General overview
Methamphetamine is the shortened form of N-methyl-alpha-methylphenethylamine. It is a recreational drug which stimulates the central nervous system.
In the United States, methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn) is approved by the FDA as a medication which is used to manage conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity in adults and children. Due to the dangers of central nervous system overstimulation, this drug is rarely prescribed and other substitutes are rather recommended.
The issue with methamphetamine is that at low doses it can induce euphoric feelings, increase the user's mood, increase alertness and concentration, increase energy levels in fatigued individuals and can decrease appetite and stimulate weight loss. Due to these situations, methamphetamine has been abused by scholars and students to help them study during exam times and by individuals looking to get that 'high' feeling from this drug.
Major problem with methamphetamine
When taken at high doses, this drug can cause psychosis (detachment from reality), muscle breakdown and even cerebral hemorrhage.
The following are symptoms and behaviors which can be experienced by chronic users of this drug:
- Unpredictable and rapid mood swings.
- Delusions.
- Violent behavior.
- Increased sex drive and thus high risk activity with possible exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses.
- Irritability and restlessness.
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Physical effects caused by the drug
- Rapid breathing.
- High body temperature.
- Excessive sweating.
- Dilated pupils.
- Fluctuating blood pressures.
- Tremors and twitching.
- Irregular and fluctuating heartbeat.
- Dizziness.
- Dry mouth.
- Loss of appetite.
- Hyperactivity.
Drug overdose
- Convulsions or seizures.
- Coma or unconsciousness.
- Very high body temperature.
- Very irregular heartbeat.
- Shallow breathing or difficulty breathing.
- Chest pains.
- Severe lower abdominal pain.
- Very aggressive behavior that can't be controlled. The police need to be called if the person is a danger to themselves or others.