Methamphetamine
Systematic (IUPAC) name
2S-n-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine
Identifiers
CAS number	537-46-2
ATC code	N06BA03
PubChem	1206
Chemical data
Formula	C10H15N
Mol. mass	149. IUPAC Nomenclature is a system of naming Chemical compounds and of describing the science of Chemistry in general CAS registry numbers are unique numerical identifiers for Chemical compounds Polymers biological sequences mixtures and Alloys They are also referred to The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System is used for the classification of drugs It is controlled by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System containing Psychoanaleptics. PubChem is a Database of chemical Molecules The system is maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI a component A chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the Atoms that constitute a particular Chemical compound, and how the relationship between those atoms changes Carbon (kɑɹbən is a Chemical element with the symbol C and its Atomic number is 6 Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 Nitrogen (ˈnaɪtɹəʤɪn is a Chemical element that has the symbol N and Atomic number 7 and Atomic weight 14 The molecular mass (abbreviated m of a substance, more commonly referred to as molecular weight and abbreviated as MW, is the Mass of one 233 g/mol
SMILES	eMolecules & PubChem
Synonyms	Desoxyephedrine Pervitin Anadrex Metamfetamine Methylamphetamine Syndrox Desoxyn
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	62. This article deals with the general meaning of the term "synonym" In Pharmacology, bioavailability is used to describe the fraction of an administered Dose of unchanged drug that reaches the Systemic circulation, one of 7% oral; 79% nasal; 90. 3% smoked; 99% rectally; 100% IV
Metabolism	Hepatic
Half life	9–15 hours[1]
Excretion	Renal
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	C(US)
Legal status	Controlled (S8)(AU) Schedule I(CA) Schedule II(US) Class A(NZ) Schedule 5(SA) Injectable:Class A, Oral: A(UK)
Routes	Medical: Oral Recreational: Oral, I.V., I.M., Insufflation, Inhalation, Suppository

Methamphetamine (/mɛθæmfɛtəmiːn/, a. Drug metabolism is the Metabolism of drugs, their Biochemical modification or degradation usually through specialized enzymatic systems The liver is a vital organ in the human body and is present in Vertebrates and some other animals The biological half-life of a substance is the time it takes for a substance (drug radioactive nuclide or other to lose half of its pharmacologic physiologic or radiologic activity Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products of Metabolism and other non-useful materials The kidneys are complicated organs that have numerous biological roles The pregnancy category of a pharmaceutical agent is an assessment of the risk of fetal injury due to the pharmaceutical if it is used as directed by the mother during The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The regulation of therapeutic goods, that is drugs and therapeutic devices, varies by jurisdiction The Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Drugs and Poisons, abbreviated SUSDP, is a document used in the regulation of drugs and poisons in Australia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is Canada 's federal drug control statute Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The Controlled Substances Act ( CSA) was enacted into law by the Congress of the United States as Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control The United States of America —commonly referred to as the New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located In Pharmacology and Toxicology, a route Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the giving of Liquid substances directly into a Vein. Intramuscular injection is the injection of a substance directly into a Muscle. k. a. methylamphetamine or desoxyephedrine) is a psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Stimulant drugs are Drugs that temporarily increase alertness and awareness Sympathomimetic drugs are substances that mimic the effects of the Catecholamines Epinephrine (adrenaline Norepinephrine (noradrenaline and/or A psychoactive drug or psychotropic substance is a Chemical substance that acts primarily upon the Central nervous system where it alters Brain The dextrorotatory (S-isomer) dextromethamphetamine can be prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, though unmethylated amphetamine is more commonly prescribed. Dextrorotation and levorotation (also spelled laevorotation) refer respectively to the properties of rotating plane Polarized light clockwise (for dextrorotation This article is about the chemical concept For "isomerism" of atomic nuclei see Nuclear isomer. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's population Narcolepsy and obesity can also be treated by the aforementioned isomer under the brand name Desoxyn. Narcolepsy is a Neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS in which a person falls asleep during the day at inappropriate Desoxyn is a brand of Methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as desoxyephedrine hence the name "Desoxyn" indicated for treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity It is considered a second line of treatment, used when amphetamine and methylphenidate cause the patient too many side effects. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine It is only recommended for short term use (~6 weeks) in obesity patients because it is thought that the anorectic effects of the drug are short lived and produce tolerance quickly, whereas the effects on CNS stimulation are much less susceptable to tolerance. It is also used illegally for weight loss and to maintain alertness, focus, motivation, and mental clarity for extended periods of time, and for recreational purposes. Recreational drug use is the use of Psychoactive drugs for Recreational purposes rather than for work, medical or spiritual purposes

Methamphetamine enters the brain and triggers a cascading release of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. The brain is the center of the Nervous system in animals All Vertebrates and the majority of Invertebrates have a brain Technical advancements in recent years have allowed progress toward the understanding of the Brain and how drugs can be made to affect it Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a Dopamine is a Hormone and Neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates Serotonin (ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnən ( 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a Monoamine Neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic Neurons To a lesser extent methamphetamine acts as a dopaminergic and adrenergic reuptake inhibitor and in high concentrations as a monamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors ( DARI) Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors, Dopamine Transporter Inhibitors are compounds that inhibit the Reuptake of extracellular The adrenergic receptors (or adrenoceptors) are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that are targets of the Catecholamines Adrenergic receptors Reuptake, or re-uptake, is the reabsorption of a Neurotransmitter by the Neurotransmitter transporter of a pre-synaptic Neuron after Monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOIs) are a class of powerful antidepressant drugs prescribed for the treatment of depression. Since it stimulates the mesolimbic reward pathway, causing euphoria and excitement, it is prone to abuse and addiction. The mesolimbic pathway is one of the Neural pathways in the Brain that links the Ventral tegmentum in the Midbrain to the Nucleus accumbens Substance abuse is the overindulgence in and dependence of a Drug or other chemical leading to effects that are detrimental to the individual's physical and mental health Users may become obsessed or perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, hand-washing, or assembling and disassembling objects. Punding is Human activity characterized by compulsive fascination with and performance of repetitive mechanical tasks such as assembling and disassembling collecting Withdrawal is characterized by excessive sleeping, eating, and depression-like symptoms, often accompanied by anxiety and drug-craving. In the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry, the terms depression or depressed refer to both expected and pathologically chronic or severe ^[2] Users of methamphetamine sometimes take sedatives such as benzodiazepines as a means of easing their "come down". A sedative, or more specifically a sedative-hypnotic, is a substance that depresses the Central nervous system (CNS resulting in calmness relaxation sleepiness The benzodiazepines (pronounced, often abbreviated to "benzos") are a class of Psychoactive drugs with varying Hypnotic

