 Amphetamines are stimulants that raise the user's blood pressure, heart rate and respiration, as well as providing a feeling of increased energy that may last as long as forty minutes or so. Amphetamines were originally developed to treat asthma, sleep disorders and hyperactivity. During World War II, amphetamines were given to soldiers and pilots to keep them alert. However, the increase in energy from these drugs comes at the expense of the body's natural chemicals, which are depleted. When the drug wears off, the user is left with feelings of anxiety, depression and fatigue. The common amphetamines are benzedrine, dexedrine and methamphetamine, collectively known on the street as 'speed'. More than any other illegal drug, speed is associated with violence and anti-social behavior; chronic use can lead to erratic violent behavior, depression, and a strain on the cardiovascular system. Some of the effects of amphetamines are similar to cocaine; addiction to amphetamines certainly a possibility, as is an increase in tolerance (more and more amphetamine must be used to get 'high'). Amphetamine withdrawal often involves severe depression and fatigue. |