Amphetamine powder

Amphetamine powder are psychostimulant drugs, which means they speed up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Some types of amphetamines are prescribed by doctors to treat conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (where a person has an uncontrollable urge to sleep). Amphetamines have also been used to treat Parkinson’s disease.^{3, 4} Other types of amphetamines, such as speed, are produced and sold illegally. Amphetamines have been also been taken as performance enhancement drugs. The most potent form is crystal methamphetamine (ice)

The appearance of amphetamines varies from a powder and tablet form, to crystals and capsules. They may be packaged in ‘foils’ (aluminium foil), plastic bags or small balloons when sold illegally.⁶

Amphetamine powder can range in colour from white through to brown, sometimes it may have traces of grey or pink. It has a strong smell and bitter taste. Amphetamine capsules and tablets vary considerably in size and colour.⁷

Illegally produced amphetamines can be a mix of drugs, binding agents, caffeine and sugar. New psychoactive substances may also be added.6

Slang names are Speed, up, uppers, louee, goey, whiz, rack

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

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)

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.