Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that speed up the brain and the way it processes information. They help the person stay alert and awake and even can provide an energy burst. There are a few prescription medicines that contain amphetamines in them. A large amount of people who take amphetamines are not taking the drug as prescribed by their medical doctor or they are taking it illegally. In the USA it is illegal to abuse amphetamines. The effects of amphetamines can be dangerous and even deadly.
The most common medicine that contains amphetamine is Adderall. Adderall is used to help treat hyperactivity disorder called ADHD. Many doctors will start off a patient on low dose and increase them once every week. When the drug is abused, the addict will usually start off taking large amounts and this can cause severe side effects of amphetamines.
Most Common Effects of Amphetamines
There are several different side effects of the amphetamines. Many people taking the drug will either not care about the side effects or they want to experience some of them. There are many different mental and physical effects of amphetamines. It is important to look for the these common side effects if you or someone you love may be using amphetamines.
Devastating effects of amphetamines can happen when the drug is misused.
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- High blood pressure
- Cocaine craving
- Skin Infections / diseased
- UTI
- Vomiting
- Seizures
According to Better Health Channel, these side effects of amphetamines can be treated with the help of a professional. It is important to speak to your medical doctor about the symptoms that you are experiencing. Also, going to counseling or group therapy can help you overcome some of the withdrawal symptoms and overcome your addiction to amphetamines.
Permanent Effects of Amphetamines Abuse
Once a person is addicted to amphetamines, it is possible that you can permanently damage your body and brain. The addiction can cause the brain to be rewired. When the person decides to stop using amphetamines, they will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Most circumstances, the rewiring can cause the person to have problems quitting the drug altogether without the help of a professional therapist or an addiction rehab program.
Memory loss and a disturbed thought process are other permanent neurological effects of amphetamines. A person with an addiction to amphetamines can also experience financial problems and loss of employment. Since the drug causes the addict to lose sole focus on what it is important in life. The drug can also damage the liver, heart and other vital organs. Once the damage is severe enough, the results can be fatal.
Common Symptoms of Overdose
It is important to know the symptoms of overdose. If you or someone you know has overdoes on amphetamines, you will need to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed, immediately call your local emergency services at 911.
Here are a list of the most common side effects of amphetamines:
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Fever
- Fast breathing
- Muscle weakness
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Coma
The length of time that the effects of amphetamines last, will vary from person to person and their dependency on the drug. The symptoms can last for a few days if only used occasional or weeks to months if the user is more addicted. The person may become very sleepy and experience lucid dreams while they are symptoms of amphetamines.
