Methamphetamines, or meth, are a type of stimulant that impacts the central nervous system. It is a powerful drug that can be used in a variety of ways: injection, snorting or smoking.

People can become addicted to methamphetamine very quickly. They start using to feel a rush, but over time they build up a tolerance and need higher doses to get the same effect.

History

Methamphetamines have a long history of use and abuse. They are a type of synthetic drug that is made from the chemical amphetamine hydrochloride.

Amphetamines were first synthesized in 1887 by a German scientist. They were first used to treat asthma, hay fever, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.

The drug’s popularity began to rise during World War II when soldiers and military pilots used it as a stimulant. In Germany, the Temmler pharmaceutical company sold methamphetamine tablets under the brand name Pervitim to help soldiers stay alert and increase their endurance for battle.

The drug was also popular among Japanese Kamikaze pilots, as well as truck drivers and students who needed to stay awake for long periods of time. Organized crime syndicate Yakuza in Japan later began distributing methamphetamine after the war.

Symptoms

One of the first signs that someone is using methamphetamines is a loss of interest in their hobbies, relationships, and career goals. They begin to focus on getting the drug and preparing it for use.

Methamphetamines can quickly change how the brain functions and speed up the body’s systems to dangerous, sometimes lethal, levels. Users often experience anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, aggressiveness, and mood swings.

They can also experience a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to a serious, life-threatening condition called cardiovascular disease.

The long-term effects of methamphetamine use can include memory and verbal learning problems, confusion, depression, and severe dental problems. These problems can lead to a permanent disability and even death.

The symptoms of methamphetamine overdose can include restlessness, tremors, agitation, twitching, rapid breathing, violence, panic, muscle pain or weakness, and dark-colored urine. They may also cause seizures and coma.

Treatment

Methamphetamines are powerful stimulants that can be swallowed, injected or smoked. They produce a quick and intense high that may last several hours or less.

Prescription amphetamines are available to treat sleep problems, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. However, amphetamines are addictive when used without a prescription.

A new study shows that a combination of two drugs used in the treatment of other disorders might help people addicted to methamphetamines scale back their use. The trial combined extended-release naltrexone with oral bupropion.

The medication is designed to block opioid receptors in the brain and reduce cravings for methamphetamines, a common drug of abuse. It also helps with withdrawal symptoms and relapse prevention.

Overdose

Methamphetamines (or crystal meth) are drugs that give people a quick but intense high. They are swallowed, smoked or injected. Meth can cause problems if taken in large doses, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of an overdose.

You need to call for medical help right away if you think someone is overdosing on meth. Emergency responders will check the person’s breathing and heart rate to make sure they haven’t suffered a stroke or a heart attack.

The first responders may administer an antidote such as naloxone hydrochloride to reverse the effects of the drug in the body and start treatment for any underlying issues that could have caused the overdose.

Methamphetamines are a strong stimulant, which means they can quickly cause serious problems in the brain and heart. They can also affect the body’s levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and serotonin, making users crave more of them.