History of amfetamines

 

Amfetamines are a family of substituted phenethylamine compounds that have psychomotor stimulation activity; including amfetamine (Speed) and its derivatives, methamfetamine (Crystal meth, ice) and 3,4- methylenedioxymethamfetamine (MDMA, ecstasy).

 

Methamfetamine was originally derived from ephedrine, used for nasal decongestion, therefore there has been a restriction on the sale of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine since 2008. It has a stimulant action and crosses the blood brain barrier (BBB) and is sometimes used in America to treat ADHD. Methamfetamine has been compared to crack cocaine due to the intense, powerful high it gives and the hard come down it is followed by. It is very addictive.

 

MDMA is no longer used clinically, but was used in the 1980s as an adjunct to psychotherapy due to its effects increasing self-esteem and enhanced communication skills, however it can cause hallucinations which may last several weeks.

 

A 2009 study found that 3.7 million 16-59 year olds in the UK admitted to having ever taken amfetamines, with 319,000 having taken it that year.