The Effects of Amphetamines

One of the effects of amphetamines was as an appetite suppressant to aid weight loss an effect that made it popular in the 1950s. Amphetamine sulphate is a synthetic product first produced in Germany in the 1880s.It comes in two main forms: powder and capsules or tablets, although a crystalline form of the drug (known as ice) is becoming more prevalent, especially in the dance scene.

Methods of Use
The tablet/capsule form of amphetamine is usually taken orally. In the powder form it can be:

dissolved in alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks,

dabbed, ie, rubbed on the gums with a finger,

smoked by combining with cannabis or tobacco.

Amphetamine can also be snorted, but the effectiveness of this method depends largely on the quality of the drug. It can also be injected, a practice favoured by older long-term drug users.

Effects of Amphetamines
Amphetamine is a stimulant which produces feelings of euphoria, well-being and self-confidence. Feelings of tiredness, stress, anxiety and fear may be eliminated giving the user feelings of high energy levels and concentration. Amphetamine suppresses the body’s need for sleep and food. If injected, the effect is immediate and the user expe-riences a rush, ie, a sudden drug high. The effects generally last about three to four hours after which the user may feel exhausted and weak.

Adverse Effects of Amphetamines
Among the short-term psychological effects which have been ob-served are anxiety, irritability and, with high doses, panic accompanied by occasional hallucinations. Some users may experience depression after use, leading sometimes to paranoia. If amphetamine is taken with other drugs the effects can be unpredictable: for example, if taken with alcohol, some may feel less drunk while others may behave aggressively. Again the effects may also be influenced by the user’s expectations.

Some physical problems may be observed. Amphetamines do not in themselves provide energy, so the user tends to burn up reserves of blood sugar more quickly than normal, leading to a lack of strength when the drug wears off. Long-term use can, therefore, lead to debilitation. The large expenditure of energy can result in raised blood pressure and cardiovascular problems: strokes have been reported.

Mood disturbances and some cases of drug-induced psychosis have been reported in long-term users. These symptoms usually dissipate, however, some time after the drug use is stopped. There does seem to be evidence of tolerance developing as well as dependence with long-term use.

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