Methamphetamine: Difference between revisions

'''N-Methylamphetamine''' (also known as '''Methamphetamine''', '''Ma''', '''Meth''', '''Glass''', '''Ice''', '''Shard''', '''Crank''', '''Tina''', '''T''', '''Tweak''', '''Yaba''', and '''Crystal'''<ref name="erowid">Erowid. (1992). Erowid Methamphetamine (Speed, Crank) Vault. Retrieved from https://erowid.org/chemicals/meth/meth.shtml</ref>) is a potent [[psychoactive class::stimulant]] substance of the [[chemical class::amphetamine]] class. Along with [[heroin]] and [[cocaine]], it has a notorious reputation as a dangerous and highly addictive "street drug".<ref>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4706185/ Galbraith, Niall. “The methamphetamine problem: Commentary on … Psychiatric morbidity and socio-occupational dysfunction in residents of a drug rehabilitation centre.” ''BJPsych bulletin'' vol. 39,5 (2015): 218-20. doi:10.1192/pb.bp.115.050930]</ref> It is structurally related to [[amphetamine]]; the addition of the methyl group is thought to increase its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, significantly enhancing its potency.{{citation needed}} It produces its effects by increasing levels of the [[neurotransmitters]] [[serotonin]], [[dopamine]], and [[norepinephrine]] in the brain.

Methamphetamine was first synthesized from [[ephedrine]] contained in Ephedra sinica Staphf in 1893 by Japanese chemist, Nagayoshi Nagai.<ref>Nagai N (1893) Studies on the components of Ephedraceaein herb medicine. Yakugaku

Zasshi 139 :901-933</ref> However, it was not widely used until World War II, in which both Allies and Axis forces utilized its stimulant effects.<ref name=":0" /> As the addictive properties became known, governments began to place strict controls on methamphetamine manufacture and distribution. Despite these efforts, methamphetamine abuse has become a major public health problem throughout the world.

[[Subjective effects]] include [[motivation enhancement]], [[stamina enhancement]], [[appetite suppression]], [[increased libido]], and [[euphoria]]. Chronic high-dose use can induce states of [[anxiety]] & [[paranoia]], [[delusions]], [[thought disorganization]], [[psychosis]], and violent behavior. It is associated with [[compulsive redosing]], especially when it is [[vaporized]] ("smoked") or [[injected]], due to the overwhelming [[euphoric]] rush it produces in the user upon initial administration.

Methamphetamine has been shown to have extremely high abuse and addiction potential; it is widely considered to be one of the most addictive substances due to the intense euphoria it produces.{{citation needed}} Additionally, unlike [[amphetamine]] at therapeutic doses, methamphetamine at moderate to heavy [[recreational drug use|recreational doses]] is considered to be directly [[Neurotoxicity|neurotoxic]] to humans, damaging both [[dopamine]] and [[serotonin]] [[neurons]] within the central nervous system. In nonhuman mammals, degeneration of monaminergic terminals and neuronal apoptosis (cell death) has been known to occur.<ref>Jayanthi, S., Daiwile, A. P., & Cadet, J. L. (2021). Neurotoxicity of methamphetamine: Main effects and mechanisms. ''Experimental Neurology'', ''344'', 113795. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113795</nowiki></ref> In humans the effects are also [[Neurotoxicity|neurotoxic]].<ref>Khoshsirat, S., Khoramgah, M. S., Mahmoudiasl, G.-R., Rezaei-Tavirani, M., Abdollahifar, M.-A., Tahmasebinia, F., Darabi, S., Niknazar, S., & Abbaszadeh, H. A. (2020). LC3 and ATG5 overexpression and neuronal cell death in the prefrontal cortex of postmortem chronic methamphetamine users. ''Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy'', ''107'', 101802. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jchemneu.2020.101802</nowiki></ref> It also displays cardiotoxicity, including [[increased blood pressure]] and elevated risk of stroke and heart attack. It is highly advised to use [[responsible drug use|harm reduction practices]] if using this substance.