Common nicknames for methamphetamine include "meth", "ice", "crystal", "tina", "p", "bitch" and "glass". Methamphetamine is sometimes referred to as "speed", but this term is usually used for regular amphetamine or dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Dextroamphetamine is a Psychostimulant which produces increased wakefulness energy and self-confidence in association with decreased fatigue and appetite

Contents 1 History 1.1 World War II 1.2 Post-war use 1.3 Legal restrictions 2 Pharmacology 2.1 Effects 2.2 Pharmacokinetics 2.3 Tolerance 2.4 Addiction 3 Natural occurrence 4 Medical use 5 Health issues 5.1 Meth mouth 5.2 Hygiene 5.3 Sexual behaviour 5.4 Epidemiology of methamphetamine abuse 5.5 Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding 6 Routes of administration 6.1 Smoking 6.2 Injection 6.3 Other methods 7 Illicit production 7.1 Synthesis 7.2 Production and distribution 8 Legality 8.1 Australia 8.2 Canada 8.3 Hong Kong 8.4 The Netherlands 8.5 New Zealand 8.6 South Africa 8.7 United Kingdom 8.8 United States 8.9 Legality of similar chemicals 9 See also 10 References 11 Footnotes 12 Documentaries 13 External links

History

Methamphetamine was first synthesized from ephedrine in Japan in 1893 by chemist Nagayoshi Nagai. Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Year 1893 ( MDCCCXCIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common ( 8 August 1844 - 10 February 1929) was a notable Japanese Organic chemist and Pharmacologist, best known for ^[3] In 1919, crystallized methamphetamine was synthesized by Akira Ogata via reduction of ephedrine using red phosphorus and iodine. Year 1919 ( MCMXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Akira Ogata (Ogata Akira 緒方 章 1887-1978 was a Japanese Chemist and the first to synthesize Methamphetamine in crystalline form in 1919 Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Iodine (ˈaɪədaɪn ˈaɪədɪn or /ˈaɪədiːn/ from ιώδης iodes "violet" is a Chemical element that has the symbol I and Atomic The related compound amphetamine was first synthesized in Germany in 1887 by Lazăr Edeleanu. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. Year 1887 ( MDCCCLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Lazăr Edeleanu (1861-1941 was a Romanian Chemist of Jewish origin

World War II

One of the earliest uses of methamphetamine was during World War II when the German military dispensed it under the trade name Pervitin. ^[4] It was widely distributed across rank and division, from elite forces to tank crews and aircraft personnel. Chocolates dosed with methamphetamine were known as Fliegerschokolade ("flyer's chocolate") when given to pilots, or Panzerschokolade ("tanker's chocolate") when given to tank crews. From 1942 until his death in 1945, Adolf Hitler was given frequent intravenous injections of methamphetamine by his personal physician, Theodor Morell as a treatment for depression and fatigue. Hi and welcome to Wikipedia! Please understand that this article is frequently vandalized and vandalism is reverted immediately Theodor (Theo Gilbert Morell ( July 22 1886 &ndash May 26 1948) was German dictator Adolf Hitler 's personal Physician It is possible that it was used to treat Hitler's speculated Parkinson's disease, or that his Parkinson-like symptoms which developed from 1940 onwards were related to use of methamphetamine. Parkinson's disease (also known as Parkinson disease or PD) is a degenerative disorder of the Central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's ^[5]

Post-war use

After World War II, a large supply of amphetamine, formerly stockpiled by the Japanese military, became available in Japan under the street name shabu (also Philopon, pronounced ヒロポン, or Hiropon, a tradename)^[6]. The Japanese Ministry of Health banned it in 1951; and its prohibition is thought to have added to the growing yakuza-activities related to illicit drug production. History Origins Despite their notoriety in modern Japan the precise origin of the Yakuza is still somewhat the subject of debate ^[7] Today, methamphetamine is still associated with the Japanese underworld, but its usage is discouraged by strong social taboos.

In the 1950s there was a rise in the legal prescription of methamphetamine to the American public. The 1950s Decade refers to the years of 1950 to 1959 inclusive According to the 1951 edition of Pharmacology and Therapeutics by Arthur Grollman, it was to be prescribed for "narcolepsy, post-encephalitic Parkinsonism, alcoholism, . Narcolepsy is a Neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS in which a person falls asleep during the day at inappropriate Encephalitis is an acute Inflammation of the Brain, commonly caused by a viral Infection. Parkinsonism (also known as Parkinson's syndrome, atypical Parkinson's, or secondary Parkinson's) is a neurological Syndrome characterized Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions . . in certain depressive states. . . and in the treatment of obesity. Obesity is a condition in which excess Body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected "

The 1960s saw the start of significant use of clandestinely manufactured methamphetamine as well as methamphetamine created in users' own homes for personal use. The 1960s decade refers to the years from the beginning of 1960 to the end of 1969 The recreational use of methamphetamine peaked in the 1980s. The December 2, 1989 edition of The Economist described San Diego, California as the "methamphetamine capital of North America. The Economist is an English-language weekly news and International affairs publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd and edited in London "

In 2000, The Economist again described San Diego, California as the methamphetamine capital of North America, and South Gate, California as the second capital city. The Economist is an English-language weekly news and International affairs publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd and edited in London South Gate is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States.

Legal restrictions

In 1983 laws were passed in the United States prohibiting possession of precursors and equipment for methamphetamine production; this was followed a month later by a bill passed in Canada enacting similar laws. In 1986 the U. S. government passed the Federal Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act in an attempt to curb the growing use of designer drugs. Designer drug is a term used to describe Psychoactive drugs which are created (or marketed if they had already existed to get around existing Drug laws Despite this, or perhaps in part because of this, usage of methamphetamine expanded throughout rural United States, especially through the Midwest and South.

