Speed facts at a glance
The signs and symptoms of using speed can include:
- Increased and irregular heart rate
- Increased breathing
- Teeth grinding
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Aggression
- Fever and sweating
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Overheating
- Dry mouth and lips
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
The consequences of using speed may include:
- Chronic sleep problems
- Cracked teeth through grinding
- Panic attacks
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Decreased emotional control
- Severe depression
- Violent behaviour
- Speed psychosis
- Nerve cell damage
- Death from heart failure or stroke
- High risk of dependence (addiction), especially if injected
- HIV and hepatitis infections through needle sharing
Speed or amphetamine sulphate – printable fact sheet (PDF 93 KB)
If you required an accessible version of this document please contact the National Drugs Campaign Team