Amphetamines

Amphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that is used medically to treat a variety of conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.¹ The substance was first synthesised in 1887 by Romanian chemist Lazar Edelman at the University of Berlin. However, it was not until the 1930s that amphetamine’s psych stimulant properties were discovered, and the drug was marketed as a nasal decongestant. ² Throughout the mid-20th century, amphetamine was used for a variety of medical purposes, including as an antidepressant.³

Amphetamine increases the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This creates various effects, including increased wakefulness, improved cognitive control, decreased fatigue, and decreased appetite.²

Despite their therapeutic benefits, the use of amphetamines carries potential risks. Short-term effects can include increased heart rate, decreased blood flow, and increased blood sugar. In the long term, amphetamines can cause health issues such as heart disease, malnutrition, and mental health problems such as anxiety and hostility. ⁴

Misuse of amphetamines can lead to serious brain changes, including structural abnormalities. Studies have suggested that repeated misuse of amphetamines can cause damage in brain regions associated with decision-making and motor speed.⁵

Appearance

Amphetamine, in its pure form, is a white, crystalline powder. It is typically sold in this form when intended for medical use. ¹

Tastе

As for the taste, pure amphetamine has been reported to have a bitter taste. However, this might be masked when formulated into a pill or tablet for medical purposes.

Smell

In terms of smell, pure amphetamine doesn’t have a strong or distinct smell. It could be described as being odourless or having a faint chemical smell. ¹

Dosage can significantly vary based on several factors, including the purpose of use (medical or recreational), the individual’s body weight, tolerance, metabolism, and the exact type of amphetamine. It’s important to note that all doses mentioned are for medical formulations of amphetamine and would be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Non-medical use of amphetamines carries significant risks, including overdose and dependency.

• Minimum to feel something: This would depend on individual differences such as body weight and metabolism. For ADHD treatment, an initial dose could be around 5 mg for children and 10 mg for adults.
• Low dose: For ADHD in children, a low dose could be around 5 mg once or twice daily. For adults, a low dose could be around 10 mg daily.
• Common dose: A common daily dose for treating ADHD in children might be 5-20 mg. In adults, this might be 20-60 mg.
• High dose: Anything above the maximum recommended dose of 60 mg could be considered a high dose and would likely increase the risk of side effects and dependence.

For non-medical use, doses could be higher, but this is associated with significant health risks. Also, because amphetamines are illegal in many places without a prescription, doses in this context may not be reliable or consistent.

Again, it’s crucial to highlight that non-medical use of amphetamines can lead to serious health problems, addiction, and legal consequences.

Notes on what may happen when exceeding the high dose
Exceeding the high dose of amphetamine can result in severe health problems. These can include heart issues such as rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and, in severe cases, heart failure or stroke. Other symptoms of overdose might include hyperactivity, tremors, rapid breathing, fever, and delirium. In the most serious cases, an overdose can lead to a coma or even death.⁴

Amphetamines can increase alertness, attention, and energy, induce feelings of euphoria, enhance self-esteem, and increase libido. However, they can also cause restlessness, anxiety, and paranoia.

Users typically report euphoria, increased energy, mental alertness, and decreased fatigue. ⁸ It’s important to note these effects are often followed by a ‘crash’ period characterised by feelings of tiredness and depression.

Amphetamine drug can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. It may also reduce appetite and cause weight loss.

The effects can be felt within 30 minutes to an hour after ingestion, depending on the route of administration.

The effects of amphetamines can last several hours or longer depending on the specific type of amphetamine and the dosage. ² Extended-release formulations can have effects lasting up to 12 hours.

The risks of amphetamine use include heart disease, high blood pressure, mental health problems, and increased risk of substance use disorder. Also, as previously mentioned, there’s a risk of overdose, which can be fatal. ⁸

Amphetamines can be highly addictive. Regular use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. They can also lead to problematic use characterised by increased tolerance, meaning that higher doses are required to achieve the same effects and intense cravings for the drug. ¹

In the UK, amphetamines are classified as Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, indicating that they are subject to legal restrictions.⁶ This means it’s illegal to possess, supply, or produce them without a prescription from a doctor.

Mixing amphetamines with other drugs can increase the risks. For example, combining with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, and mixing with other stimulants can increase the risk of overheating and heart problems.⁷

1. Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d.) ‘Drug Scheduling’. Available at: https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling)
2. Heal, D.J., Smith, S.L., Gosden, J. and Nutt, D.J. (2013) ‘Amphetamine, past and present – a pharmacological and clinical perspective’, Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(6), pp. 479–496. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881113482532)
3. Rasmussen, N. (2006) ‘Making the First Anti-Depressant: Amphetamine in American Medicine, 1929–1950’, Journal of the History of Medicine and Allied Sciences, 61(3), pp. 288–323. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/jhmas/article/61/3/288/772615)
4. Spiller, H.A., Hays, H.L. and Aleguas, A. (2013) ‘Overdose of drugs for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Clinical presentation, mechanisms of toxicity, and management’, CNS Drugs, 27(7), pp. 531-543. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs40263-013-0084-8)
5. Berman, S., O’Neill, J. and Fears, S. (2008) ‘Abuse of Amphetamines and Structural Abnormalities in the Brain’, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1141(1), pp. 195–220. Available at: https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1196/annals.1441.031)
6. UK Home Office (2020). ‘Drug penalties’. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing)
7. MedlinePlus (2020). ‘Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine’. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html)
8. National Institute on Drug Abuse (2020) ‘Prescription Stimulants DrugFacts’. Available at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-stimulants)