Since 1989 five U. S. federal laws and dozens of state laws have been imposed in an attempt to curb the production of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine can be produced in home laboratories using pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, the active ingredients in over-the-counter drugs such as Sudafed and Contac. Sudafed is a Brand name and registered Trademark for a family of over-the-counter (OTC Decongestants manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. However, preventative legal strategies of the past 17 years have steadily increased restrictions to the distribution of pseudoephedrine/ephedrine-containing products.

As a result of the U. S. Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005, a subsection of the PATRIOT Act, there are restrictions on the amount of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine one may purchase in a specified time period, and further requirements that these products must be stored in order to prevent theft. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 ( CMEA) was signed into United States law on March 9, 2006 to regulate among other things retail over-the-counter The USA PATRIOT Act, commonly known as the Patriot Act, is a controversial Act of Congress that U ^[8]

Pharmacology

Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant which affects neurochemical mechanisms responsible for regulating heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, appetite, attention, mood and responses associated with alertness or alarm conditions. In Vertebrates the central nervous system ( CNS) is the part of the Nervous system which is enclosed in the Meninges. Stimulant drugs are Drugs that temporarily increase alertness and awareness The acute effects of the drug closely resemble the physiological and psychological effects of an epinephrine-provoked fight-or-flight response, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, vasoconstriction (constriction of the arterial walls), bronchodilation, and hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar). The fight-or-flight response', also called the fright, fight or flight response, hyperarousal or the acute stress response, was first Vasoconstriction is the narrowing of the blood vessels resulting from contraction of the muscular wall of the vessels particularly the large Arteries, Arterioles A bronchodilator is a substance that dilates the bronchi and Bronchioles decreasing airway resistance and thereby facilitating airflow Hyperglycemia, hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar is a condition in which an excessive amount of Glucose circulates in the Blood plasma Users experience an increase in focus, increased mental alertness, and the elimination of fatigue, as well as a decrease in appetite.

The methyl group is responsible for the potentiation of effects as compared to the related compound amphetamine, rendering the substance on the one hand more lipid soluble and easing transport across the blood brain barrier, and on the other hand more stable against enzymatic degradation by MAO. In Chemistry, a methyl group is a Hydrophobic Alkyl Functional group named after Methane (4 Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine The blood-brain barrier (BBB is a metabolic or cellular structure in the Central nervous system (CNS that restricts the passage of various chemical substances and microscopic Methamphetamine causes the norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin(5HT) transporters to reverse their direction of flow. Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a Dopamine is a Hormone and Neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates Serotonin (ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnən ( 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a Monoamine Neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic Neurons This inversion leads to a release of these transmitters from the vesicles to the cytoplasm and from the cytoplasm to the synapse (releasing monoamines in rats with ratios of about NE:DA = 1:2, NE:5HT= 1:60), causing increased stimulation of post-synaptic receptors. Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a Dopamine is a Hormone and Neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates Serotonin (ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnən ( 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a Monoamine Neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic Neurons Methamphetamine also indirectly prevents the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, causing them to remain in the synaptic cleft for a prolonged period (inhibiting monoamine reuptake in rats with ratios of about: NE:DA = 1:2. 35, NE:5HT = 1:44. 5^[9]).

Methamphetamine is a potent neurotoxin, shown to cause dopaminergic degeneration. ^[10][11] High doses of methamphetamine produce losses in several markers of brain dopamine and serotonin neurons. Dopamine and serotonin concentrations, dopamine and 5HT uptake sites, and tyrosine and tryptophan hydroxylase activities are reduced after the administration of methamphetamine. It has been proposed that dopamine plays a role in methamphetamine induced neurotoxicity because experiments which reduce dopamine production or block the release of dopamine decrease the toxic effects of methamphetamine administration. When dopamine breaks down it produces reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS are ions or very small molecules that include Oxygen Ions free radicals, and Peroxides both inorganic and It is likely that the oxidative stress that occurs after taking methamphetamine mediates its neurotoxicity. ^[12] It has been demonstrated that a high ambient temperature increases the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine. ^[13]

Recent research published in the Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics (2007) [1], indicates that methamphetamine binds to a group of receptors called TAAR. Trace amine-associated receptors, abbreviated TAAR and previously abbreviated TAR and TA, are a class of G protein-coupled receptors identified TAAR is a newly discovered receptor system which seems to be affected by a range of amphetamine-like substances called trace amines. Trace amines are Endogenous compounds structurally related to classical Biogenic amines, such as Catecholamines, Serotonin and Histamine

Effects

Common immediate effects. :^[14]

• Euphoria
• Increased energy and attentiveness
• Diarrhea, nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of appetite, insomnia, tremor, jaw-clenching (Bruxism)
• Agitation, compulsive fascination with repetitive tasks (Punding)
• Talkativeness, irritability, panic attacks
• Increased libido

Side effects associated with chronic use:

• Drug craving
• Weight loss
• Withdrawal-related depression and anhedonia
• Rapid tooth decay ("meth mouth") (often exacerbated by resultant poor dental hygiene)
• Amphetamine psychosis
• Dopamine receptor downregulation and hypersensitization
• Axonic degeneration of the dopamine axon terminals in the striatum, frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala

Side effects associated with overdose:

• Brain damage/ Meningitis (Neurotoxicity)
• Formication (sensation of flesh crawling with bugs, with possible associated compulsive picking and infecting sores)
• Paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, which may trigger a tension headache
• Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle breakdown) which leads to Kidney failure

