Facts About Methamphetamine

Mary Pat Higley, PharmD, MBA

Description

• Crystalline white powder• Odorless• Bitter-tasting• Dissolves easily in water or alcohol• Colors-brown, yellow-gray, orange, and pink• Clear chunky crystals (resembles ice)

Historical Background

• 1919-developed in Japan• Methamphetamine was used by both sides

during WWII to keep troops awake• 1950s-prescribed as diet aid and to fight

depression• 1970-U.S. govt. made it illegal for most uses

Slang/Street Names

• Amp• Blue belly• Crystal• La glass• Speed• White cross• White crunch• Tweak • Crank

Body Intake

• Smoked (most common)• Snorted• Swallowed• Inhaled• Dissolved in water or alcohol• Injected

Long Term Effects

• Irregular heartbeat (can lead to cardiovascular collapse or death)

• Liver, kidney and lung damage• Brain damage-memory loss, inability to grasp

abstract thoughts, extreme mood swings• Increased heart rate and blood pressure• Damaged blood vessels (can lead to stroke or

death)• Addiction

Short Term Effects

• Euphoria-feeling of intense well-being or elation• Weight loss• Insomnia• Hyperactivity• Nausea• Hallucinations• Increased aggressiveness• Irritability• Anxiety• Paranoia

Drug Classification

• Stimulant-drug that speeds up the central nervous system (CNS)

Medical Uses

• Treats ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

• Treats exogenous obesity (obesity originating from factors outside of the patient’s control)

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