Amphetamines, otherwise known as 'speed', are chemically made stimulant drugs. Amphetamines were originally intended for use in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers and have limited medical applications, which include the treatment of narcolepsy, weight control, and attention deficit disorder.

Short Term Effects of Amphetamine Use:

Feeling of exhilaration, increased energy, increased mental alertness, and hallucinations. Increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite. High doses may cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, loss of coordination, collapse; may cause perspiration, blurred vision, dizziness, a feeling of restlessness, anxiety, delusions.

Long Term Effects of Amphetamine Use:

Tremor, loss of coordination; irritability, anxiousness, restlessness, delirium, panic, paranoia, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, tolerance, addiction, rapid or irregular heart beat; reduced appetite, weight loss, heart failure. Chronic use can cause violent behavior, confusion, insomnia, auditory hallucinations, mood disturbances, and delusions.

Effects of usage include addiction, psychotic behavior, and brain damage. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety, fatigue, paranoia, aggression, and intense cravings, apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, and disorientation.

Source: United States Drug Enforcement Agency

Relevant Links

Amphetamines - Street Drugs.org
Factline on Amphetamines - Indiana Prevention Resource Center
Just the Facts: What Are Amphetamines? - Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association
Methamphetamine and Amphetamines - United States Drug Enforcement Administration