Amphetamines

What are amphetamines?

Amphetamines are a type of stimulant drugs. Some amphetamines, such as Adderall and Vyvanse, are prescribed by health care professionals to treat conditions like attention-deficit disorder and narcolepsy.

What are the effects of amphetamines?

Amphetamines, when taken as prescribed, can make you feel more awake and alert, help you focus, keep you from falling asleep or make you feel like you have more energy.

What are the symptoms of amphetamine poisoning?

If you take too much of an amphetamine or take an amphetamine that is not intended for you, you may:

• Have trouble concentrating
• Lose your appetite or have an upset stomach
• Feel anxious or restless
• Have trouble sleeping
• Feel like your heart is beating too quickly
• Have a dangerously high body temperature
• Have a heart attack or seizure, and possibly die

Long-term abuse or misuse of amphetamines can lead to addiction. It can also cause paranoia or damage to muscles and organs.

Someone who stops taking amphetamines can have withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Restlessness
• Feeling very tired and having difficulty sleeping
• Depression
• Craving for the drug

What should you do about amphetamine poisoning?

If someone has taken too much amphetamine or taken someone else’s amphetamine, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or chat online. We can also answer other questions you have about amphetamine.