Amphetamines

In China, since the time of the Han Dynasty, a plant called ma huang, meaning yellow hemp, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In 1885 the plant derivative ephedrine was isolated from ma huang by Ngagyoshi Nagai. Amphetamine, one of a series of compounds related to ephedrine, was first synthesised in 1887 by Lazar Edeleanu. China began industrial manufacture of ephedrine in the 1920’s and exported over 200 tonnes to the West in 1928.

In the early 1930s the American Medical Association approved the use of amphetamine marketed under the name Benzedrine for treatment of a range of disorders including narcolepsy, depression, Parkinson’s and alcoholism. Benzedrine also became known for its side effects of alertness and feelings of wellbeing. It was often mentioned by Beat Generation writers Jack Kerouac and Alan Ginsberg as fuel for their all night gatherings and late night writing. Soon after the arrival of Benzedrine, methamphetamine was introduced to the market under the trade name Methedrine.

Amphetamine’s effects – creating alertness and fighting fatigue – were exploited by both the American, German and Japanese military during World War II. The US continued to give amphetamine to soldiers during the Korean and Vietnam wars. As recently as the 1991 Gulf War, over half of the US pilots involved admitted to substantial use of stimulants to stay awake for long stretches.

What are amphetamines?

The term amphetamines refer to a group of synthetic drugs that are all chemically related to amphetamine and are classified as stimulants. Stimulants impact a user’s central nervous system, speeding up the messages going between the brain and the body. This produces a similar effect to the naturally occurring hormone, adrenalin.

Methamphetamine comes under the same chemical family as amphetamine but has a more aggressive effect on the central nervous system, creating a longer and stronger effect. Crystal methamphetamine, which is highly purified methamphetamine and is the most potent form of amphetamine, is commonly referred to as Ice.

Some types of amphetamines are legally prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as narcolepsy (which is a neurological sleep disorder) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

What do amphetamines look like?

Amphetamines may be in the form of a powder, tablets, capsules or crystals. The powder is most commonly close to white but can be yellow, brown or pink. It normally has a strong pungent smell and is bitter to taste.

Crystal methamphetamine (Ice) can range from large, clear-coloured crystals through to a crystalline powder.

How are they used?

Amphetamines are generally snorted but can also be swallowed, smoked or injected. Ice is most commonly smoked or injected and often very small amounts can create strong effects.

What are the effects?

The effects of any drug vary from person to person. Factors that influence an individual’s experience include their weight, size, mental health and whether they are used to taking the drug. However, there is no safe level of drug use and amphetamines can range broadly in quality and safety.

Short-term effects

If amphetamines are snorted, smoked or injected the effects are felt almost immediately. If swallowed they may take up to 30 minutes.

Low to moderate doses

Immediate effects may include:

Increased talkativeness
Feelings of euphoria and excitement
Increased motivation and confidence
Nervousness, anxiety, agitation, panic
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching
Irritability, hostility, aggression
Repetition of simple tasks
Increased breathing and heart rate
Reduced appetite
Increased sweating and body temperature
Reduced need for sleep
Difficulty sleeping

Higher doses

If a person takes more amphetamines than their body can cope with it can lead to overdose. There is greater risk of unwanted side effects or overdose if the strength or purity of the drug is not known. Injecting increases the risk of overdose due to the speed at which the drug enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain.

A higher dose of amphetamines can intensify the effects listed above and also may include:

Tremors
Blurred vision
Irregular breathing
Collapse
Rapid pounding heart
Violent or aggressive behaviour
Disorientation
Stroke

High doses and frequent heavy use can create an ‘amphetamine psychosis’. The symptoms may include paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre, aggressive or violent behaviour. The person concerned may become extremely distressed and unpredictable. These symptoms usually disappear after a few days if the person stops using amphetamines; however, medical intervention may be needed at any stage.

Coming down

As the effects of amphetamines begin to wear off, a person may experience a range of effects. These effects can last for several days and may include:

Radical mood swings
Lethargy
Depression
Paranoia
Exhaustion and a desire to sleep heavily
Tension
Feeling restless, irritable and anxious

Long-term effects

Long term effects of amphetamines may include:

Chronic sleeping problems
Malnutrition and weight loss due to reduced appetite
Reduced immunity
Dental problems from jaw clenching and teeth grinding
Increased risk of stroke
Depression, anxiety, tension and paranoia
Cumulative stress on the heart leading to increased risk of heart problems
Psychological problems such as poor memory and concentration

Tolerance and dependence

There is evidence that amphetamines, especially Ice, can become highly addictive. People who use amphetamines regularly can develop tolerance and dependence to it which means they need to take larger amounts to get the same effect. Dependence on amphetamines can be psychological, physical, or both. It can be very difficult to stop using.

Withdrawal

Whilst a dependent person’s body becomes used to functioning without amphetamines, they may experience feelings of withdrawal. This may include:

Cravings for amphetamines
Confusion and poor concentration
Depression, anxiety, agitation
Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
General aches and pains
Hunger and increased appetite
Disturbed sleep
Mood swings
Little energy, increased apathy and the limited ability to experience pleasure

SOURCE: druginfo.sl.nsw.gov.au and druginfo.adf.org.au