Amphetamines

How are amphetamines used?

Amphetamines are generally snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked.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:

• feeling happy and confident 
• talking more and feeling energetic
• large pupils and dry mouth
• fast heartbeat and breathing
• increased blood pressure
• high body temperature
• dehydration
• teeth grinding
• reduced appetite
• nausea and vomiting
• increased sex drive.^2,6,9,10

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.^11,12

If sharing needles, there is an increased risk of:

• hepatitis B.
• hepatitis C.
• HIV and AIDS.¹³

Impact of mood and environment

Drugs that affect a person’s mental state (psychoactive drugs) can also have varied effects depending on a person’s mood (often called the ‘set’) or the environment they are in (the ‘setting’):  

• Set: a person’s state of mind, previous encounters with drugs, and expectations of what’s going to happen. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using amphetamines may result in an unpleasant experience and make those feelings worse.¹⁴
• Setting: the environment in which someone consumes amphetamines – whether it’s known and familiar, who they’re with, if they’re indoors or outdoors, the type of music and light. For example, using amphetamines in a relaxed environment may result in a different experience than being in a noisy, crowded place.¹⁴

Overdose

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

Call triple zero (000) and request an ambulance if you or someone else has any of the following symptoms (emergency services are there to help and can provide instructions over the phone):

• chest pain
• racing heartbeat
• difficulty breathing
• hot, flushed (red) or sweaty skin
• spasms or seizures
• severe agitation, confusion or panic.^15,16

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.^17,18

Long-term effects

Regular use of amphetamines can cause:

• reduced appetite and weight loss
• restless sleep
• dry mouth 
• dental problems
• regular colds and flu
• anxiety and paranoia
• depression
• increased risk of heart attack or other heart problems
• increased risk of stroke
• tolerance and dependence on amphetamines
• financial, work and social problems.^1,2,6,19

Amphetamine use and mental health

People who use illegal amphetamines are at increased risk of experiencing mental health issues.²⁰

High doses and frequent heavy use can also create a drug-induced psychosis. This can include experiencing delusions, hallucinations and out of character behaviour.^20,21

These symptoms usually go away after the person stops using amphetamines.^1,4

Tolerance and dependence

People who regularly use amphetamines can become dependent on the drug. They may feel they need amphetamines to go about their normal activities like working, studying and socialising, or just to get through the day. They may also develop a tolerance to it, which means they need to take larger amounts of the drug to get the same effect.¹⁷

Mixing amphetamines with other drugs

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

• Amphetamines and alcohol: may feel less intoxicated due to stimulant effects of amphetamine. Increases risk of alcohol poisoning.
• Amphetamines and benzodiazepines: can decrease/mask the effects of both drugs. Risk of overdose if one wears off before the other – depending on amount taken.
• Amphetamines and cocaine: can cause anxiety and heart strain which can lead to stroke.
• Amphetamines and MDMA: can cause anxiety, heart strain, and increase toxic effects on the brain.
• Amphetamines and opioids: can increase the risk of heart strain and respiratory arrest.^22,10,23

Reducing harm 

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

• Use around people you trust in a safe environment.
• Eat about 30 minutes before use, then every 2-3 hours after use. Smoothies or sports drinks can help replace electrolytes.
• Prescription amphetamines like Dexamphetamine come with their own dosage instructions which should be followed.
• Take regular breaks from physical activity to cool down.
• Stay hydrated. Drink around 250ml (1 cup) of water per hour when resting, or 500ml per hour when active.
• Try to sleep or rest within a 24-hour period to prevent sleep deprivation.

If snorting

• Use personal straws/spoons, not money, to avoid infections or blood-borne viruses.
• Alternate nostrils and take breaks to minimise nasal damage.²³

If injecting

• Always use new, sterile injecting equipment (including sterile water)
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after injecting
• Learn and follow safer injecting practices.
• Safely dispose of used injecting equipment
• Consider using a supervised injecting facility.²³

Withdrawal

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

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

• cravings for amphetamines
• increased appetite
• increased sleep
• vivid dreams and nightmares
• exhaustion
• aches and pains
• depression
• confusion and irritability
• anxiety
• paranoia.^4,6,24

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 
• Help and support services search
  To find a service in your local area from our list. Simply add your location or postcode and filter by service type to quickly discover help near you. 
• If you’re looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au