Amphetamines are classed as stimulants, these are stimulants which accelerate functions within your body and brain. They can come in pill or tablet form and prescription diet pills also fall into the category of amphetamines.

Amphetamines also covers similar substances known as amphetamine sulphate, dexamphetamine and methamphetamine.

More common names are:

• amphetamines – speed, whiz, uppers, beenies and dexies.
• dexamphetamine (ADHD medication used illicitly) – Kidi-speed, whiz, uppers, dexies, pep pills.
• methylamphetamine (solid) - Meth, speed, rabbit, tail, pep pills, base, pure, point or wax.
• methylamphetamine (liquid) - Leopard’s blood, ox blood, red speed or liquid red.
• crystal methylamphetamine - crsyatl meth, Ice, meth, d-meth, glass, crystal, batu.
• paramethoxyamphetamine - Death, PMA, PMMA (often mixed with or marketed as ecstasyl)

How are amphetamines used and what do they look like?

Amphetamines are usually either swallowed, inhaled or injected.

Amphetamines are produced from an oil base but may be found in a number of forms. The most common is for the oil to be converted into a powder. The powder may be made into capsules or tablets.

Methamphetamine may appear as rock-like crystals or as a liquid. Methamphetamine, although structurally similar to amphetamine, is more pure and longer lasting. Occasionally a very high purity gel or putty like substance can be produced.

Amphetamine is often “cut” with adulterants such as sugar, glucose or ephedrine.

Amphetamines effects and dangers

Because they are psycho-stimulant drugs, their main purpose is to stimulate or speed up (hence the name speed) the activity of your brain and nervous system. Along with a faster heart-rate and breathing users may also experience increased energy, confidence and alertness.

The side-effects of amphetamine use can include irregular heartbeats, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite and panic attacks (as well as general anxiety). Long term use can lead to insomnia and malnutrition as well as hallucinations and intense paranoia.

Teen amphetamine use and why its addictive

Amphetamines are psychologically addictive, users that have reported stopping have experienced anger, anxiety and intense cravings for the drug.

They offer users such an intense high that they are left on a low, this low can cause depression, this leaves the user wanting the high again, making them re-take the drug.