Amphetamines stimulate both the body and mind, resulting in feelings of increased confidence, talkativeness, increased energy, rapid breathing and heart rate, and sleeplessness. An overdose of the drugs may cause seizures. Most people who become addicted begin taking the drugs because they enjoy the effects of the drugs. However, as dependence sets in, feelings of withdrawal become more painful and ongoing use of the drugs reduces or eliminates those uncomfortable side effects. Symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal can include sweating, rapid pulse, shakiness, anxiety, hallucinations, nausea, seizures, and increased cravings for the drugs.

Treating amphetamine dependence requires abstaining from the drugs. Avoiding other stimulants can also be helpful, including caffeine and nicotine. While withdrawal can be unpleasant, it is not life threatening or physically painful; the psychological effects are more painful, including depression. To better cope with the side effects of withdrawal, a physician may prescribe antidepressant medications or sleeping pills to treat the depression and sleeping difficulties. If a person experiences intense cravings or paranoia, antipsychotic medications may be used.

Withdrawal symptoms usually disappear within one to three months of abstinence. Support groups and counseling is also helpful for many people, including groups such as Narcotics Anonymous. Maintaining sobriety from amphetamines may be a lifelong process for some people.