Amphetamine Information

The term "amphetamines" is often used broadly to represent the artificial classes of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants - including amphetamine, methamphetamine, the designer drugs MDMA (ecstasy) and MDA, and other designer drugs. These substances are similar in chemistry and also have generally similar effects on users. Prescription and illicit forms of amphetamine are discussed below. Methamphetamines and the designer drugs are discussed on separate pages.

• Synonyms: 

  Deoxynorephedrine; Desoxynorephedrine; Dexamphetamine; Dextroamphetamine

• Drug Class: 

  AnorexicAnorexic:  An agent that diminishes the appetite for food.; CNS StimulantCentral Nervous System (CNS) Stimulant:  An agent that amplifies brain and/or spinal cord function or activity.

• Trade Names: 

  Adderall; Benzedrine; Dexedrine; DextroStat

• Street Names: 

  Beans; Bennies; Black Beauties; Christmas Trees; Dexies; Double Trouble; Pep Pills; Speed; Uppers

• Description: 

  Amphetamine, commonly referred to as "speed", was first marketed in the 1930's as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion. By 1937, amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form. During World War II, amphetamine was widely used to keep soldiers alert and both dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine) became readily available. Until recent years, amphetamines were commonly prescribed for weight loss. But due to a high potential for abuse and addiction, they are now reserved for limited treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy (attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness), and Parkinson's disease. Because amphetamines increase alertness, energy, and a sense of well-being, they are sometimes used illicitly by truck drivers, shift workers, students, and athletes. They are also commonly abused as appetite suppressant. Amphetamines are found in a wide variety of shapes and forms and also have a wide variety of sources. Thus, even experienced users may be unable to tell which drug they have actually taken.

  Amphetamines are found in both prescription form and in illicitly manufactured forms. Prescription amphetamines are usually found in the form of tablets or capsules - in a variety of shapes and colors. Though prescription amphetamines can be found on the street, typical street amphetamine is manufactured in illicit laboratories. This form of the drug has a higher potential for abuse and addiction than the prescription forms. Illicit amphetamine is found in varied colors, but is normally a white crystalline powder that is sniffed. It is also commonly converted to a liquid form and injected.

• Excretion: 

  Under normal conditions in the 24-hour urine, approximately 30% of an amphetamine dose is excreted as unchanged amphetamine, 16% to 28% as hippuric acid, 4% as benzoylglucuronide, 2% to 4% as conjugated p-hydroxyamphetamine, 2% as norephedrine, 0.9% as phenylacetone, and 0.3% as conjugated p-hydroxynorephedrine. These figures can vary significantly as a result of differences in urine pH.

• ABC's - Amphetamines. Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. 10 Sept. 2001 <http://www.nadc.gov.ab.ca/aadac/addictions/abc/amphetamines.htm>.
• Amphetamines. DRUG-ARM - Drug Awareness and Relief Movement. 10 Sept. 2001 <http://www.drugarm.com.au/drug_info/a-z_of_drugs/amphetamines.htm>.
• Baselt, Randall C., and Robert H. Cravey. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers, Inc., 1989.
• Drug Information - Amphetamines. The Centre for Recovery. 10 Sept. 2001 <http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/town/terrace/gjl37/druginfo/amphet.html>.
• NIDA Infofax 13553 - Pain Medications and Other Prescription Drugs. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 10 Sept. 2001 <http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofax/PainMed.html>.