Amphetamine evaluation

Amphetamine is a synthetically produced stimulant belonging to the phenethylamine class of drugs.

In 2020, a total of 164 samples declared as amphetamine were submitted for analysis at the Drug Information Center (DIZ) in Zurich. Four amphetamine samples were submitted and analyzed during a mobile drug-checking operation[1] conducted in the city of Zurich in 2020. The results published here are not representative of the entire drug market in the city of Zurich.

Risk assessment

In addition to the well-known side effects and the potential for psychological dependence on amphetamine, the highly variable amphetamine content, impurities from the synthesis process, and toxic or other pharmacologically active adulterants also pose a health risk.

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The highly variable and often high amphetamine content presents an additional risk for users, as it is not visually apparent how high the effective amphetamine content of a particular sample is, thus creating a risk of overdose. High doses of amphetamine can lead to an increase in body temperature, hallucinations, circulatory collapse, cerebral hemorrhages and/or strokes, potentially resulting in kidney, liver, and heart failure or respiratory paralysis. For healthy individuals, a dose of 50 mg per night (or per use) corresponds to the recommended maximum dose, whether snorted or swallowed.

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The effects of consuming amphetamine impurities (e.g., DPIA, formetorex, 4-methyl-5-phenylpyrimidine, etc.) are largely unknown and therefore represent an unknown risk. Consuming amphetamine ("paste") mixed with solvents (e.g., phenylacetone, phenylacetonitrile, or isopropyl alcohol) can irritate the mucous membranes, and nasal use can cause significant long-term damage to the nasal mucosa. These solvents are usually toxic substances. Information and recommendations for the safest possible use can be found at saferparty.ch under Amphetamine Safer Use.