Captagon pills crisis: What are amphetamine-based drugs and why have they been used by militaries around the world?

Source: The post is based on the article “Captagon pills crisis: What are amphetamine-based drugs and why have they been used by militaries around the world?”  published in Indian Express on 12th June 2023

What is the News?

As global isolation of Syria comes to an end with the Arab League reinstating Syria as its member, the discussions on the trade of Captagon pills have taken the centre-stage once again.

What are Captagon Pills?

Captagon is a highly addictive amphetamine-type drug, which is produced mainly in Syria.

It was commercially sold in several countries until the 1980s and was banned due to fears of its highly addictive nature.

What do amphetamine-based drugs do?

It stimulates the central nervous system, providing a boost of energy, enhancing someone’s focus, letting someone stay awake for longer periods of time, and producing a feeling of euphoria. These types of drugs usually stay in the blood for around 36 hours.

When taken orally, their peak effect occurs one to three hours after consumption, and effects last for as long as seven to 12 hours.

What are the side effects of amphetamine-based drugs?

They can cause loss of appetite and weight, heart problems such as fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and heart attack, which can lead to death.

They can also cause high body temperature, skin flushing, memory loss, problems thinking clearly, and stroke.