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Amphetamine



Amphetamine, any of a group of stimulant drugs, including Benzedrine and Methedrine, derived from the chemical compound amphetamine (C9H13N). Amphetamines counteract fatigue, suppress appetite, speed up performance (hence the slang “speed”), and give the taker a false sense of confidence. Pronounced depression often follows use, encouraging psychological and then physical addiction. A paranoid psychosis resembling schizophrenia may result from prolonged use. Amphetamines have been used in the treatment of obesity and narcolepsy (a rare condition of abnormal sleepiness).



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21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia21st Century Webster's Family Encyclopedia - Alabama to Anderson, Dame Judith