From to , amphetamine was included in an over-the-counter nasal-congestion inhaler called Benzedrine. Additional clinical trials found that amphetamine had positive effects on weight loss, narcolepsy and depression. Addiction to amphetamines has been an issue since the s, but it escalated in the s with increased illicit production of methamphetamine , a very addictive stimulant known for its euphoric effects. An amphetamine-based medication, such as Adderall or Ritalin, increases dopamine production in the connections between the prefrontal cortex and other locations in the brain, Franssen explained.
This allows the prefrontal cortex to regain control. Certain formulations of amphetamine, typically pseudoephedrine, are used in medications that treat cold symptoms , such as Sudafed, Franssen said. The amphetamine stimulants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in the nose; this helps open up the airways, allowing for easier breathing. The medications are available without a prescription but are stored behind the pharmacy counter because they can be illegally used to brew methamphetamine, according to the American Council on Science and Health.
There's some evidence that amphetamines may treat obesity by acting as appetite suppressants. A clinical trial published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology reported that patients who took amphetamine medications experienced increased weight loss and motivation. The mechanism was unclear, and more research is needed to determine if amphetamines can be used for long-term weight loss and maintenance. When taken properly, amphetamine-based medications can be safe and effective.
But as with any prescribed medication, there are potential side effects. Amphetamines can have a powerful effect on the body and brain, even when taken only once. According to MedlinePlus , side effects of taking amphetamines include:.
Amphetamines reduce hunger and increase breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. Larger doses may cause fever, sweating, headache, nausea, blurred vision, very fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of co-ordination and collapse. The initial rush after injecting or smoking lasts only a minute.
With some types of amphetamines, the stimulant effects can last up to 12 hours. Some people may use amphetamines repeatedly over a period of several days to try to stay high. When taken as prescribed, amphetamines and related drugs do not cause addiction.
However, these drugs can cause addiction if they are misused. Methylphenidate is less likely to cause addiction than other amphetamines. Regular non-medical use of amphetamines can lead to tolerance. This means that the person needs to take more and more of the drug to get the desired effect. Regular use of amphetamines, especially when the drug is smoked or injected, can quickly cause addiction. Addiction means that cravings and compulsive use of the drug become very important to a person.
People who use amphetamines often also use other drugs, such as alcohol , cannabis , or benzodiazepines , to help them relax and sleep. This increases the risk for dependence on these other drugs. Chronic use of amphetamines can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Because amphetamines reduce appetite and fatigue, they can cause vitamin and sleep deficiencies and malnutrition, and make people more prone to illness.
Regular use of amphetamines can also cause amphetamine psychosis. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and bizarre and violent behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days or weeks after the drug use has stopped.
Longer-term studies support the efficacy and safety of methylphenidate when taken as prescribed to treat hyperactivity, but more information is needed to evaluate its long-term effects. A free tutorial on addiction is available on the Mental Health page.
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Keep your finger on our pulse — latest CAMH news, discoveries and ways to get involved delivered to your inbox. To unsubscribe at any time click the link in our mailing or email: unsubscribe camh. Where does it come from? Amphetamines are psychostimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Some types of amphetamines are prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD and narcolepsy where a person has an uncontrollable urge to sleep.
Amphetamines have been also been taken as performance enhancement drugs. The most potent form is crystal methamphetamine ice. Amphetamine powder can range in colour from white through to brown, sometimes it may have traces of grey or pink. It has a strong smell and bitter taste. Illegally produced amphetamines can be a mix of drugs, binding agents, caffeine and sugar.
There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. You might feel the effects of amphetamines immediately if injected or smoked or within 30 minutes if snorted or swallowed.
You might experience:. Research demonstrates a relationship between people who use amphetamines and increased mental health issues. Giving up amphetamines after a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without them. Withdrawal symptoms should settle down after a week and will mostly disappear after a month. Symptoms include:. If your use of amphetamines is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, you can find help and support.
Not sure what you are looking for? Try our intuitive Path2Help tool and be matched with support information and services tailored to you. Last published: November 10, What are amphetamines?
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