FACTS ABOUT METHAMPHETAMINE
1. Methamphetamine is a stimulant similar to cocaine except it is cheaper and longer
acting.
2. It is among the most common illicit drugs. It can be smoked or injected intravenously (IV). It reaches the brain quickly, causing euphoria (feeling happy), excitability and little need for sleep.
3. Other effects are increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, tremors (shaking) and fever. Large doses may cause auditory hallucinations (hearing sounds that aren’t there), feelings of persecution and psychosis (inability to know reality).
4. Psychosis is more common than with cocaine because methamphetamine is longer
lasting.
5. Brain damage may occur and it may be permanent.
6. Like cocaine, there is loss of appetite, with weight loss and malnutrition. .
7. IV use with contaminated needles may result in AIDS, abscesses, hepatitis B or C,
and infections within the heart or elsewhere.
8. When a pregnant woman uses amphetamines, the baby may be malnourished with
low birth weight.
9. Withdrawal causes great fatigue, depression, suicidal thoughts, and perhaps the
psychosis mentioned above, especially after prolonged use.
10. Withdrawal does not require medical care unless suicidal thoughts or psychosis occur or other medical problems are present.