There are prescription and illicit amphetamines that affect the nervous system. Prescription amphetamines help treat conditions such as ADHD, Narcolepsy, and obesity. Some amphetamines can also be used to help treat binge-eating disorder. When taken as directed, amphetamines can be very beneficial for those who need them. Unfortunately, amphetamines are misused due to their effects, which leads to dependence and addiction.
What Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are classified as Schedule II stimulants, which means they are appropriate for medical use under the care of a physician but have a high potential for misuse and abuse. They stimulate the central nervous system and affect the release of various chemical messengers and neurotransmitters in the brain.
Types
There are both legal and illegal amphetamines, which include:
- Adderall (Amphetamine Combination)
- Adzenys (Amphetamine)
- Didrex (Benzphetamine)
- Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
- Procentra (Dextroamphetamine)
- Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
- Desoxyn (Methamphetamine)
- Lmaira (Phentermine)
- Qsymia (Phentermine Combination)
- Iofetamine
- Hydroxyamphetamine
- Levmetamfetamine
- Crystal Meth, Ice, Speed, Base (Methamphetamine)
How Amphetamines Work
Amphetamines work by forcing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with pleasure. At increased levels, they affect the central nervous system by increasing activity and make people feel:
- More awake and alert
- More focused and attentive
- More motivated and energetic
- More positive and upbeat
- Decreased appetite and less hungry
When taken illicitly, the increased neurotransmitter levels can cause a rush of euphoria and make people feel “high.” It is these effects that reinforce illicit drug use and can lead to dependence and addiction.
What Is the Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine?
While Amphetamine and methamphetamine are stimulant drugs and function similarly, there are some key differences:
- Duration of effects: Methamphetamine’s effects usually last longer than amphetamine’s.
- Medical uses: Methamphetamine is limited to being prescribed to treat ADHD, while amphetamine can be prescribed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, obesity, and binge-eating disorder.
- Potency: Methamphetamine is more potent than amphetamine.
- Misuse and abuse potential: Methamphetamine has a significantly higher potential for being misused and abused than amphetamine.
- Side effects: Methamphetamine has more severe side effects like meth sores, meth mouth, and extreme weight loss.
Long-Term Effects
Prolonged use of amphetamines can lead to several long-term physical and psychological effects, including:
- Cardiovascular problems: Irregular heartbeat, elevated blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and heart failure
- Weight loss and malnutrition: Since amphetamines suppress appetite, people addicted to them can experience extreme weight loss and severe malnutrition.
- Other health issues: Long-term amphetamine use increases the risk of infections and diseases due to suppressed immune system functioning, and causes convulsions and chronic respiratory problems
- Dental issues: Prolonged use can lead to meth mouth, which is severe tooth loss and decay
- Cognitive impairments: Long-term use can lead to neurological damage, resulting in cognitive impairments that affect decision-making, memory, and the ability to learn new information.
- Psychosis: Prolonged use can cause hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, and erratic behaviors.
- Psychiatric disorders: People have an increased risk of bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, and can experience panic attacks and mood swings
- Personality and behavioral changes: The drug can cause people to become anxious, paranoid, and irritable, and can cause fits of violence and aggression.
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of amphetamines generally only last until the effects of the drug wear off, and could include:
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate
- Faster respiration rate
- Dilated pupils
- Dry mouth
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased appetite
- Increased sex drive
- Elevated alertness and energy levels
- Euphoria
- Increased focus and concentration
- Increased self-confidence, sociability, and talkativeness
Some people can experience adverse short-term side effects of amphetamines, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Tics
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Aggressiveness/Violence
How Long Do Amphetamine Effects Last?
The effects of amphetamines will vary from one person to the next based on these factors:
- The type of amphetamine taken
- The dosage
- Frequency of use
- Method of administration (swallowed, snorted, or injected)
- Overall health and metabolism
- Using amphetamines with other substances or alcohol
Generally, the effects start in about 30 minutes when taken orally and much faster when the drug is injected or snorted. The peak effects of the drug occur in one to three hours, with other effects lasting between seven and 13 hours. For those addicted to amphetamines, the effects can last for days on end, as they use more as soon as the peak effects wear off.
Symptoms of Amphetamine Overdose
When someone overdoses on amphetamines, they can experience a range of symptoms. It is imperative that immediate medical help is sought.
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Extremely high blood pressure
- Tremors
- Seizsures
- Excessive sweating
- Experiencing chills
- Fever
- Inability to urinate
- Extremely agitated, hostile, aggressive, or violent
- Experiencing delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations
- Extreme anxiety
- Extreme confusion
Treatment for Amphetamine Use
The treatment for amphetamine use involves using evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities combined with medical treatment. To begin with, to safely stop using amphetamines, it is vital to undergo medically supervised detox, where the person can be weaned off the drug and have the support and medical care to address and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Once detox is completed, the person should transfer to ongoing amphetamine addiction treatment at the appropriate level of care that best suits their needs, such as:
- Residential Treatment
- PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)
- IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
- OP (Outpatient Program)
Contact Renewal Health Group to Treat Amphetamine Addiction Today
Renewal Health Group in Southern California offers comprehensive and personalized amphetamine addiction treatment tailored to your specific needs. Moreover, our tranquil environment helps people take the first step toward a substance-free life with the help and guidance of our caring and supportive team. Break free from amphetamine addiction and regain control over your life by contacting us today.
Published: 6/13/2025
