Amphetamines

Published on 11 mars 2026 at 4:00 / Updated on 24 mars 2026 at 8:01

Common names	Terms commonly used to refer to the substance: Tablets (ingested): Speed, Peanut Fine crystals (smoked or injected): Crank, Crystal meth, Glass, Ice, Tina Powder (injected or snorted): Chalk, Jib, Meth
Classification	Stimulant: Refers to a substance that stimulates mental function and increases the brain's overall activity and alertness.
Mechanism of action	Increases the activity of several chemical substances in the brain (neurotransmitters): Increases dopamine levels in the part of the brain that mediates pleasure, which results in a feeling of euphoria and happiness; Increases noradrenaline levels, which results in excitement effects, increased vigilance and reduced appetite; Increases serotonin levels, which can result in mood changes.
Routes of administration	Inhaled (smoked), snorted, injected or taken orally.

Effects sought out by the user

Decreased fatigue and drowsiness
Euphoria
Heightened alertness and awareness

Hyperexcitability
Reduced appetite (weight loss)
Sense of well-being

Common adverse effects

Agitation
Anxiety
Delusions
Dental problems ("Meth mouth")
Digestive disorders
Dilated pupils
Dizziness
Dry mouth and unpleasant taste in the mouth
Erectile dysfunction in men
Hallucinations

Headache
Increased respiratory rate
Increased body temperature
Insomnia
Paranoia
Reduced appetite
Stomach cramps
Sweating
Teeth grinding
Tremors

Overdose effects

Abnormal increase in body temperature
Agitation and violent behaviour
Arrhythmias
Acute kidney injury
Cardiac arrest and hypertensive crisis

Coma
Convulsions
Death (often caused by cardiac arrest, stroke or hyperthermia)
Stroke

Tolerance (need to increase the dose to feel the same effect)

Yes (quick). Please note that amphetamine-based medications do not cause tolerance when taken as prescribed.

Addiction

Yes (considerable psychological dependence). The speed at which a person becomes addicted can vary depending on the route of administration.

Withdrawal

Withdrawal causes cravings, extreme fatigue, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances (prolonged but disrupted sleep), irritability, intense hunger, dysphoria and anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure).

Onset and duration of action
Route of administration	Onset of action	Duration of action
Methamphetamine
Smoked or injected	A few seconds	8 to 24 hours
Snorted	3 to 5 minutes	8 to 24 hours
Ingested	20 to 30 minutes	8 to 24 hours
Amphetamine
Depends on the formulation used

Screening

Urine tests are the most commonly used tests to screen for amphetamines. Other tests may be used for various purposes, such as blood, saliva or hair tests.

Intoxication management

No antidote available.
Treatment is mainly symptomatic.

Many different street drugs are sold under the same name. Furthermore, nothing guarantees the quantity, purity or even the content of a street drug in spite of the fact that it may, in some cases, look like medication.

If you need help or want to learn more:

Public Health Agency of Canada

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