Effects

Amphetamines are nicknamed "speed" or "uppers" because of the burst of energy they provide. Abusers do not feel the need to sleep or eat when they are using. Some users also experience euphoria, a sense of well-being, and self-confidence. Users are usually talkative, and may be aggressive and paranoid, even at an early stage of use.

The desirable effects of amphetamines are not without a price. Users shortly build tolerance and dependence – addiction. Soon they need amphetamines to get through an ordinary day. In the meantime, the drugs do serious psychological and physical damage.

Short-term Effects

Amphetamines can be extremely dangerous or fatal from the first use. Users may die from burst blood vessels in the brain, heart failure, or super-elevated body temperature.

Common short-term effects include:

Dry mouth
Headache
Dilated pupils
Insomnia
Dry, itchy skin
Acne, sores
Dizziness and blurry vision
Loss of coordination
Uncontrollable movements (twitching, jerking, tremors, etc.)
Fever, flushing, and sweating
Diarrhea or constipation
Numbness
Impaired speech
Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing rate
Elevated blood pressure
Rise in body temperature
Convulsions
Irregular heartbeat

Overdose

Amphetamine overdose is fairly common, which is probably due to abusers’ ever-increasing need for more and more of the drug (tolerance.) Abusers try to overcome their tolerance by escalating their use, they overdo it, and they overdose.

Amphetamine overdose is often fatal. Symptoms include:

Chills, fever, and sweating
Muscle spasms, including severely exaggerated arching of the back
Convulsions
Lack of urine output
Difficulty breathing
Dilated pupils and blurred vision
Blue lips and fingernails
Nausea and/or vomiting
Elevated blood pressure, followed by a dramatic drop in blood pressure
Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Nervousness, irritability
Restlessness
Aggressive behavior
Coma

Long-term Effects

Amphetamines cause a wide variety of potentially fatal damage to users’ mental and physical health. One of the most troubling effects of amphetamine abuse is the addiction itself, which can be life-altering. Withdrawal causes painful side effects, as well.

Addiction