Crystal Methemphetamines

                Fahad B. Iqbal

Blogpost #4

          Crystal methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. Nearly 25 million people worldwide are estimated to have used amphetamine and methamphetamine in the past 12 months (Buxton and Dove, 2008). The drug is made easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively inexpensive over-the counter ingredients. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. There are a few accepted medical reasons for its use, such as the treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and for short-term use-obesity; but these medical uses are limited. This article found that crystal methamphetamine appears to cause long-term structural damage to the regions of the brain that control memory and motor coordination. These effects may be related to the length of time that methamphetamine remains in the user’s system. 

          Compared to cocaine and other drugs, methamphetamine remains active in the body much longer, and a greater percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body. Smoking cocaine produces a high that lasts 20-30 minutes, while smoking methamphetamine produces a high that lasts 8-24 hours. It takes one hour for 50% of a specified amount of cocaine to be removed from the body, while it takes twelve hours for 50% of the same amount of methamphetamine to be removed. Studies have found that crystal methamphetamine users exhibit power, confidence, endless energy, increased productivity, enhanced sexual performance and reduced appetite at first. Later that same ‘great’ drug now develops cognitive impairment, after continued use. Active crystal methamphetamine users are impaired in their ability to learn, recall, make inferences, manipulate information, and ignore irrelevant information. 

          Side effects include rapid and irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, hyperthermia, convulsions, stroke, insomnia, restlessness, and tremors. After prolonged use, crystal methamphetamine users may exhibit nosebleeds, itching, skin welts and lesions, and infected injection sites. They may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Weight loss and malnutrition are common, due to the decrease in appetite caused by the drug. Users may have significant dental problems, including gum disease and tooth loss, after long-term use. Dental problems result from a combination of factors, including the reduction in saliva caused by methamphetamine, poor dental hygiene, and poor nutrition due to decreased appetite.

Buxton JA, Dove NA. The burden and management of crystal meth use. Can Med Assoc J.    

          2008;178:1537–1539. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.071234.