The Rise of a Counterculture Icon
The term "Purple Hearts" refers to combination pills that became infamous in the 1960s, particularly within the British Mod subculture [1.2.2]. These drugs were sold under the brand names Dexamyl and Drinamyl and contained a paradoxical mix of a stimulant and a depressant [1.2.1]. Specifically, they combined dextroamphetamine (an amphetamine) and amobarbital (a barbiturate) [1.2.1].
Introduced by Smith, Kline & French in 1950, Dexamyl was initially marketed for a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and as a diet aid [1.3.1, 1.3.2]. The therapeutic idea was that the amphetamine would provide energy and elevate mood, while the barbiturate would counteract potential side effects like agitation and anxiety [1.3.2]. They were prescribed to individuals from British Prime Minister Anthony Eden to American housewives, earning a reputation as "pep pills" or "tonics" [1.2.4, 1.3.1].
However, their use quickly spread beyond medical confines. For the Mod subculture, which thrived on all-night dancing and a high-energy lifestyle, Purple Hearts were the drug of choice [1.7.1]. The pills allowed users to stay awake and dance for extended periods, an effect preferable to the intoxication from alcohol [1.3.3]. Despite their name, the pills were often blue and triangular, but the moniker "Purple Hearts" stuck in the public consciousness [1.2.5, 1.4.3].
Pharmacological Tug-of-War: Stimulant vs. Depressant
The unique effects of Purple Hearts stemmed from their two active ingredients working in opposition. Dextroamphetamine is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, leading to increased alertness, energy, and confidence [1.5.5, 1.5.7]. Amobarbital, on the other hand, is a barbiturate, a class of CNS depressants that induce relaxation and sedation [1.2.1, 1.2.3].
The goal of the combination was to create a smooth, energetic high without the jitteriness common with stimulants alone [1.3.2]. Users often reported feeling euphoric, energetic, and talkative [1.5.7]. However, this pharmacological combination was a dangerous balancing act. The stimulant effect could mask the sedative effects of the barbiturate, leading users to consume far more than they otherwise would, increasing the risk of overdose. The opposing actions placed significant strain on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
From Prescription to Proscription: The Dangers Emerge
The widespread recreational use of Purple Hearts led to what was considered the first post-war drug craze in the UK [1.2.4]. Media reports began linking the pills to violence, particularly after clashes between Mods and Rockers at British seaside resorts [1.7.3]. Users were often seen emerging from clubs in the early morning with dilated pupils and exhibiting erratic behavior [1.7.3].
The most significant risks associated with the drug were dependence, psychosis, and overdose [1.4.1]. Long-term use or high doses could lead to amphetamine psychosis, a state characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, and aggression, as depicted in The Who's film Quadrophenia [1.4.3]. Combining a stimulant and a depressant carries severe health risks, including:
- Cardiovascular strain: The heart receives conflicting signals to speed up (from amphetamine) and slow down (from the barbiturate), leading to irregular heartbeat and increased risk of heart attack or stroke [1.5.2].
- Respiratory depression: Barbiturates suppress breathing. While the amphetamine might counteract this initially, if it wears off first, the full depressive effect of the barbiturate can take hold, leading to respiratory failure.
- High potential for abuse and addiction: The euphoric effects made the drug highly desirable, and users quickly developed a psychic dependence [1.4.2].
- Impaired judgment: The combination could lead to disinhibition and paranoia, impairing a user's decision-making abilities [1.4.8].
| Feature | Dextroamphetamine (Stimulant) | Amobarbital (Depressant) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Effect | Increased energy, alertness, euphoria | Sedation, relaxation, anxiety reduction |
| Physical Signs | Dilated pupils, fast heart rate, dry mouth | Constricted pupils, slowed breathing |
| Risks | Anxiety, insomnia, psychosis, heart strain | Respiratory depression, cognitive impairment |
| Slang Names | Dexies, Speed | Downers |
The End of an Era
The growing awareness of the dangers led to increased legal control. In 1964, unauthorized possession of amphetamines was banned in the UK, though this initially only drove up the street price [1.2.4, 1.2.5]. As evidence of addiction and psychiatric harm mounted, medical consensus shifted [1.3.8]. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, pharmaceutical companies discontinued products like Dexamyl and Drinamyl in favor of newer antidepressants (like MAOIs and TCAs) that had a lower potential for abuse [1.3.2, 1.4.1]. In the United States, amphetamines were classified as Schedule II controlled substances, recognizing their high potential for abuse alongside their accepted medical uses [1.6.2, 1.6.5].
Conclusion
What were the Purple Hearts drugs? They were a product of their time—a pharmaceutical attempt to balance energy and calm that was co-opted by a youth culture seeking perpetual motion [1.3.1, 1.7.1]. The combination of dextroamphetamine and amobarbital in brands like Dexamyl and Drinamyl defined a generation's search for a thrill but ultimately proved to be a dangerously unstable cocktail [1.2.1]. Their story serves as a stark pharmacological lesson on the risks of combining stimulants with depressants, leading to their eventual withdrawal from the market and their legacy as a cultural and medical relic [1.3.2].
For more information on drug classifications, see the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
