Methamphetamine

Type
Psychoactive
Legal status
Class A
Legal implications
Penalty for possession: Up to seven years in prison and / or an unlimited fine.
Penalty for dealing: Up to life in prison and / or an unlimited fine.
Synonyms
  • Desoxyephedrine
Information

Methamphetamineis a stimulant drug that is chemically similar to amphetamine. Methamphetamine increases the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine, leading to high levels of that chemical in the brain.

Death data

There have been deaths reported following methamphetamine ingestion as low as 1.5 mg/kg (140 mg) (Zalis and Parmley 1963).

Short term effects

Methamphetamine may cause euphoria, increase alertness, intensify emotions and boost self-esteem. In addition tremor, sweating, dilated pupils, agitation, confusion, headache, anxiety, vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures, hallucinations or delusions. Chest pain, palpitations, dyspnoea, systemic hypotension or hypertension may occur. Narrow-complex tachycardias are common; ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation may occur. Hyperpyrexia may be severe. Metabolic acidosis may also occur.

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