Death from overdose is usually due to stroke, heart failure, but can also be caused by cardiac arrest (sudden death) or hyperthermia. Euphoria is a medically recognized emotional state related to Pleasure and Happiness. In Medicine, diarrhea, also spelled diarrhoea (see spelling differences) is frequent loose or liquid Bowel movements Acute diarrhea Nausea ( Latin: Nausea, Greek:, " Sea-sickness " also called wamble) is the sensation of unease and discomfort Bruxism (from the Greek βρυγμός (brugmós gnashing of teeth) is the grinding of the teeth and is typically accompanied by the clenching Punding is Human activity characterized by compulsive fascination with and performance of repetitive mechanical tasks such as assembling and disassembling collecting Libido in its common usage means Sexual desire however more technical definitions such as those found in the work of Carl Jung, are more general referring to libido In Psychology, anhedonia ( Greek αν- an- without + ηδονή hēdonē pleasure) is an inability to experience Meth mouth is an informal name for advanced tooth decay attributed to heavy Methamphetamine use Amphetamine psychosis is a form of Psychosis which can result from Amphetamine or Methamphetamine use Dopamine receptors are a class of metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors that are prominent in the Vertebrate Central nervous system (CNS An axon or nerve fiber is a long slender projectionof a nerve cell or Neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's Cell The striatum is a subcortical (ie inside rather than on the outside part of the Telencephalon. The frontal lobe is an area in the Brain of Mammals It is located at the front of each Cerebral hemisphere and positioned anterior to (in front of the The nucleus accumbens (NAcc also known as the accumbens nucleus or as the nucleus accumbens septi (Latin for nucleus leaning against the Septum The la amygdalae ( Latin, also la corpus amygdaloideum, singular la amygdala, from Greek el αμυγδαλή grc-Latn amygdalē, 'almond' Meningitis is Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the Brain and Spinal cord, known collectively as the Meninges. Formication is a somewhat unusual but medically well-known abnormal sensation Tension headaches, which were renamed tension-type headaches by the International Headache Society in 1988 are the most common type of primary Headaches Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown ( Lysis) of Skeletal muscle tissue ( rhabdomyo) due to injury to muscle tissue Renal failure or kidney

Buffenstein et al. (1997) showed through SPECT scanning of methamphetamine abusers in Hawaii that brain deterioration continues for months after abstinence, possibly suggesting another unique and pathological feature of methamphetamine.

Pharmacokinetics

The half life of methamphetamine is 9–15 hours. It is excreted by the kidneys and its half life depends on urinary pH. One of the metabolites of methamphetamine is amphetamine. ^[15]

Tolerance

As with other amphetamines, tolerance to methamphetamine is not completely understood, but known to be sufficiently complex that it cannot be explained by any single mechanism. The extent of tolerance and the rate at which it develops varies widely between individuals, and even within one person it is highly dependent on dosage, duration of use and frequency of administration. Many cases of narcolepsy are treated with methamphetamine for years without escalating doses or any apparent loss of effect. Narcolepsy is a Neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS in which a person falls asleep during the day at inappropriate

Short term tolerance can be caused by depleted levels of neurotransmitters within the vesicles available for release into the synaptic cleft following subsequent reuse (tachyphylaxis). See Chemical synapse for an introduction to concepts and terminology used in this article Chemical synapses are specialized junctions through which Neurons signal to each other and to non-neuronal cells such as those in Muscles or Glands Tachyphylaxis is a medical term describing a rapidly decreasing response to a drug following administration of the initial doses Short term tolerance typically lasts until neurotransmitter levels are fully replenished, because of the toxic effects on dopaminergic neurons, this can be greater than 2–3 days. Prolonged overstimulation of dopamine receptors caused by methamphetamine may eventually cause the receptors to downregulate in order to compensate for increased levels of dopamine within the synaptic cleft. Dopamine receptors are a class of metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors that are prominent in the Vertebrate Central nervous system (CNS WikipediaWikipedia is not a dictionary ---> Downregulation is the process by which Dopamine is a Hormone and Neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates ^[16] To compensate, larger quantities of the drug are needed in order to achieve the same level of effects.

Addiction

Methamphetamine is addictive^[17], especially when injected or smoked. The term " addiction " is used in many contexts to describe an obsession compulsion or excessive Physical dependence or psychological dependence such as ^[18] While not life-threatening, withdrawal is often intense and, as with all addictions, relapse is common. A relapse (etymologically "who falls again" occurs when a person is affected again by a condition that affected them in the past To combat relapse, many recovering addicts attend 12 Step meetings, such as Crystal Meth Anonymous. A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles for recovery from Addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems Crystal Meth Anonymous ( CMA) is an Twelve-step program of recovered and recovering Methamphetamine addicts

Methamphetamine-induced hyperstimulation of pleasure pathways leads to anhedonia. In Psychology, anhedonia ( Greek αν- an- without + ηδονή hēdonē pleasure) is an inability to experience It is possible that daily administration of the amino acids L-Tyrosine and L-5HTP/Tryptophan can aid in the recovery process by making it easier for the body to reverse the depletion of Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Serotonin. Tyrosine (abbreviated as Tyr or Y) or 4-hydroxyphenylalanine, is one of the 20 Amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize 5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a naturally-occurring Amino acid, a precursor to the Neurotransmitter Serotonin and an intermediate Tryptophan (abbreviated as Trp or W) is one of the 20 standard amino acids, as well as an Essential amino acid in the Human diet Dopamine is a Hormone and Neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a Serotonin (ˌsɛrəˈtoʊnən ( 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) is a Monoamine Neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic Neurons Although studies involving the use of these amino acids have shown some success, this method of recovery has not been shown to be consistently effective.

It is shown that taking ascorbic acid prior to using methamphetamine may help reduce acute toxicity to the brain, as rats given the human equivalent of 5-10 grams of ascorbic acid 30 minutes prior to methamphetamine dosage had toxicity mediated^[19][20], yet this will likely be of little avail in solving the other serious behavioral problems associated with methamphetamine use and addiction that many users experience. This article deals with the molecular aspects of ascorbic acid Large doses of ascorbic acid also lower urinary pH, reducing methamphetamine's elimination half-life and thus decreasing the duration of its actions. pH is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a Solution. Half-Life (computer-game page here It's already listed in the disambiguation page ^[21]

