What is "Speed?" I overheard someone talking about it, and got the idea

[patricia92243]

it helps lose weight but is somehow illegal. If something as important as weight loss can be accomplished by using speed, why is it illegal? But most importantly - WHAT is it? I couldn't figure out if it was a herb, man-made drug, vitamin, or whatever.

[Longhorn]

1. "Speed" is slang for amphetamines.

Here's more about it:

http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/news_info/drugs/Amphetamine.htm

[patricia92243]

3. Good grief - that is scary!! No speed for me - I thought it was something

like a real strong coffee - silly me. :(

[Warpy]

7. At the time, it seemed like a dream drug

It boosted your metabolic rate, completely killed your appetite, and made it impossible for you to stay flopped on the sofa in front of the TV, you HAD to move, meaning you lost weight through increased activity as well as decreased intake.

I had a friend who was on it for a year in the late 60s. She was young, so she missed a lot of the cardiovascular effects. However, what she got was a little something called toxic psychosis, the result of being sleep deprived for a year plus the gradual effect on brain tissue of that drug. She looked great but she was a mess.

It took her about 5 years to recover completely and only with drugs and psychotherapy. She ended up on temporary disability for that period.

Oh, and she gained the weight back as soon as she went off that stuff.

[auntAgonist]

2. WARNING .... been there done that...

I was prescribed a 'speed' drug for weight loss in the late 70's. I was driving truck at the time and boy did it keep me awake and able to run the miles. I messed with my blood pressure, my moods, gave me headaches, I'm lucky it didn't give me a heart attack. I'm VERY lucky I didn't have an accident with the truck and kill people. A few years after the prescription, a different Dr told me that given certain health conditions I had, I should never have been prescribed the drug.

No I won't say the name of the drug, but it was and may still be very popular.

There are better/healthier ways to take off a few pounds. If you're severly mobidly obese anything you try without a Dr's supervision could be DEADLY.

please be careful.

aA

[patricia92243]

4. I'm not going to take it after seeing what post #1 had to say. I honestly

did not know what it was. NOW I know. Whew! bad news! Thanks for the caring post though. I areally appreciate it. :)

[auntAgonist]

5. don't ever feel silly asking a question though :)

That's why we're here. If we can help we will.

:hug:

aA

[lavenderdiva]

6. may I also add, that I think it is extremely addictive..

it was very popular in the 80's for recreational use, and also for weight loss. I may be wrong here, but my husband's 1st wife used them, and called them 'Black Beauties'. Steer clear of them. They are bad news.

I am so glad however, that you found this forum, where we have so many helpful, supportive voices on which you can draw upon!! :hi:

[mahina]

8. Mmmmm...speed...

sigh. The 70's were fun. Alas, the cost to health and mind is too high.