Substance Abuse
Amphetamines & Methamphetamines
Slang for amphetamines: Speed, Cross-tops, Whites, Black Beauties, Bennies, Uppers. (Brand names: Ritalin, Preludin, Dexedrine)
Slang for methamphetamine: Ice, Crank, Crystal, Meth (Brand names: Methedrine)
Definition: A stimulant that works on the nervous system. Causes hypertension, increases heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
Effects include:
- increased alertness
- extremity and body tremors
- restless, anxious, talkative, rapid, and rambling speech
- excitation
- euphoria
- insomnia
- hyperflexia
- bruxism
- dry mouth
- impaired coordination and balance
- gait ataxia
- impaired divided attention
- evidence of malnutrition
- risk taking due to over confidence
- decreased appetite
- dilated pupils
- sleeplessness
- unusual increase in activity
Effects of overdose include: agitation, elevated body temperature, visual hallucinations, cardio-vascular collapse, respiratory failure, tremors, loss of coordination and death from stroke or heart failure.
Duration:
onset: 30 - 40 minutes
lasts: 4 - 8 hours
Administration: orally, snorted, injected
Page updated: 3/27/08
