Used medically since 1927, they have been used to treat asthma, counteract fatigue, increase alertness, control hyperactivity, and treat obesity and depression. However, since it was discovered that amphetamines have an addictive potential and serious side effects, their value in treating the aforementioned disorders have been limited. Side effects include increased tolerance to the drug, physical and emotional dependencies, sleep disturbances, emotional problems, and a loss of appetite. Some street names for them are Speed , Black Beauties , Crank , Ice , and dexies .
Amphetamines are often white, odorless, bitter crystalline powders.
Illicit speed may appear more chunky and off-white in color. They can be taken orally in tablet or capsule form, sniffed in powder form, or dissolved and injected into the veins. These effects often last from 2 to 8 hours. Although they may seem to add energy to the body, amphetamines actually deplete the body of energy. A 5mg dose of amphetamine is about as potent as one strong cup of coffee.