Speed, Ecstasy, Ritalin: The Science of Amphetamines [Hardcover]

Leslie Iversen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 2006

Amphetamines have had a relatively short, though chequered history. From their use in wartime, their abuse by the beat generation, up to the popularity of Ecstasy in the late 20th century, many have found amphetamines an enjoyable, though unpredictable, stimulant. More than that though, amphetamine-based treatments have been found to have beneficial effects for those suffering from attention deficit disorders, and are now widely prescribed in the US and elsewhere as a treatment for children and adults. What is the truth behind these medical claims? What are the real effects of stimulants like Ecstasy? Just how harmful are amphetamines? In this book, a leading authority on psychoactive drugs explores the uses and abuses of amphetamines. Starting with a look at the origins of amphetamines, their use in wartime, their use by poets, musicians - even a President of the US, it presents a fascinating and accessible account of amphetamine use. It examines the evidence for the claims that drugs like Ecstasy kill, and considers the widespread use of amphetamines for ADHD, presenting a thorough account based on science and fact, rather than dogma.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is for anyone who has an interest in psychoactive drugs. It is written in such a way that it is of value to the expert as well as interested lay readers. Practicing and experimental scientists as well as social scientists interested in this topic will find it of interest. The book is an authoritatvive but readable perspective on the good and bad of amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs."--Doody's

"...is a balanced analysis of the historical and contemporary use of amphetamines by diverse users, including those suffering from various medical conditions, professional cyclists, poets, musicians, single mothers and politicians."--Chemistry World

"Iversen presents an evenhanded synthesis of what is known about this often-abused group of drugs."--Choice

About the Author

Leslie Iversen is at Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, UK.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 232 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (June 22, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198530897
• ISBN-13: 978-0198530893
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,524,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars speed and more speed, December 10, 2009

By 

JPY "Jesse" (CALIFORNIA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Speed, Ecstasy, Ritalin: The Science of Amphetamines (Paperback)

Neuro enhancements are on their way (again) and this text appers to head in the direction of normalizing the acceptance of their use. While there is nothing new that the author adds to the knowledge of these medications/drugs, the underlying theme is cautionary of what will eventually will become (if it is not already) a movement to use neurotransmitters as adjuncts to what is considered a "normal" brain. If the reader is not familiar with the topic of the book it is an OK introduction to the nature and use of these types of drugs. Nothing new under the sun in terms of the use of substances to "enhance" our natural abilities.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This is a large research paper..., August 10, 2011

By 

Michael J. Gelb - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Speed, Ecstasy, Ritalin: The Science of Amphetamines (Paperback)

I feel like this Ph.D Oxford (or something rather) professor is making a killing knowing that talking about drugs will keep people's attention. It details all about dextroamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and methylphenidate. It quotes sources throughout and has no original material. There are parenthesis with last names and page numbers after every idea. I feel like this Ph.D Oxford (or something rather) professor is making a killing knowing that talking about drugs will keep people's attention. I learned little through this book, and felt like it was a waste of my money.