Amphetamines

Approximately 15% of 10th and 12th graders surveyed had used amphetamines without a prescription.

Over 3% of 8th graders, and nearly 6% of 10th and 12th graders have used amphetamines in the past 30 days.

Street names/slang terms:
Speed, uppers, ups, hearts, black beauties, pep pills, copilots, bumble bees, footballs, dexedrine, biphetamine, benzedrine

Drug Type:
An amphetamine is a drug that is a stimulant to the central nervous system.

What does it look like?
Amphetamines are taken in tablet and pill form.

How is it used?
Amphetamines are colorless and may be inhaled, injected, or swallowed.

Short-term Effects:
• increased talkativeness, aggressiveness
• increased breathing rate, heart rate, blood pressure
• reduced appetite
• dilated pupils
• visual hallucinations, auditory hallucinations
• compulsive, repetitive action
• fever, sweating
• dry mouth
• headache
• paleness
• blurred vision, dizziness, loss of coordination
• irregular heartbeat
• tremors, collapse

Long-term Effects:
• addiction, dependency on drug
• violence, aggression
• malnutrition due to suppression of appetite

Source: Partnership for a Drug-Free America, NIDA, NIAAA