Amphetamines

Amphetamines are most often illegal stimulant drugs – however, some prescribed medications such as Ritalin are legal amphetamines.

Amphetamines are also called speed, fast, up, uppers, or whiz.

Amphetamines come in lots of different forms, including powder, tablets, capsules or different coloured crystals. Depending on what form it comes in it can be swallowed, dabbed onto gums, injected, smoked, snorted or shafted.

The effects of amphetamines include: feelings of euphoria, more energy, focus, excitement and more talkative. Amphetamines can also increase your sex drive, reduce appetite and cause sweating, anxiety and paranoia. They can also cause a severe comedown.

An overdose on amphetamines can cause psychosis, seizures, difficulty breathing, or very high fever. Call an ambulance if any of these symptoms occur.

If you use amphetamines it is important to know how to be as safe as possible:

• Take regular breaks from using

• If injecting, use safe injecting practices

• Drink water

• Plan for the comedown

• Have ‘safe’ people to call in case of feelings of paranoia or panic

• Call an ambulance if you think someone has overdosed

See the Australian Drug Foundation for more drug facts