Amphetamine what is it used for

Used under prescription, stimulants can be safe and effective. Amphetamine sulphate, or speed, is also used for recreational and non-medical purposes. It can lead to euphoria, and it suppresses the appetite, which can lead to weight loss. Used outside the medical context, stimulants can have severe adverse effects. Amphetamine activates receptors in the brain and increases the activity of a number of neurotransmitters, especially norepinephrine and dopamine.

Dopamine is associated with pleasure, movement, and attention. Amphetamine has been trialed for a wide variety of conditions. Now, it is mainly used to treat ADHD, and, rarely, depression. In the past, it has been used to treat narcolepsy and to help with weight loss, but this is less common now. ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, irritability, mood instability, attention difficulties, lack of organization, and impulsive behaviors.

Amphetamines reverse some of these symptoms and have been shown to improve brain development and nerve growth in children with ADHD. Long-term treatment with amphetamine-based medication in children appears to prevent unwanted changes in brain function and structure.

Scientists carrying out a review of 20 studies concluded that stimulants are probably helpful for people with ADHD. They found that the brain structures of people who took stimulants for ADHD were more likely to resemble the brain structures of people without the condition than to resemble those with ADHD who did not use the drugs. A review published in Cochrane in suggested that adults with ADHD might benefit from short-term use of amphetamines, but that they were unlikely to persist with the treatment because of adverse effects.

Those who use mixed amphetamine salts, however, were more likely to continue with the treatment. In a person with this condition, strong emotions can trigger a sudden loss of muscle tone, or cataplexy, which causes a person to collapse and possibly fall down. It also involves frequent and unexpected bouts of sleep. Due to concerns over their side effects, however, amphetamines are increasingly being replaced by modafinil, a medication that promotes wakefulness.

Under the name Benzedrine, amphetamines were first used to treat obesity in the s, due to their appetite-suppressing capabilities. In the s, reports of malnutrition , psychosis, and depression on withdrawal caused doctors to stop prescribing amphetamines for weight loss. Currently, medical professionals do not recommend using amphetamines and their derivatives to help reduce obesity. They proposed a 6-month use of the drug to help people who have not responded to other treatment to improve their diet and increase exercise levels.

This, they say, could help curb obesity and related complications, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. From the s, amphetamine was used to treat affective disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD , and schizophrenia. Short-term effects of amphetamines Some of the immediate effects of amphetamines include: a burst of energy — making the user talkative, restless and excited accelerated heart rate and breathing high-blood pressure hypertension dry mouth and jaw clenching sweating dilated large pupils loss of appetite increased sex drive libido nosebleeds and damage to the nasal passage from snorting.

How long do amphetamine effects last? What is binge crashing? You may experience: sleep difficulties, extreme exhaustion headaches , muscle twitching and aches irritability, mood swings and depression paranoia , hallucinations, confusion change in body temperature.

Symptoms of amphetamine overdose Amphetamine overdose may occur if you: take a strong batch use a large amount mix amphetamines with other drugs — including over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Symptoms of amphetamine overdose may include: breathing difficulties seizures including fits and uncontrolled jerking chest pain or racing heartbeat chills or fever no urine output extreme agitation — can lead to hostility, aggression and violence paranoia , hallucinations or delusions.

Amphetamine dependence, tolerance and withdrawal It is possible to build up a tolerance to amphetamines, which means the person using the drug needs to take larger doses to achieve the same effect. Amphetamine withdrawal If you have been using amphetamines for a long time, giving up can be a challenge.

If you decide to stop or cut down, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include: tiredness anxiety , depression and paranoia confusion and crankiness extreme hunger aches and pains sleep problems and nightmares. Treatment for amphetamine misuse Treatment options for drug use include: detoxification individual counselling 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. Amphetamines and the law Amphetamine use is restricted in Australia and can only be prescribed by a medical doctor for certain health conditions.

Penalties apply for amphetamines under federal and state laws for anyone who: Uses or keeps amphetamines in their possession. Makes, supplies or sells amphetamines to another person this includes without their consent — such as drink spiking. Drives under the influence of amphetamines. Forges, alters or falsely obtains a prescription for amphetamines. Sells or possesses ice pipes applies in some states and territories, including Victoria. Counselling Online Tel. Amphetamines , Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all drugs. Related information. Support groups Family Drug Help. From other websites Alcohol and Drug Foundation. United Nations — Office on Drugs and Crime. Content disclaimer Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Reviewed on: Drugs of abuse.

Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Updated by: Fred K. Substance use - amphetamines. Types of Illegal Amphetamines. There are different kinds of street amphetamines. Common ones and some of their slang terms are: Amphetamine: goey, louee, speed, uppers, whiz Dextroamphetamine ADHD medicine used illegally : dexies, kiddie-speed, pep pills, uppers; black beauty when combined with amphetamine Methamphetamine crystal solid form : base, crystal, d-meth, fast, glass, ice, meth, speed, whiz, pure, wax Methamphetamine liquid form : leopard's blood, liquid red, ox blood, red speed Illegal amphetamines come in different forms: Pills and capsules Powder and paste Crystal Liquid They can be used in different ways: Swallowed Dabbed onto the gums Inhaled through the nose snorted Injected into a vein shooting up Smoked.

Amphetamines Effects on Your Brain. Using amphetamines may cause pleasurable effects such as: Joy euphoria, or "flash" or "rush" and less inhibition, similar to being drunk Feeling as if your thinking is extremely clear Feeling more in control, self-confident Wanting to be with and talk to people more sociable Increased energy How fast you feel the effects of amphetamines depends on how they are used: Smoking or injecting into a vein shooting up : Effects the "rush" start right away and are intense and last a few minutes.

Snorting: Effects the "high" start in 3 to 5 minutes, are less intense than smoking or injecting, and last 15 to 30 minutes. Taken by mouth: Effects "high" start in 15 to 20 minutes and last longer than smoking, injecting, or snorting, depending on how much is taken.

Harmful Effects of Amphetamines. Amphetamines can harm the body in many ways, and lead to: Appetite decrease and weight loss Heart problems such as fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and heart attack High body temperature and skin flushing Memory loss problems thinking clearly, and stroke Mood and emotional problems such as aggressive or violent behavior, depression, and suicide Ongoing hallucinations and inability to tell what is real Restlessness and tremors Skin sores Sleep problems Tooth decay meth mouth Death People who use these drugs, especially methamphetamine, have a high chance of getting HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Amphetamines can be Addictive. These are called withdrawal symptoms, and may include: Strong craving for the drug Having mood swings that range from feeling depressed to agitated to anxious Feeling tired all day Not able to concentrate Seeing or hearing things that are not there hallucinations Physical reactions may include headaches, aches and pains, increased appetite, not sleeping well.

Treatment Options. Your Ongoing Recovery. As you recover, focus on the following to help prevent relapse: Keep going to your treatment sessions. Find new activities and goals to replace the ones that involved your drug use. Spend more time with family and friends you lost touch with while you were using.

Consider not seeing friends who are still using. Exercise and eat healthy foods. Taking care of your body helps it heal from the harmful effects of drug use. You will feel better, too. Avoid triggers. These can be people you used drugs with. They can also be places, things, or emotions that can make you want to use again.