To combat addiction, doctors are beginning to use other forms of amphetamine such as dextroamphetamine to break the addiction cycle in a method similar to the use of methadone in the treatment of heroin addicts. Dextroamphetamine is a Psychostimulant which produces increased wakefulness energy and self-confidence in association with decreased fatigue and appetite Methadone ( Dolophine Amidone Methadose Physeptone Heptadon and many others is a synthetic Opioid, used medically as an Analgesic, Antitussive Heroin ( INN: diacetylmorphine, BAN: diamorphine) is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from Morphine, a derivative There are no publicly available drugs comparable to naloxone, which blocks opiate receptors and is therefore used in treating opiate dependence, for use with methamphetamine problems. Naloxone is a drug used to counter the effects of Opioid overdose, for example Heroin or Morphine overdose For other uses see Opiate (disambiguation, or for the class of drugs see Opioid. ^[22] However, experiments with some monoamine reuptake inhibitors such as indatraline have been successful in blocking the action of methamphetamine. Indatraline, also known as Lu 19-005, is a nonselective Monoamine reuptake inhibitor that has been shown to block the reuptake of Dopamine, Norepinephrine ^[23] There are studies indicating that fluoxetine, bupropion and imipramine may reduce craving and improve adherence to treatment. ^[24] Research has also suggested that modafinil can help addicts quit methamphetamine use. Modafinil ( Provigil) is a stimulant-like drug manufactured by Cephalon, and is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Narcolepsy ^[25][26]

Since the phenethylamine phentermine is a constitutional isomer of methamphetamine, it has been speculated that it may be effective in treating methamphetamine addiction. Phenethylamine, or β -phenylethylamine or 2-phenylethylamine is an Alkaloid and Monoamine. Phentermine, a contraction for " '''phen'''yl - '''ter'''tiary-butyl[[amine a' mine' ]]" is an Appetite suppressant of the Amphetamine Although phenteremine is a central nervous stimulant that acts on dopamine and norepinephrine, it has not been reported to cause the same degree of euphoria that is associated with other amphetamines. Dopamine is a Hormone and Neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates Norepinephrine ( INN) (abbreviated norepi or NE) or noradrenaline ( BAN) (abbreviated NA or NAd) is a

Abrupt interruption of chronic methamphetamine use results in the withdrawal syndrome in almost 90% of the cases. Withdrawal of amphetamine often causes a depression which is longer and deeper than even the depression from cocaine withdrawal. ^[24]

Natural occurrence

Methamphetamine occurs naturally in Acacia berlandieri and possibly Acacia rigidula, trees which grow in west Texas. Acacia berlandieri ( Berlandier Acacia, Guajillo Acacia, guajillo, huajillo) is a Shrub native to the Southwestern Acacia rigidula is native to Mexico and the southern US ( Texas) and is closely related to Acacia berlandieri. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Acacia trees contain numerous other psychoactive compounds (ex. amphetamine, mescaline, nicotine, DMT, . Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Mescaline or 345-trimethoxyphenethylamine is a naturally-occurring Psychedelic Alkaloid of the Phenethylamine class Nicotine is an Alkaloid found in the Nightshade family of plants ( Solanaceae) which constitutes approximately 0 . . ^[27]), but scientific papers specifically mentioning the presence of methamphetamine did not exist until 1997 and 1998. ^[28]

Medical use

d-Methamphetamine is used medically under the brand name Desoxyn for the following conditions:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder;
• Extreme obesity;
• Narcolepsy

Because of its social stigma and toxicity, Desoxyn is not generally prescribed for ADHD unless other stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) or mixed amphetamines (Adderall) have failed. Desoxyn is a brand of Methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as desoxyephedrine hence the name "Desoxyn" indicated for treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's population Obesity is a condition in which excess Body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected Narcolepsy is a Neurological condition most characterized by Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS in which a person falls asleep during the day at inappropriate Dextroamphetamine is a Psychostimulant which produces increased wakefulness energy and self-confidence in association with decreased fatigue and appetite Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Adderall is a brand-name pharmaceutical Psychostimulant composed of mixed Amphetamine salts, the actions of which are Sympathomimetic

Health issues

In an article about his son's addiction to methamphetamine, California writer and former methamphetamine user David Schiff said "This drug has a unique, horrific quality. " In an interview, Stephan Jenkins, the singer in the band Third Eye Blind, said that methamphetamine makes you feel "bright and shiny. Stephan Douglas Jenkins (born on September 27, 1964 in Oakland California, U Third Eye Blind (sometimes abbreviated 3eb) is an American Alternative rock band formed in the early 1990s in San Francisco. "

It also makes you paranoid, incoherent and both destructive and pathetically and relentlessly self-destructive. Then you will do unconscionable things in order to feel bright and shiny again. ^[29]

Meth mouth

Main article: Meth mouth

Methamphetamine addicts may lose their teeth abnormally quickly, a condition known as "meth mouth". Meth mouth is an informal name for advanced tooth decay attributed to heavy Methamphetamine use Meth mouth is an informal name for advanced tooth decay attributed to heavy Methamphetamine use This effect is not caused by any corrosive effects of the drug itself, which is a common myth. According to the American Dental Association, meth mouth "is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in xerostomia (dry mouth), extended periods of poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of high calorie, carbonated beverages and tooth grinding and clenching. The American Dental Association (ADA is an American Professional association established in 1859 and has more than 152000 members Xerostomia is the medical term for a dry mouth due to a lack of Saliva. Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping the Mouth and Teeth clean in order to prevent dental problems and bad breath. "^[30] Similar, though far less severe symptoms have been reported in clinical use of other amphetamines, where effects are not exacerbated by a lack of oral hygiene for extended periods. ^[31]

Like other substances which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, methamphetamine causes decreased production of acid-fighting saliva and increased thirst, resulting in increased risk for tooth decay, especially when thirst is quenched by high-sugar drinks. The Sympathetic Nervous System ( SNS) is a branch of the Autonomic nervous system along with the Enteric nervous system and Parasympathetic nervous ^[32]

Hygiene

Serious health and appearance problems are caused by unsterilized needles, lack of hygiene, and especially pollutants in street-grade methamphetamine. The use of methamphetamine may lead to hypertension, damage to heart valves, vastly deteriorated dental health, and increased risk of strokes. ^[33] Obsessive skin-picking by chronic methamphetamine users may lead to abscesses. ^[24]

Sexual behaviour

Users may exhibit sexually compulsive behaviour while under the influence. Sexual addiction is a controversial term to describe sexual behaviour that is characterized at least by two key features recurrent failure to control the behavior and continuation of the This disregard for the potential dangers of unprotected sex or other reckless sexual behavior may contribute to the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A sexually transmitted disease ( STD) or venereal disease ( VD) is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between Humans A sexually transmitted disease ( STD) or venereal disease ( VD) is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between Humans

