Amphetamines are a large group of chemically related central stimulant drugs. Among the best known are Dexedrine, Methedrine and Ritalin.
History
The first amphetamine, Benzedrine, was synthesized in 1887, but it was not introduced as a medicine until 1932, when the Benzedrine inhaler became available over the counter in drugstores as a treatment for nasal congestion and asthma. Amphetamine use spread mainly because the medical profession was so enthusiastic about the drug.
Crystal Methamphetamine, more potent and easier to make than amphetamine, was first synthesized in Japan in 1919. The crystalline powder was soluble in water, making it a perfect candidate for injection.
The US Army used amphetamines heavily during the Vietnam War, and amphetamine abuse became a problem among the troops. From the mid-1960s on there was also a growth in both illicit bathroom laboratory synthesis of amphetamines and black market diversion of legitimately produced drugs.
Reports on therapeutic use
Amphetamines are currently used by the medical establishment in the treatment for attention deficit disorder, narcolepsy, depression, and post stroke recovery as well as a tolerated performance enhancer in sportsmen.
Legal situation
Until 1971, amphetamines were sold freely over the counter, with or without prescription. Following their inclusion in the 1971 UN Convention on Psychoactive Drugs, the use of amphetamines has declined because of legal restrictions.
Crystal Methamphetamine is still legally produced in the U.S., and sold under the trade name Desoxyn.
Risks
Adverse effects of the abuse of amphetamines include weight loss, psychosis, severe dependence and depression on withdrawal.
More information
[Drug Library
>http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/hemp/medical/meduse.htm]
ON SPEED, by Nicolas Rasmussen
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