Text File | 1992-01-24 | 991 b | 5 lines | [04] ASCII Text (0x0000)
Amphetamines, also known as pep pills or uppers, are a class of drugs that stimulates the central nervous system making the user more alert and overcoming sleepiness and fatigue. These drugs produce the opposite effect of barbiturates: the heart beats faster, blood pressure rises, hunger is reduced, and mental and physical performance is improved. But when the drug's effect wears off, the user feels more tired and sluggish than before.
Amphetamines do have legitimate medical uses, but only in specific cases; there is some controversy over the proper medical use of these stimulants.
Many people use amphetamines or other stimulants (such as coffee) to stay alert for long periods of time, such as when studying for a test or driving a long distance. This occasional use stresses the body but is usually harmless and doesn't lead to further abuse. However, amphetamines can be abused, resulting in elevated blood pressure, irregular heart beats, and even brain damage and death.
