Amphetamine is not the name of any one particular drug; rather, it is a class of drugs that are known for temporarily increasing energy, for better or for worse. The first synthetic amphetamine was developed in Berlin in 1887 by the chemist Lazur Edeleanu. He called his new compound phenylisopropylamine. It was some time, however, before any sort of medical use was found for this new type of drug. In the thirties a form of amphetamine was sold as a decongestant known as the Benzedrine Inhaler - however, this was so often abused that it was taken off the market in 1965. Amphetamines became legally classified as a Schedule II drug - legal, but carefully regulated.

Since the 1960's, some legitimate medical uses for this class of drug have been discovered. For example, many of the drugs prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are included in this class. This practice has created a fair amount of controversy, however, since many people are concerned about the side effects of these drugs and the possible dangers of giving them to young children. Less controversially, these drugs are often used to treat narcolepsy, and can be used alongside other treatments for patients with severe depression that have not benefited from other medications.

Taking any of these drugs without a prescription is illegal. Some people choose to illegally abuse amphetamines for certain effects, such as increased energy and concentration. However, these effects are short-lived, and the side effects of drug abuse can be severe. Less desirable psychological effects can include paranoia, anxiety, depression, difficulty sticking to one train of thought, and reckless behavior. The physical effects can include tachycardia (increased heart rate), dizziness, high blood pressure and increased sweating.

Amphetamines became a Class II drug when it became apparent that they have a high potential for addiction. Addiction can occur very quickly in people who use these drugs often. If a person is addicted to one of these drugs, the symptoms of withdrawal can be very difficult to live with, making it all the harder to quit. These symptoms include depression, extreme fatigue, agitation, suicidal thoughts and even psychosis.

Unfortunately, despite all these side effects and dangers, abuse of amphetamines continues to be a common problem. One of the professions in which this issue is most prevalent is long distance truck driving. Truck drivers are under intense pressure to drive as quickly as possible and minimize the time they spend eating or sleeping. On the surface, amphetamines may appear to help by decreasing a person's need to sleep as well as food. However, the many negative effects of taking these drugs always outweighs the supposed benefits, and can lead to tragic accidents on the road.

For more information about the legal regulations that truckers must follow, contact Texas truck accident attorneys Williams Kherkher.