Amphetamine Facts
Stimulant;
Description
Amphetamine — also known as speed — is a synthetic stimulant of the phenethylamine class. It is the structural parent of methamphetamine and MDMA. It works by reversing dopamine and norepinephrine transporters,[1] flooding the synapse with these neurotransmitters and driving its characteristic stimulation.[2]
Subjective effects include euphoria, increased energy, heightened focus, appetite suppression, and talkativeness. The experience has a driven, physically activating clarity — a steady stimulation that channels into sustained productivity or social confidence depending on context.
Psychological dependence liability is high, and cardiovascular toxicity — elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and heart damage with chronic heavy use[3] — is the primary organ risk. Tolerance to euphoria develops fast while the drive to use intensifies, creating escalating compulsion with diminishing reward.[4]
Dose and durationby route · individual sensitivity varies
Starts in 15 – 30 minLasts 4 – 8 hoursAfter-effects 6 – 24 hours
Body and dependence
- Acute toxicity
- Low
- Chronic toxicity
- Moderate
- Physical dependence
- Low
- Psychological dependence
- High
- Withdrawal
- Moderate
- Compulsive redosing
- High
Tolerance
- Builds
- Rapid
- Fully resets after
- 14 days
- Carries over to
- methamphetamine;
cocaine; methylphenidate; other dopaminergic stimulants
Effectslikely at a common dose
- Perception
- Dreaming suppression;
+6 possible - Body
- Physical fatigue;
Wakefulness; Insomnia; Stimulation; Appetite suppression; Pupil dilation; +22 possible, including Dehydration sensation, Vasoconstriction, Abnormal heartbeat - Thinking
- Cognitive euphoria;
Focus enhancement; Thought acceleration; +19 possible, including Compulsive redosing urge, Cognitive dysphoria - Feeling
- Euphoria;
+8 possible, including Depression, Dysphoria, Anxiety - Self
- none likely · 8 possible, including Craving, Ego inflation
- Awareness
- Sustained attention (vicara);
+1 possible
Who shouldn't take it
Combinations61 recorded
Seek help immediately if
- Chest pain; racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Very high body temperature; heavy sweating; hot, flushed skin
- Severe agitation, paranoia, panic, or confusion
- Severe headache; muscle rigidity or twitching
- Seizures
- Signs of stroke — face drooping, one-sided weakness, slurred speech
- Difficulty breathing; collapse or unconsciousness
What to do
- Call emergency services for chest pain, overheating, seizure, or unresponsiveness
- Move them to a cool, quiet place and reduce stimulation
- Cool the body — remove excess clothing, apply cool damp cloths, fan them
- Keep them calm; reassure — panic worsens the cardiovascular strain
- If seizing, protect from injury (don't restrain); recovery position afterward
- Monitor breathing and be ready to give rescue breaths / CPR
Most stimulant overdoses settle with cooling, a calm environment, and time. The medical danger is hyperthermia, cardiac events (arrhythmia, heart attack, stroke), and seizures — get help immediately if any appear.
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineFireside Project: 62-FIRESIDE
References
- [1]^Rothman RB, Baumann MH, Dersch CM, Romero DV, Rice KC, Carroll FI, Partilla JS (2001) Amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulants release norepinephrine more potently than they release dopamine and serotonin — Synapse PMID:11071707
- [2]^Jones SR, Gainetdinov RR, Wightman RM, Caron MG (1998) Mechanisms of Amphetamine Action Revealed in Mice Lacking the Dopamine Transporter — Journal of Neuroscience doi:10.1523/jneurosci.18-06-01979.1998
- [3]^O'Connor AD, Rusyniak DE, Bruno A (2005) Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular complications of alcohol and sympathomimetic drug abuse — Medical Clinics of North America PMID:16105252
- [4]^Berridge KC, Robinson TE (2016) Liking, wanting, and the incentive-sensitization theory of addiction — American Psychologist PMID:27977239