Amphetamines

Speed as it is most commonly known, is a powerful mood stimulant. It can last up to 24 hours in duration and is relatively cheap on the street. A person ingesting amphetamines often appears hyper, talkative, aggressive and, in fact, hard to distinguish from the person who is manic. Some of the symptoms of the use of this drug follow.

The effects of using  may include:

• extreme elation
• wakefulness
• alertness
• enhanced self-confidence
• aggression
• talkativeness
• loss of appetite
• increased intiative
• increased physical activity

Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• severe craving
• deep depression
• fatigue
• inertia
• paranoia
• psychosis

Effects of Large Doses:

• fever and sweating
• dry mouth
• headache
• paleness
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• irregular heartbeat
• tremors
• loss of coordination
• collapse
• Death may also occur due to burst blood vessels in the brain, heart failure, or very high fever.
  

Amphetamine use by the bipolar person is particularly dangerous as the euphoria of the drug is inevitably followed by a huge depressive crash where the only seemingly available cure for the crash is to ingest more of the drug. This can lead to amphetamine-induced psychosis and so it makes the diagnosis of bipolar disorder that much more difficult to nail down. While many bipolars have used and continue to use this drug to get out of a depressive episode they are in fact worsening their chances of surviving a suicidal situation. No bipolar person who continues to use this drug can have even the smallest hope of gaining stability. The drug is insidious as it is usually the desire to get out of a depressive slump that first leads the bipolar person to experiment with the drug in the first place. It is, in other words, a vicious cycle that once begun will require medical help to break. Anyone addicted to speed ought not to attempt withdrawal cold turkey; occasional users have a better chance on their own. What follows are some things to do should you find a loved one who is high on speed.

What to do in a crisis

If someone overdoses or has an adverse reaction while using amphetamines it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. Quick responses can save lives.

• Call an ambulance.  Don't delay because you think you or your friend might get into trouble. 
• Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives. Find out if anyone at the scene knows mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Ensure adequate air by keeping crowds back and opening windows. Loosen tight clothing.
• If the person is unconscious, don't leave them on their back — they could choke. Turn them on their side and into the recovery position. Gently tilt their head back so their tongue does not block the airway.
• If breathing has stopped, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, apply CPR.
• Provide the ambulance officers with as much information as you can - what drugs were taken, how much was taken, how long ago, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Arrange with friends before amphetamines are used about what to do in a crisis.

From <http://www.adf.org.au/drughit/facts/hdayam.html#crisis> (now defunct - anyone know where it is?

<fractal@fyreniyce.org>

NOTE:  Small doses of amphetamines are often prescribed for the treatment of ADHD, ADD, and occasionally even for bipolar disorder. Strangely enough, some bipolar folk react atypically to the administration of small quantities of amphetamines when agitated and mildly manic. However, this type of use is much different than that of the addict.

 

Some resources concerning amphetamine use...