Amphetamines (Speed)

Page contents

• Other Names
• How's it taken?
• Effects
• Legal Status

Related links

• Government drugs website

Summary

• is a stimulant drug that can come in powder or tablet form
• was used during the second world war and the Vietnam war to increase the performance of troops
• speed is the most impure illegal drug in the UK. Purity is usually only about 5%

Other names include

• the correct name for speed is amphetamine
• other names include: whizz, uppers, amph, billy, sulphate

How is it taken?

• as a grey or white powder that is snorted, swallowed, smoked, injected or dissolved in a drink
• tablets which are swallowed

Effects

• excitement - the mind races and users feel confident and energetic
• while on the drug, some users become tense and anxious
• may leave users feeling tired and depressed for one or two days and sometimes longer
• high doses repeated over a few days may cause panic and hallucinations and may lead to mental health problems
• long-term use can put a strain on the heart
• heavy, long-tebe use can lead to mental illness

Legal Status

• class B (but class A if prepared for injection)