Amphetamines
What Are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are a family of stimulant drugs that can be divided into 3 basic groups:
1) Methamphetamine (also called Methylamphetamine or Desoxyephedrine), is or has been sold under the trade name Methedrine. It is the most potent example of the group of central nervous system stimulants known as amphetamines. It is about twice as strong as
2) Dexamphetamine (also called Dextroamphetamine or D-amphetamine), is or has been sold under the trade name Dexedrine, that is in turn is about twice as strong as
3) Amphetamine, is or has been sold under the trade name Benzedrine, the weakest member of the group.
They have chemical properties and actions so similar that even experienced users have difficulty knowing which drug they have taken.
The chemical structure is close in resemblance to adrenaline and noradrenaline, stimulants produced by the human body. The euphoric effects of amphetamines are similar to, but longer lasting, than those of cocaine.
Street Names include speed, bennies, meth, crank, crystal, and ice. Amphetamines can be taken orally, inhaled through the nose, or may be injected intravenously.
Ice is a form of methamphetamine that is produced to be smoked (it burns at a lower temperature than other types of amphetamine), although it can be injected.
Effects
Even small amounts of drugs in the amphetamine family can produce euphoria, enhanced wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, and feelings of power, strength, self-assertion and enhanced motivation.
On average, taking moderate doses, the effects of amphetamines will last about four to twelve hours.
Side Effects
Side effects can include athetosis (writhing, jerky, or flailing movements), irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fever, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, dryness of the mouth, sweating, palpitations, and hypertension.
Excessive doses can produce mental confusion, severe anxiety, paranoia, and hyperthermia, and convulsions.
In addition, amphetamines cause increased heart rate and blood pressure that can lead to irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes.
Amphetamine use during pregnancy may result in prenatal complications, increased rates of premature delivery, and altered neonatal behavioral patterns.
Addiction
An interesting note that shows the addictive potential of the drug is the fact that methamphetamine and cocaine are two drugs that some people and animals will self administer until they die.
If given the opportunity, they will focus almost all of their time and energy on doing these drugs, rather than eating, drinking, or having sex. But they are very happy and content doing so, and do not pose any threat to other members of the group.
If you choose to take any form of amphetamine (meth, ice, etc), try to use in moderation and refrain from daily use, once a week or less often if possible. This will reduce or eliminate the chances of addiction and tolerance.
Books Amphetamine Syntheses:
Industrial Edition
Looks at various areas related to making amphetamines like the meth lab, the law, designer drugs, chemistry of the reactions, etc.
The majority of the book, however, details syntheses of amphetamine and related chemicals such as MDA, MDMA (ecstasy), DOB, TMA, PMA, MDEA (Eve), DOM (STP), methylcathinone, phenetermine, aminorex, ephedrine.
Amphetamine Syntheses The Speed Culture:
Amphetamine Use and Abuse in America
The only non biased, factual book about the history of speed I have found in print. Written in 1975, it doesn't cover recent history, but does give a good history up to the time of publication.
It was written by the author of Marihuana Reconsidered and describes how amphetamines have been used both medically and recreationally in the United States.
Speed Culture
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