Among the effects reported by methamphetamine users are increased libido and sexual pleasure, the ability to have sex for extended periods of time, and an inability to ejaculate or reach orgasm or physical release. Ejaculation is the ejecting of Semen from the Penis, and is usually accompanied by Orgasm. An orgasm (sexual climax is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and may be experienced by both males and females In addition to increasing the need for sex and enabling the user to engage in prolonged sexual activity, methamphetamine lowers inhibitions and may cause users to behave recklessly or to become forgetful. Users may even report negative experiences after prolonged use, which contradict reported feelings, thoughts, and attitudes achieved at similar dosages under similar circumstances but at earlier periods of an extended or prolonged cycle. ^[34]

Additionally, many chronic users find themselves engaging in excessive and repeated masturbation. According to a recent San Diego study, methamphetamine users often engage in unsafe sexual activities, and forget or choose not to use condoms. Safe sex (also called safer sex or protected sex) is the practice of Sexual activity in a manner that reduces the risk of Infection with A condom is a device most commonly used during Sexual intercourse. The study found that methamphetamine users were six times less likely to use condoms. The urgency for sex combined with the inability to achieve release (ejaculation) can result in tearing, chafing, and trauma (such as rawness and friction sores) to the sex organs, the rectum and mouth, dramatically increasing the risk of transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. A sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, as narrowly defined is any of the anatomical parts of the body which are involved in sexual reproduction and constitute The rectum (from the Latin rectum intestinum, meaning straight intestine) is the final straight portion of the Large intestine in some Mammals Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome A sexually transmitted disease ( STD) or venereal disease ( VD) is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between Humans Methamphetamine also causes erectile dysfunction due to vasoconstriction.

Epidemiology of methamphetamine abuse

In the US methamphetamine use is the highest in Native Hawaiians and Pacific islanders (2. 2%) and Native Americans (1. 7%), lower among whites (0. 7%) and Hispanics (0. 5%), and much lower in Asians (0. 2%) and blacks (0. 1%). According to one study in large cities, 13% of men having sex with men used methamphetamine in the previous 6 months. ^[24]

Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Methamphetamine passes through the placenta and is secreted in the breast milk. Half of the newborns whose mothers used methamphetamine during pregnancy experience withdrawal syndrome; this syndrome is relatively mild and required medication in only 4% of the cases. ^[24]

Routes of administration

The usual route for medical use is oral administration. In recreational use, it can be swallowed, snorted, smoked, dissolved in water and injected (or even without water, in what is called a dry shot), inserted anally (with or without dissolution in water; also known as a booty bump or shafting), or into the urethra. ^[35] The potential for addiction is greater when it is delivered by methods that cause the concentration in the blood to rise quickly, principally because the effects desired by the user are felt more quickly and with a higher intensity than through a moderated delivery mechanism.

Studies have shown that the subjective pleasure of drug use (the reinforcing component of addiction) is proportional to the rate that the blood level of the drug increases. In general, smoking is the fastest mechanism (i. e. , it causes the blood concentration to rise the most quickly in the shortest period of time as it allows the substance to travel to the brain through a more direct route than intravenous injection), followed by injecting, anal insertion, insufflation, and swallowing. Insufflation (Latin insufflatio "blowing on or into" is the practice of inhaling substances into a Body cavity.

Smoking

"Smoking" amphetamines actually refers to vaporizing it to produce fumes, rather than burning and inhaling the resulting smoke, as with tobacco. It is commonly smoked in glass pipes, or in aluminum foil heated by a flame underneath. This method is also known as "chasing the white dragon" (as derived from the method of smoking heroin known as "chasing the dragon"). "Chasing the dragon" (a Slang phrase of Cantonese origin from Hong Kong) refers to inhaling the smoke from heated Morphine, There is little evidence that Methamphetamine inhalation results in greater toxicity than any other route of administration. Lung damage has been reported with long-term use, but manifests in forms independent of route (pulmonary hypertension and associated complications), or limited to injection users (pulmonary emboli).

Injection

Injection is a popular method for use, also known as slamming, but carries quite serious risks. Injection of Recreational drugs is a method of the drug into the body with a hollow needle and a Syringe which is pierced through the skin into the body (usually Intravenous The hydrochloride salt of methamphetamine is soluble in water; injection users may use any dose from 125 mg to over a gram, using a small needle. This dosage range may be fatal to non-addicts; addicts rapidly develop tolerance to the drug. Injection users often experience skin rashes (sometimes called "speed bumps") and infections at the site of injection. As with any injected drug, if a group of users shares a common needle or any type of injecting equipment without sterilization procedures, blood-borne diseases such as HIV or hepatitis can be transmitted as well. Needle sharing is the colloquialism for the reuse of Syringes by multiple Illegal drug users to administer Intravenous drugs and is a primary vector for Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) is a Lentivirus (a member of the Retrovirus family that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to the Liver characterized by the presence of Inflammatory cells in the tissue of

Other methods

Very little research has focused on suppository or anal insertion as a method, and anecdotal evidence of its effects is infrequently discussed, possibly due to social taboos in many cultures regarding the anus. A suppository is a drug delivery system that is inserted either into the Rectum (rectal suppository Vagina (vaginal suppository or Urethra (urethral This is often known within communities that use methamphetamine for sexual stimulation as a "butt rocket," "booty bump," "keistering,", "plugging," "shelving," or "bumming" and is anecdotally reported to increase sexual pleasure while the effects of the drug last. ^[36] The rectum is where the majority of the drug would likely be taken up, through the membranes lining its walls. Another way of ingesting methamphetamine is to crush the crystals up and insufflate (snort) them. This also bypasses first pass metabolism and goes straight into the bloodstream.

