In This Article
What are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are central nervous system stimulants used to increase alertness and focus. Some amphetamines may be prescription drugs, such as Adderall®, or over-the-counter medications, like ephedrine.
Other common brand names for prescription stimulants include:
- Concerta®
- Dexedrine®
- Focalin®
- Metadate®
- Methylin®
- Ritalin®
However, other amphetamines, like crystal meth, may be illegal substances.
Street names for misused or abused amphetamines include:
- Bennies
- Black Beauties
- Crank
- Ice
- Speed
- MDMA
- Molly
- Uppers
People can begin to feel the effects of amphetamines depending on how they take the drug:
- Smoking or shooting up — smoking the drug or injecting it into a vein can cause an immediate and intense high. The “rush” lasts a few minutes.
- Snorting — the high does not set in until 3 to 5 minutes have passed. Once it does, the sensation will not be as intense as smoking or shooting up. The effects will last between 15 and 30 minutes.
- Orally — the high does not set in until 15 to 20 minutes have passed. Compared to smoking, shooting up, or snorting, the effects of amphetamine lasts the longest depending on the dose taken.
Side Effects & Risks of Amphetamines
Side effects of amphetamines include:
- A decrease in appetite and weight loss
- Cardiovascular problems, such as fast heart rate (tachycardia), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), higher blood pressure (hypertension), and heart attack
- High body temperature (hyperthermia) and skin flushing
- Problems with memory loss
- Mood and emotional issues, such as aggressive or violent behavior, depression, or suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts)
- Auditory and visual hallucinations
- Restlessness and tremors
- Skin sores
- Sleep difficulties
- Tooth decay (meth mouth)
People who take amphetamines can develop compulsive or repetitive movements. This may include compulsive cleaning or putting together and taking apart an object.
Amphetamines are highly abused substances because of their ability to cause pleasure, ecstasy, and euphoria. The drug’s “good-feeling” effects can last for a long time (6 to 12-hour half-life).
However, there are risks associated with amphetamine use, including:
- Overdose
- Death
- Poorer decision-making processes
- Unsafe sex and sexually transmitted infections
- Injury to one’s self or others
- Schizophrenia-like psychosis
These risks increase much more among those who take amphetamines for an extended period. For example, it's common to see violent, erratic behavior or psychosis among chronic users of amphetamines.
People who use amphetamines, particularly methamphetamines, face a higher likelihood of developing HIV and hepatitis B and C. Transmission of these diseases can occur through sharing used needles with a person who has the infection and is not under treatment.
Can You Overdose on Amphetamines?
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies most amphetamines as Schedule II stimulants. This means that these drugs have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.
Amphetamines have stimulating effects and can make users feel more energetic, confident, and focused. Because of these habit-forming characteristics, though, people taking these drugs face a high risk of overdose.
In addition, methamphetamine is more dangerous than some other amphetamines. Higher amounts of methamphetamine can reach the brain at similar doses of other amphetamines. Because of that, there can be longer-lasting, more dangerous effects on the central nervous system (CNS).
Overdose and Death Rates
Since 2010, overdose deaths from amphetamines like Adderall, ecstasy, and methamphetamine have been rising.
In 2017, more than 7,000 people died due to amphetamine overdose. This number shows a 30% increase in amphetamine-linked deaths from the previous year.
Without emergency medical treatment, a person is more likely to suffer complications linked to their amphetamine overdose or even death.
Death from amphetamine overdose is more likely when the user takes other drugs in combination with amphetamine.
Amphetamine Overdose Symptoms
Amphetamine overdoses can include the following symptoms:
- Agitation
- Chest pain
- Increased body temperature
- Auditory and tactile hallucinations
- Trouble sleeping
- Convulsions or seizures
- Increased blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart failure
- Possible death
Overdosing on amphetamines can also lead to permanent damage. Because of very high blood pressure and body temperature, stroke or heart attack may occur. The damage caused by such conditions can be irreversible despite treatment.
Someone who has overdosed on amphetamines requires immediate medical help.
How is an Overdose Treated?
In cases of overdoses (or acute intoxication), clinicians will place physical restraints to avoid self-harm or harm to others. Those who overdose may become hostile due to paranoia caused by the amphetamine.
Clinicians will address life-threatening signs and symptoms, if present, including:
- Compromised airway
- Seizures
- Cardiac dysrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
Clinicians may also administer supportive therapy (no dire medical intervention), including benzodiazepines for sedation and seizure management.
If patients are awake, activated charcoal may be a treatment option to limit amphetamine absorption in the digestive tract. To combat dehydration, doctors may set up an IV to provide fluids.
Death due to amphetamine toxicity is not frequent. However, if someone combines amphetamines with other drugs, the risk of death increases.
Can Adderall Interact With Other Medications?
Adderall is an amphetamine used to treat:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy (a disorder that makes someone fall asleep at inappropriate times).
Amphetamines like Adderall can interact with other medications, especially over-the-counter and decongestants or those used to treat depression.
It is always important to consult a healthcare provider before mixing drugs. Unwanted or worsened side effects can result due to drug interactions in the body.
In the case of Adderall, the following list describes possible drug interactions:
- MAO inhibitors (MAOI) — MAOI antidepressants slow Adderall metabolism. Because of this, the drug can have a more potent effect on the body and, in some cases, result in headaches and other signs of hypertensive crisis (severely elevated blood pressure).
- Antihistamines — Adderall can offset the sedative effects of antihistamines.
- Alkalinizing agents — these types of agents (e.g., sodium bicarbonate or antacids) increase absorption of Adderall. Blood levels rise, and the effects of Adderall are stronger.
- Acidifying agents — gastrointestinal acidifying agents like fruit juices or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can decrease Adderall absorption.
Can a Stimulant Overdose Cause Permanent Damage?
Yes. A stimulant overdose could cause permanent damage depending on the severity of the case.
Because of very high blood pressure and body temperature, overdosing on amphetamines may cause a stroke or heart attack. Like other complications that could occur in different body organs, the damage caused by such conditions can be irreversible despite treatment.
Also, memory loss and trouble sleeping may result due to both stimulant overdose and long-term use.
Treatment for Amphetamine Abuse/Addiction
If you or a loved one suffer from substance abuse or a substance use disorder, different therapy options are possible.
These include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) — healthcare providers may recommend the Matrix Model, a 16-week approach for amphetamine addiction. It includes behavioral therapy, family education, personal counseling, 12-step support, drug testing, and encouragement for non-drug-related activities.
- Inpatient treatment centers — these clinics can provide supervision and support throughout the detoxification process and ensure a healthy withdrawal.
- Contingency management interventions — these are programs that offer incentives in exchange for treatment adherence and maintaining abstinence.
Chronic drug use can build physical and psychological dependence, which means that withdrawal symptoms may occur after stopping.
These symptoms can include:
- Strong drug cravings
- Severe mood swings, such as depression or agitation
- All-day fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Memory issues
- Trouble sleeping
- Inability to concentrate
There are currently no drugs available to counteract the effects of amphetamines or those caused by prolonged abstinence.
