• AMP

Amphetamine, dextro-amphetamine and methamphetamine, are collectively referred to as amphetamines. Their chemical properties and actions are so similar that even experienced users have difficulty knowing which drug they have taken.

Amphetamine was first marketed in the 1930s as Benzedrine in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion. By 1937 amphetamine was available by prescription in tablet form and was used in the treatment of the sleeping disorder narcolepsy and the behavioral syndrome called minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), which today is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

During World War II, amphetamine was widely used to keep the fighting men going; both dextro-amphetamine (Dexedrine) and methamphetamine (Methedrine) became readily available. As use of amphetamines spread, so did their abuse. Amphetamines became a cure-all for helping truckers to complete their long routes without falling asleep, for weight control, for helping athletes to perform better and train longer, and for treating mild depression. Intravenous amphetamine abuse spread among a subculture known as "speed freaks." With experience, it became evident that the dangers of abuse of these drugs outweighed most of their therapeutic uses.

Today, amphetamine is used as an aid in treating narcolepsy, some forms of depression, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Yet, due to its potential for abuse or addiction, other treatment methods are used more frequently.

BRAND NAME AMPHETAMINES: Adderall, Desoxyn, Desoxyn Gradumet, Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule and DestroStat.

SIGNS OF AMPHETAMINE OVERDOSE: Symptoms include restlessness, tremors, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

WITHDRAWL EFFECTS: depression, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, "the shakes," tiredness.

FDA ALERT [8/2005] Health Canada Announces Return of Adderall to the Canadian Market.

Adderall will return to the Canadian market for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (see alert of 2/09/05 below). The Canadian Product Monograph will be revised to include warnings about the misuse of Adderall and that Adderall generally should not be used in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities.

FDA ALERT [2/2005] Health Canada Suspends Marketing of Adderall

Health Canada has suspended marketing of Adderall XR products from the Canadian market due to concern about reports of sudden unexplained death (SUD) in children taking Adderall and Adderall XR.  SUD has been associated with amphetamine abuse and reported in children with underlying cardiac abnormalities taking recommended doses of amphetamines, including Adderall and Adderall XR.  In addition, a very small number of cases of SUD have been reported in children without structural cardiac abnormalities taking Adderall.  At this time, FDA cannot conclude that recommended doses of Adderall can cause SUD, but is continuing to carefully evaluate these data.

This information reflects FDA’s preliminary analysis of data concerning this drug. FDA is considering, but has not reached a final conclusion about, this information. FDA intends to update this sheet when additional information or analyses become available.