Illicit production

Synthesis

Methamphetamine is most structurally similar to methcathinone and amphetamine. Methcathinone ( 2-(methylamino-propiophenone, α-methylamino-propiophenone) is a Psychoactive Stimulant. Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine When illicitly produced, it is commonly made by the reduction of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Redox (shorthand for reduction-oxidation reaction describes all Chemical reactions in which atoms have their Oxidation number ( Oxidation state Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. Most of the necessary chemicals are readily available in household products or over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines. Over-the-counter (OTC drugs are medicines that may be sold without a prescription, in contrast to Prescription drugs The name "over-the-counter" Synthesis is relatively simple, but entails risk with flammable and corrosive chemicals, particularly the solvents used in extraction and purification. Clandestine production is therefore often discovered by fires and explosions caused by the improper handling of volatile or flammable solvents.

Most methods of illicit production involve hydrogenation of the hydroxyl group on the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine molecule. Hydrogenation is the Chemical reaction that results in addition of Hydrogen (H2 Hydroxyl in Chemistry stands for a molecule consisting of an Oxygen atom and a Hydrogen atom connected by a Covalent bond. Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. The most common method for small-scale methamphetamine labs in the United States is primarily called the "Red, White, and Blue Process", which involves red phosphorus, pseudoephedrine or ephedrine(white), and blue iodine (which is technically a purple color in elemental form), from which hydroiodic acid is formed. Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat Iodine (ˈaɪədaɪn ˈaɪədɪn or /ˈaɪədiːn/ from ιώδης iodes "violet" is a Chemical element that has the symbol I and Atomic Hydrogen iodide (HI is a Diatomic molecule. Aqueous solutions of HI are known as hydroiodic acid or hydriodic acid, a Strong acid. In Australia, criminal groups have been known to substitute 'red' phosphorus with either hypophosphorus acid or phosphorus acid [2].

This is a fairly dangerous process for amateur chemists, because phosphine gas, a side-product from in situ hydroiodic acid production, is extremely toxic to inhale. Phosphine is the common name for phosphorus hydride (PH3 also known by the IUPAC name phosphane and occasionally phosphamine. An increasingly common method uses the process of Birch reduction, in which metallic lithium, commonly extracted from non-rechargeable lithium batteries is substituted for metallic sodium, to circumvent the difficulty of procuring metallic sodium. The Birch reduction is the Organic reduction of aromatic rings with Sodium and an Alcohol in liquid Ammonia to form 14-cyclohexadienes Lithium (ˈlɪθiəm is a Chemical element with the symbol Li and Atomic number 3 Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22

The Birch reduction, however, is dangerous because the alkali metal and liquid anhydrous ammonia are both extremely reactive, and the temperature of liquid ammonia makes it susceptible to explosive boiling when reactants are added. Ammonia is a compound with the formula N[[hydrogen H3]] It is normally encountered as a Gas with a characteristic pungent Odor Anhydrous ammonia and lithium or sodium (Birch reduction) may be surpassing hydroiodic acid (catalytic hydrogenation) as the most common method of manufacturing methamphetamine in the US and possibly in Mexico. Hydroiodic acid "super lab busts" receive more media attention because the equipment employed is much more complex and visible than the glass jars or coffee carafes commonly used to produce methamphetamine with Birch reduction.

A completely different procedure of synthesis uses the reductive amination of phenylacetone with methylamine[3], both of which are currently DEA list I chemicals (as are pseudoephedrine and ephedrine). MDMA ( 34-methylenedioxy- N -methylamphetamine) most commonly known today by the street name Ecstasy (often abbreviated E, X, The Republic of Indonesia ( (Republik Indonesia is a Country in Southeast Asia. Reductive amination (also known as Reductive alkylation) is a Chemical reaction which involves the conversion of a Carbonyl group to an Amine Phenylacetone, sometimes abbreviated P2P is an Organic compound. Methylamine is the Chemical compound with a formula of CH3NH2 The Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) is a United States Department of Justice Law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug smuggling and The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA maintains lists regarding not only the classification of Illicit drugs (see DEA Schedules) The reaction requires a catalyst that acts as a reducing agent, such as mercury-aluminum amalgam or platinum dioxide, also known as Adams' catalyst. Aluminium amalgam is a Solution of Aluminium in mercury Adams' catalyst, also known as platinum dioxide, is usually represented as Platinum (IV Oxide hydrate PtO2-H2O This was once the preferred method of production by motorcycle gangs in California, until DEA restrictions on the chemicals have made this difficult. A motorcycle club (MC is an organized club of dedicated Motorcyclists who join together for Camaraderie, strength of numbers companionship education rider training California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Other less common methods use other means of hydrogenation, such as hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst. Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 This page is about the physical properties of gas as a state of matter Catalysis is the process in which the rate of a Chemical reaction is increased by means of a Chemical substance known as a catalyst

Methamphetamine labs can give off noxious fumes, such as phosphine gas, methylamine gas, solvent vapors; such as acetone or chloroform, iodine vapors, white phosphorus, anhydrous ammonia, hydrogen chloride/muriatic acid, hydrogen iodide, lithium/sodium metal, ether, or methamphetamine vapors. Phosphine is the common name for phosphorus hydride (PH3 also known by the IUPAC name phosphane and occasionally phosphamine. Methylamine is the Chemical compound with a formula of CH3NH2 Acetone (also known as propanone, dimethyl ketone, 2-propanone, propan-2-one and β-ketopropane) is a colorless mobile flammable Chloroform, also known as trichloromethane and methyl trichloride, is a Chemical compound with formula C[[Hydrogen H]] Cl Iodine (ˈaɪədaɪn ˈaɪədɪn or /ˈaɪədiːn/ from ιώδης iodes "violet" is a Chemical element that has the symbol I and Atomic Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Ammonia is a compound with the formula N[[hydrogen H3]] It is normally encountered as a Gas with a characteristic pungent Odor Hydrochloric acid is the Solution of Hydrogen chloride ( H[[Chlorine Cl]] in water Hydrogen iodide (HI is a Diatomic molecule. Aqueous solutions of HI are known as hydroiodic acid or hydriodic acid, a Strong acid. Lithium (ˈlɪθiəm is a Chemical element with the symbol Li and Atomic number 3 Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22 Ether is a class of Organic compounds which contain an ether group — an Oxygen Atom connected to two (substituted Alkyl If performed by amateurs, manufacturing methamphetamine can be extremely dangerous. If the red phosphorus overheats, because of a lack of ventilation, phosphine gas can be produced. Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15 Phosphine is the common name for phosphorus hydride (PH3 also known by the IUPAC name phosphane and occasionally phosphamine. This gas, if present in large quantities, is likely to explode upon autoignition from diphosphine, which is formed by overheating phosphorus. Phosphorus, (ˈfɒsfərəs is the Chemical element that has the symbol P and Atomic number 15

