Amphetamine History

Amphetamine was first introduced in the 1930s as a remedy for nasal congestion. Later, all three drugs were found to be effective in treating such other conditions as hyperactivity in children and narcolepsy (uncontrollable sleeping fits). Although they were also prescribed to control obesity and depression, their use for these disorders has been discontinued because patients became quickly and seriously dependent. The amphetamines have long been taken for their stimulant and euphoric effects. When they were easily available, truck drivers, students, and athletes were among those who used them extensively to prolong their normal periods of wakefulness and endurance. Among street drug users, injectable methamphetamine, usually called "speed," has been the most popular of this group of drugs because the "high" is more rapid and intense than when the drug is taken orally. There are reports of a smokable form of methamphetamine, known on the street as "ice." Other street names for these drugs are bennies, glass, crystal, crank, pep pills, and uppers.

Amphetamine misuse has declined dramatically since the near epidemic between 1950 and 1970. At the same time, however, there has been a marked increase in the use of such other stimulants as cocaine. As well, drugs related to amphetamine - such as MDA, PMA, TMA, and STP - have appeared on the street.