Amphetamines

There are different types of amphetamines:

• Amphetamines
• Methamphetamines,
• Dextroamphetamines.

The different types of amphetamines—and related drugs such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin®)—are stimulant drugs. Stimulants speed up the central nervous system. They act like adrenaline, a hormone that is one of the body’s natural stimulants. Other drugs with similar effects include cocaine, ecstasy, ephedrine, caffeine and many others.

Pure amphetamines are white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powders. Illicitly prepared amphetamines vary in purity. They may be whitish with traces of gray or pink and may be a coarse powder, or in crystals or chunks. They may smell “fishy” or like ammonia. When amphetamines are injected or smoked, they reach the brain quickly, and produce a “rush,” or surge of euphoria, immediately. The effects of amphetamines are often different from person to person.

Methamphetamine resembles shaved glass slivers or clear rock salt. Amphetamines are injected, smoked, sniffed or taken as pills.

Street Names:

Speed, bennies, glass, crystal, crank, pep pills and uppers

Effects of Use:

• Alert, confident and energetic
• Talkative, restless and excited
• Feel a sense of power and superiority
• Tense and nervous
• Hostile and aggressive
• Reduce hunger
• Increase breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure

In children who are hyperactive, however, amphetamines and related drugs, in the correct doses, can have a calming effect. Larger doses may cause fever, sweating, headache, nausea, blurred vision, very fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of co-ordination and collapse.