Amphetamine Drug Facts & Effects
Amphetamine (AMP) is a stimulant that is exclusively used to stimulate the central nervous system. It speeds up the message traveling between the brain and the body, thereby helping the body to react actively to the brain’s orders.
Generally, they are prescribed by doctors to treat disorders like Hypersensitivity, Narcolepsy, Parkinson's disease, etc. They are available in tablet form (legal) powder, and crystal form (illegal). Abusers use amphetamine illegally for performance enhancement.
Learn all about Adderall, the most common amphetamine that is tested for Pre-Employment Drug Test in the Amphetamine class.
Table Of Contents:
- Amphetamine Abuse and Effects
- Amphetamine Usage with Other Drugs
- Amphetamine Effects
- Amphetamine Detection Window
- Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
- Way Forward
Amphetamine Abuse and Effects
Amphetamines are sold illegally in powder to tablet form and, in some cases, sold as crystals or even in injection form. They are snorted, swallowed, injected, or smoked for performance enhancement. But they have some undeniable effects on your body and, in extreme conditions, may lead to death. According to some sources, nearly 4.8 million people in the United States abused medical amphetamine in 2015, which is still increasing. Employers might track your amphetamine abuse using a standard 5 panel drug test for screening employees and candidates.
The effects are not the same for all. They may differ based on
- Body size, weight, and health status
- Amount of the drug taken
- The usage frequency
- Strength of the drug
Once taken, the amphetamines can give you
- Sense of happiness.
- Feeling of being energetic.
- Increase in heartbeat and breathing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Hormone stimulation and sex drive.
- Teeth grinding.
- Violent behavior.
- Nose bleeds. ( High dosage)
If infected, it may lead to extreme risks of
- Infection.
- Blood clotting and stroke.
- Tetanus.
- Hepatitis. (B and C)
- HIV and AIDS. (Using already used injections)
Amphetamine Usage with Other Drugs
Some addicts use polydrugs - amphetamines with other prescribed or over-the-counter drugs to get further high. This can be dangerous and can lead to threatening consequences.
AMP + Antidepressants - May increase your heartbeat and seizures.
AMP + Alcohol - Increase in blood pressure and seizures.
AMP + Opioids - Irregular heartbeat, increase in blood pressure.
Amphetamine Effects
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Nausea and fatigue.
- Dryness in the mouth.
- Dental floss, mouth ulcers, and other dental problems
- Flu and cold.
- Paranoia
- Anxiety and depression
- Stroke and cardiac arrest.
- Financial dependence and other economic problems.
Amphetamine Detection Window
Drug amounts in ng/mL |
Detection window |
Greater than 300 ng/mL (urine) |
2 to 5 days |
Greater than 50 ng/mL (Saliva) |
1 to 3 days |
Amphetamines can get detected in your bloodstream for nearly 4 to 7 days after the last consumption. It may depend on the amount and the usage frequency. Most companies use urine drug tests or mouth swab drug tests to detect AMP abuse.
Amphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Getting away from the Amphetamines is great, but it is challenging. It might lead to some withdrawal symptoms. It may subside after a week for some, whereas it may take months or years for others.
Some symptoms include
- Amphetamine craving.
- Increase in appetite.
- Irritation and confusion.
- Ache and pain.
- Peaceless sleep with nightmares.
- Anxiety and Depression.
Way Forward
The U.S government had listed Amphetamines under Schedule II illicit drugs. So, you cannot refill amphetamines at pharmaceuticals without a prescription. If you feel like you are addicted, join the best rehabilitation program and recover from the addiction.