• drug dependence
• out-of-character behaviour, including aggression and violence
• heart and kidney problems
• increased risk of stroke
• increased risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) from unprotected sex
• financial, work, study and relationship problems, including trouble concentrating and reduced performance

Dependence, tolerance and withdrawal#

It is possible to build up a tolerance to amphetamines, which means a person needs larger doses to achieve the same effect. Over time, the body may come to depend on amphetamines just to function normally.

If you have been using amphetamines for a long time, giving up can be a challenge as your body and mind adjust to functioning without the drug. It is important to seek advice from a health professional when planning to stop.

If you decide to stop or cut down, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These usually appear at the start, settle down after about a week, and most disappear after a month. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• sleep problems and nightmares
• tiredness
• anxiety, depression, paranoia and confusion
• crankiness and irritability
• extreme hunger
• aches and pains

Some people experience quite intense symptoms (also known as a “speed crash”), which can cause nausea, extreme exhaustion, irritability and feeling depressed.

Treatment#

Treatment options for drug use include detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy. Peer support – or talking to someone who has been in the same situation – can also be helpful. See your doctor for information and referral, or contact an alcohol and drug service.

Key points#

• You can still be in danger even if not all overdose symptoms are present.
• Symptoms of amphetamine overdose may include hallucinations or delusions.
• If you decide to stop or cut down, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
• It’s important to seek advice from a health professional when planning to stop taking amphetamines.
• Most withdrawal symptoms disappear after a month.

Where to get help#