Amphetamines

How are amphetamines used?

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

Effects of amphetamines

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries some risk. 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

The effects of taking amphetamines with other drugs − including over-the-counter or prescribed medications − can be unpredictable and dangerous, and could cause:

Amphetamines + some antidepressants: increases the risk of irregular heartbeat and seizures.

Amphetamines + alcohol: increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Ampetamines + opioids: increases the risk of irregular heartbeat and seizures.

Use of than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.

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, you can find help and support.

Call 1300 85 85 84 to speak to a real person and get answers to your questions as well as advice on practical ‘next steps’.