Long-term heavy use of amphetamines may lead to malnutrition, skin disorders, ulcers and diseases resulting from vitamin deficiencies. Regular use may contribute to lack of sleep and weight loss. Intravenous users are at risk for serious, life-threatening diseases such as AIDS, lung and heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. Frequent use of large amounts of amphetamines may eventually result in mental illness, suicide and violent death. Amphetamine-induced psychosis is a paranoid state that may develop after ingestion or the injection of large doses of amphetamines.
Amphetamine use increases self-confidence, which often ignores the reality of personal limitations.
In well-rested persons, certain physical performances can improve with small doses of stimulant drugs. In tired users, stimulants cause most performance to deteriorate. Postponement of sleep due to amphetamine use may result in slower reaction times and decreased watchfulness. Copyright 1995, The Trustees of Indiana University.