Amphetamines belong to a group of drugs called psycho-stimulants, commonly known as 'speed', which stimulate the central nervous system. They speed up the messages going to and from the brain to the body.

Most amphetamines are produced in backyard laboratories and sold illegally. People who buy amphetamines illegally are often buying the drugs mixed with other substances that can have unpleasant or harmful effects.

What do amphetamines look like?

Amphetamines are a whole family of related drugs, each with its own recipe, and are taken in different ways. They can be in the form of powder, tablets, capsules, crystals or red liquid.

They can come as a white through to a brown powder, sometimes even orange and dark purple. Amphetamines have a strong smell and bitter taste.

The capsules vary considerably in color and are sometimes sold in commercial brand shells. They are packaged in 'foils' (aluminium foil), plastic bags or small balloons when sold on the streets.

Tablets vary in color and can be a cocktail of drugs, binding agents, caffeine and sugar. This form is on the increase.

The reddish-brown liquid is sold in capsules. MDMA, or 'ecstasy' as it is more commonly known, is another designer drug-related to amphetamines. It is usually swallowed in the form of small tablets, but sometimes injected.

Why are they used?

People use amphetamines for different reasons. Some use the drugs to get 'high' and dance all night. Others use the drugs to help stay awake for long periods of time, to improve performance in sport or at work or to boost self-confidence. Amphetamines can reduce tiredness and increase endurance.

For medical purposes, amphetamines are prescribed to treat narcolepsy (where a person has an uncontrollable urge to sleep) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

How are they taken?

Amphetamines are most commonly swallowed, injected (methamphetamine) or smoked. They are also 'snorted' or 'sniffed' through the nose.

Street names

The common names are speed, up, fast, louee, goey, whiz, pep pills, uppers.

Pregnancy

Using amphetamines (also known as speed) during pregnancy can affect the baby's development before birth and has been linked with bleeding, early labour and miscarriage. Amphetamines also cause the heart rate of mother and baby to increase. With the baby getting less oxygen, it may be smaller at birth and grow more slowly.

If amphetamines are used close to the birth, the baby may be born directly affected, and may be over-active and agitated. Babies of mothers who regularly use amphetamines may also experience withdrawal symptoms in the first few weeks after birth.

It is not yet known whether the children of mothers who used amphetamines during their pregnancy experience long-term problems in mental or physical growth, but initial studies give some cause for concern.

Breast feeding

Not much is known about the effects of amphetamines on the mother during breast feeding. There is evidence that babies feed poorly and are irritable.

Check with your doctor, or other health professional, if you are taking or planning to take any substances during pregnancy, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.