Amphetamine (as it is referred
to in the UK, as oppose to Methamphetamine) was first synthesised in
1887 by a Romanian Chemist called
Lazar Edeleanu at the University
of Berlin.
It was then largely ignored for
the next 40 years, until
1927 when it was found to raise blood
pressure, enlarge nasal and bronchial passages, and
stimulate the central nervous system.
In 1932 it was introduced into America
as a constituent of a nasal inhaler (the Benzedrine
Inhaler) and called Amphetamine by the American
Medical Association.
In 1935 physicians successfully used it to treat
narcolepsy (a condition characterized by brief
attacks of deep sleep that can occur at anytime of
the day).
Benzedrine became one of the earliest recreational
drugs, as users of the inhalers found that they
produced feelings of euphoria. This lead to many
early users cracking the inhaler open and swallowing
the amphetamine impregnated paper tube inside.
In the Second World War there was widespread use of
Benzedrine in both tablet and inhaler form. British
troops allegedly used 72 million tablets to fend off
battle fatigue.
They were also widely used in the early 1950's as an
aid to dieting and a cure for depression.
"Dexamyl does more than
most anorectics. Because it not only curbs appetite
but
also lifts moods, 'Dexamyl' can give the discouraged
dieter the confidence to stay
on her diet. The mood lift with 'Dexamyl' can make
the difference between the success and failure of
her diet plan.'
A 1967 Smith Kline & French
advert for Dexamyl
(dextro-amphetamine sulphate and amobarbital)
Amphetamines became
prescription only in the UK in 1956 at a time when
use and popularity was increasing with young people.
As supply reduced and demand increased, the use of
diverted medical supplies was superseded by the
manufacture of illicit amphetamine sulphate.
Amphetamines have also been found to have a positive
effect on children (and adults) with Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Paradoxically,
rather than making them more hyperactive,
amphetamines such as
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) actually act to calm
them down and help them to concentrate.
