amphetamine
(æmˈfɛtəmaɪn, -ɪn)
[f. alphamethyl-phenethylamine.]
A synthetic drug which stimulates the heart and respiration, constricts blood-vessels, and induces sleeplessness.
| 1938 Amer. Jrnl. Psychiatry XCV. 371 (title) The effective use of phenobarbital and benzedrine sulfate (amphetamine sulfate) in the treatment of epilepsy. 1939 W. Bloomberg in New Engl. Jrnl. Med. 26 Jan. 129/1 Amphetamine (Benzedrine) sulfate was introduced into therapeutics in 1935 by Prinzmetal and the author as an effective agent in the prevention of symptoms in narcolepsy. 1946 Lancet 14 Dec. 865/1 Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system, an action which it owes to its ability to increase cerebral respiration. 1955 Sci. News Let. 9 Apr. 235/3 Amphetamine, popularly known as an ingredient of ‘pep pills’, has been reported one of the drugs used in brain washing by the Communists. 1959 Times 29 May 14/6 The use of amphetamine drugs in sport. 1962 Lancet 15 Dec. 1282/2 Hypertensive patients receiving amphetamine in addition to reduce obesity. |
______________________________
Add: 2. A tablet containing amphetamine.
| 1955 N.Y. Times 28 Sept. 25/6 A report on a drive against illegal traffic in amphetamines, called ‘thrill pills’ by teenage users, was made today. 1975 C. James Fate F. Fark iv. 37 The parties Where people ate Amphetamines like Smarties. 1990 Pract. Health Spring 13/3, I took amphetamines to suppress my appetite. |