amphetamine

Last reviewed 01/2018

Amphetamine (amfetamine) is a stimulant, introduced into clinical use in 1935 to treat depression, fatigue and obesity, but amphetamine (amfetamine) dependence soon arose among middle-aged female patients. Abuse is now widespread among young multiple drug abusers. These drugs are often available in home-made form as speed or sulphate and are used orally or intravenously.

Principle effects include reduced hunger and fatigue, increased talkativeness, greater energy and concentration - a syndrome which may be mistaken for hypomania. A withdrawal state of severe anergia may mimic depression. amphetamines (amfetamines) can induce a psychotic state with frank delusions of persecution or reference, and visual, tactile, and fragmentary auditory hallucinations in clear consciousness, mimicking schizophrenia. Psychotic symptoms fade over 5-7 days after stopping the drug, but neuroleptic treatment may be necessary.