Scientific Names

Amphetamine sulphate, dexamphetamine sulphate, dextroamphetamine, methylamphetamine. Amphetamine-like drugs include apisate (diethylproprion), duromine (phentermine), volital (pemoline), ritalin (methylphenidate), tenuate dospan (diethylpropion).

Generic Name

Amphetamines

Effects Of Amphetamines

Desired Effects:

Euphoria, alertness, confidence.

Side-Effects:

Insomnia, loss of appetite, dry mouth.

Risks

Short-term:

Anxiety, Paranoia, Tolerance.

Long-term:

Psychosis, psychological Dependence.

How do Amphetamines work?

Central nervous system Stimulant.

Legal status of Amphetamines

Class B, under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Class A if prepared for injection.

How Is Amphetamines Taken?

Tablets can be swallowed, powders can snorted up the nose, dissolved in a drink, or swallowed (known as bombing). Both powders and tablets can prepared for injection. Methylamphetamine, or ice, can be smoked.

Paraphernalia

Illicit amphetamine is usually sold as 'grams' or in a paper Wrap. If the drug is snorted - a razor blade will be used to chop it on a hard level surface such as a mirror or a sheet of glass or a tile. A tube or rolled banknote will be used as a 'Pipe'. If injected: Syringe and Needle, water, Tourniquet. If smoked: matches and Tinfoil.

Medical uses of Amphetamines

Sometimes prescribed as an appetite suppressant, to treat narcolepsy, hyperactivity in children, and depression.

Where does it come from?

Diverted from manufacturers, pharmacies, GPs, or made in clandestine laboratories in Britain and elsewhere and distributed through the illicit drug market.

Helping services

Most areas of the UK have ‘street agencies’ or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. The increase in stimulant use has led to some agencies offering specialist counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.

You can view a list of National Drug Agencies.

If you would like to talk about Amphetamines problems then please call the DAN 24/7 Helpline on:

0808 808 2234