The medical use of amphetamines was common in the 1950/60's when they were used against depression and to cause loss of weight.
Most brands were removed from the market when they fell out of favour due to side effects. Amphetamines were initially developed in the 1940's when as a military drug they gave soldiers increased energy and awareness. They speed up how the body works by making the heart work faster and pump adrenaline into the system.
A common type of Amphetamine is a white powder called Amphetamine Sulphate which is illegally manufactured and has a strength of up to 30% purity. This can be taken orally, sniffed (snorted) and injected. It has been known to be smoked but as it does not burn very well this is not common.
A more smokeable form called Ice, Ice Cream, Glass or Crystal exists but is rare. This is thought to be more addictive than Crack cocaine.
Short-term use effects Users feel happy, confident and energetic as Amphetamine Sulphate speeds up breathing, heart rate and widens pupils.
The user obtains extra energy for up to 6 hours, the appetite is reduced and sleep prevented, a tingling sensation may be felt if the skin is touched. There is a high risk of psychological dependence
Due to demands on the body's system it's natural stores are depleted due to lack of sleep and eating less. This can cause tiredness and anxiety and with high frequent doses can cause hallucinations, delusions, panic, paranoia and depression.
Along with these effects the user's resistance to disease can also be lowered with the associated problems this causes.
Long-term use effects Along with delusions, paranoia and hallucinations regular users can develop paranoid psychosis, this condition can prove permanent or take several months to treat.
To maintain the desired effect increasing doses have to be taken, when this stops the user is likely to feel lethargic, very depressed and hungry.
The need for rest and food is merely postponed as the drug does not replace these. Women who use amphetamines may find that the contraceptive pill or other contraceptive devices are less effective due to weight loss. Many find their periods become irregular or may even stop and it is worth noting that this drug and the contraceptive pill both increase blood pressure which can have long term effects on the heart.
Regular users of both sexes risk damaging blood vessels or heart failure especially if already suffering from associated conditions. It can also effect users who undergo strenuous exercise.
It is possible to overdose on amphetamines and injecting can damage the body with the possibility of HIV and Hepatitis if sharing needles.
Amphetamines are a Class B drug unless prepared for injection when they become a Class A drug.
