Amphetamines: Three Closely Related Stimulant Drugs… Amphetamines include three closely related synthetic drugs – amphetamine, Methamphetamines, and Methamphetamines. In pure form, they are yellowish crystals that are manufactured into tablet or capsule forms. Abusers may also sniff the powdered crystals or make a solution and inject it.
“Ice” is a common name for a newer, moldable form of Methamphetamines. “Ice” resembles chunks of salt or rock candy.
The use of Amphetamines can include the following effects:
- Drug addiction
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Increased blood pressure
- Paranoia/psychosis
- Depression
- Aggression
- Convulsions
- Dilated pupils and blurred vision
- Sleeplessness
- Loss of appetite; malnutrition
- Increased body temperature
- Increased risk of exposure to HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases by injection
Amphetamines are used to treat sleep disorders (narcolepsy) and attention deficit (ADHD). They are a prescription stimulant. Amphetamines also have appetite suppressant qualities and have been used to control weight in the past, as a performance enhancer, and has been used as a “club drug”.
Addiction to Amphetamines is Possible… Some people report a psychological dependence, a feeling that the drug is essential to normal functioning. Others may be physically dependent on the drug. They may develop a tolerance for amphetamines, needing larger doses to get the same initial effect. When regular users stop abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms: depression, irritability, hunger, and fatigue. “Ice,” the smokable form of Methamphetamines, creates an addiction more quickly than the other forms of amphetamines.
Tolerance to amphetamines is quickly developed, leading to increased dosages – abusers of amphetamines often resort to “snorting” or injecting amphetamines to get the effect of the drug. Dangers of overdose becomes higher as the dosage increases and it is difficult to determine the level of an effective dose (or a dose a user can feel the effects of) vrs a lethal dose.