Amphetamines

How are amphetamines used?

Amphetamines are generally swallowed, injected or smoked. They are also snorted.⁶

Effects of amphetamines

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

Amphetamines affect everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch with illegally produced drugs).

You might feel the effects of amphetamines immediately (if injected or smoked) or within 30 minutes (if snorted or swallowed).You might experience:

• happiness and confidence
• talking more and feeling energetic
• large pupils and dry mouth
• fast heartbeat and breathing
• teeth grinding
• reduced appetite
• increased sex drive.^6-8

Research has found an association between amphetamine use and increased violent behaviour.⁹

Snorting amphetamines can damage the nasal passage and cause nose bleeds.

If injecting drugs, there is an increased risk of:

• tetanus
• infection
• vein damage and blood clots.^{10, 11}

If sharing needles, there is an increased risk of:

• hepatitis B.
• hepatitis C.
• HIV and AIDS.¹²

Overdose

If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you could overdose.

Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you or someone else has any of the following symptoms (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police):

• racing heartbeat
• fits
• passing out or breathing difficulties
• chills or fever
• no urine output
• arching of the back/convulsions
• stroke, heart attack and death.^{6, 7}

Find out more about overdose

Coming down

In the two to four days after amphetamine use, you may be experience:

• restless sleep and exhaustion
• headaches
• paranoia, hallucinations and confusion
• twitching and muscle aches
• fluctuating temperatures
• irritability, mood swings, anxiety and depression.

Using a depressant drug such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or cannabis to help with the come down effects may result in a cycle of dependence on both types of drugs.

Mixing amphetamines with other drugs

Mixing amphetamines with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

• Amphetamines and opioids: can increase the risk of heart strain and respiratory arrest.
• Amphetamines and MDMA: can cause anxiety, heart strain, and increased neurotoxic effects.
• Amphetamines and cocaine: can cause anxiety, heart strain which can lead to stroke.
• Amphetamines and benzodiazepines: can decrease/mask the effects of both. Risk of overdose if one wears off before the other – depending on amount taken.
• Amphetamines and alcohol: may feel less intoxicated due to stimulant effects of amphetamine and lead to drinking more. Increases risk of alcohol poisoning.^13,14,15

Reducing harm

There are ways in which you can reduce the risks associated with using amphetamines:

• Always test a small amount first and wait to feel effects before taking more.
• Try to eat regularly even if you are not hungry. Eat fresh healthy food such as fruit and vegetables that are high in vitamins and nutrients.
• Try to rest and get sleep.
• Stay hydrated. People can become dehydrated when using amphetamines, take small sips of water regularly.
• Avoid if you have a history of mental health issues.
• Regular use of amphetamines can increase the risk of heart attack or other heart problems. Using less frequently and smaller amounts of amphetamines may reduce this risk.¹⁷

Long-term effects

Regular use of amphetamines may eventually cause:

• reduced appetite and extreme weight loss
• restless sleep
• dry mouth
• dental problems
• regular colds and flu
• anxiety and paranoia
• depression
• increased risk of stroke
• tolerance and dependence on amphetamines
• financial, work and social problems.^{2, 6-8}

Amphetamine use and mental health

Research demonstrates a relationship between people who use amphetamines and increased mental health issues.⁹

High doses and frequent heavy use can also create a ‘amphetamine-induced psychosis’, characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and out of character aggressive or violent behaviour.⁹

These symptoms usually disappear after the person stops using amphetamines.^41,2

Withdrawal

Giving up amphetamines after a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without them.

Withdrawal symptoms should settle down after a week and will mostly disappear after a month. Symptoms include:

• cravings for amphetamines
• increased appetite
• confusion and irritability
• aches and pains
• exhaustion
• restless sleep, vivid dreams and nightmares
• anxiety, depression and paranoia.^{4, 6}

Getting help

If your use of amphetamines is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au