Amphetamines WHAT ARE AMPHETAMINES? What is their effect on the mind? Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the The effects of amphetamines are similar to cocaine, body’s system. Some are legally prescribed and used but their onset is slower and their duration is longer. to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed from the brain and is almost completely metabolized, WHAT IS THEIR ORIGIN? methamphetamine remains in the central nervous Amphetamines were first marketed in the 1930s as system longer, and a larger percentage of the drug Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat remains unchanged in the body, producing prolonged nasal congestion. stimulant effects. By 1937 amphetamines were available by Chronic abuse produces a psychosis that prescription in tablet form and were used in the resembles schizophrenia and is characterized by treatment of the sleeping disorder narcolepsy and paranoia, picking at the skin, preoccupation with one’s ADHD. own thoughts, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Over the years, the use and abuse of clandestinely Violent and erratic behavior is frequently seen among produced amphetamines have spread. Today, chronic users of amphetamines. clandestine laboratory production of amphetamines has mushroomed, and the abuse of the drug has What is their effect on the body? increased dramatically. Physical effects of amphetamine use include: • Increased blood pressure and pulse rates, insomnia, loss What are common street names? of appetite, and physical exhaustion Common street names include: • Bennies, Black Beauties, Crank, Ice, Speed, and Uppers What are their overdose effects? Overdose effects include: What do they look like? • Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, Amphetamines can look like pills or powder. convulsions, and possible death Common prescription amphetamines include amphetamine and dextroamphetamine Which drugs cause similar effects? (Adderall®), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®), Drugs that cause similar effects include: lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse™) and • Dexmethylphendiate, phendimetrazine, cocaine, crack, methamphetamine (Desoxyn®). and khat How are they abused? What is their legal status in the United States? Amphetamines are generally taken orally or injected. Many amphetamines are Schedule II stimulants, However, the addition of “ice,” the slang name which means that they have a high potential for of crystallized methamphetamine hydrochloride, has abuse and a currently acceptable medical use (in promoted smoking as another mode of FDA-approved products). Pharmaceutical products administration. Just as “crack” is smokable cocaine, are available only through a prescription that cannot “ice” is smokable methamphetamine. be refilled..