Production and distribution

Until the early 1990s, methamphetamine for the US market was made mostly in labs run by drug traffickers in Mexico and California. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. California ( is a US state on the West Coast of the United States, along the Pacific Ocean. Since then, authorities have discovered increasing numbers of small-scale methamphetamine labs all over the United States, mostly in rural, suburban, or low-income areas. Indiana state police found 1,260 labs in 2003, compared to just 6 in 1995, although this may be a result of increased police activity. The State of Indiana ( was the 19th US state admitted into the union State police are a type of sub-national Territorial police force, particularly in Australia and the United States. ^[37] As of 2007, drug and lab seizure data suggests that approximately 80 percent of the methamphetamine used in the United States originates from larger laboratories operated by Mexican-based syndicates on both sides of the border, and that approximately 20 percent comes from small toxic labs (STLs) in the United States. ^[38]

Mobile and motel-based methamphetamine labs have caught the attention of both the US news media and the police. Such labs can cause explosions and fires, and expose the public to hazardous chemicals. Those who manufacture methamphetamine are often harmed by toxic gases. Many police departments have specialized task forces with training to respond to cases of methamphetamine production. The National Drug Threat Assessment 2006, produced by the Department of Justice, found "decreased domestic methamphetamine production in both small and large-scale laboratories", but also that "decreases in domestic methamphetamine production have been offset by increased production in Mexico. For animal rights group see Justice Department (JD The United States Department of Justice ( DOJ) is a Cabinet department " They concluded that "methamphetamine availability is not likely to decline in the near term. "^[39]

In July 2007, a ship was caught by Mexican officials at the port of Lázaro Cárdenas, originating in Hong Kong, after traveling through the port of Long Beach with 19 tons of pseudoephedrine, a raw material needed for meth. Lázaro Cárdenas is a port city that with its surrounding municipality is located in the southern part of the Mexican state of Michoacán. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders Long Beach is a city located in southern California, USA, on the Pacific coast Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. ^[40] The Chinese owner Zhenli Ye Gon was found to have $206 million at his Mexico City mansion. China ( Wade-Giles ( Mandarin) Chung¹kuo² is a cultural region, an ancient Civilization, and depending on perspective a National Zhenli Ye Gon ( born January 31, 1963, Shanghai, China) is a Mexican business man of Chinese origin accused of trafficking Mexico City (in Spanish: Ciudad de México, México DF, México or simply Méjico) is the Capital city of Mexico It went undetected at Long Beach.

Methamphetamine is distributed by prison gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, street gangs, traditional organized crime operations, and impromptu small networks. A motorcycle club (MC is an organized club of dedicated Motorcyclists who join together for Camaraderie, strength of numbers companionship education rider training "Crime syndicate" redirects here For the DC Comics group of villains see Crime Syndicate. In the U. S. illicit methamphetamine comes in a variety of forms, at an average price of $150 per gram for pure substance. ^[41] Most commonly it is found as a colorless crystalline solid. In Materials science, a crystal is a Solid in which the constituent Atoms Molecules or Ions are packed in a regularly ordered repeating Impurities may result in a brownish or tan color. Colourful flavored pills containing methamphetamine and caffeine are known as yaa baa (Thai for "crazy medicine"). Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic Yaba (ยาบ้า also Ya Ba, Yaa baa, Ya baa or Yah Bah; "crazy medicine" in Thai) are tablets containing a mixture

At its most impure, it is sold as a crumbly brown or off-white rock commonly referred to as "peanut butter crank. "^[42] Methamphetamine found on the street is rarely pure, but adulterated with chemicals that were used to synthesize it. It may be diluted or "cut" with non-psychoactive substances like inositol or dimethylsulfone. A cutting agent is a chemical used to "cut" ( adulterate) illicit drugs with something less expensive than the drug itself Inositol, (of which the most prominent naturally occurring form is myo -inositol cis -1235- trans -46-cyclohexanehexol) is a carbocyclic Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM or dimethylsulfone is an Organosulfur compound with the formula (CH32SO2 Another popular method is to combine methamphetamine with other stimulant substances such as caffeine or cathine into a pill known as a "Kamikaze", which is particularly dangerous due to the synergetic effects of multiple stimulants on the heart. Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic Cathine (D- norpseudoephedrine) is a Monoamine Alkaloid found in the Shrub Catha edulis (khat It may also be flavored with high-sugar candies, drinks, or drink mixes to mask the bitter taste of the drug. Coloring may be added to the meth, as is the case with "Strawberry Quick. "^[43][44]

Legality

Australia

Strictly speaking, as a Schedule 8 drug, the medical use of methamphetamine is recognized in Australia, however in practice this is not the case. It is also known as Ice and has become the focus of a nation-wide crackdown. As of 2007, this has become part of the election agenda for both major political parties. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.

Canada

Methamphetamine is not approved for medical use in Canada. The maximum penalty for the production and distribution is imprisonment for life.

Hong Kong

Methamphetamine is regulated under Schedule 1 of Hong Kong's Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Hong Kong ( officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is a territory located on China 's south coast on the Pearl River Delta, and borders It can only be used legally by health professionals and for university research purposes. The substance can be given by pharmacists under a prescription. Anyone who supplies the substance without prescription can be fined $10000(HKD). The penalty for trafficking or manufacturing the substance is a $5,000,000 (HKD) fine and life imprisonment. Possession of the substance for consumption without license from the Department of Health is illegal with a $1,000,000 (HKD) fine and/or 7 years of jail time.

The Netherlands

Methamphetamine is not approved for medical use in The Netherlands. It falls under Schedule I of the Opium Act. Although production and distribution of this drug are prohibited, few people who were caught with a small amount for personal use have been prosecuted.

New Zealand

Methamphetamine is a Class "A" controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. New Zealand 's Misuse of Drugs Act is a national drug control law that classifies drugs into three classes or Schedules based on their risk of harm Class A The maximum penalty for production and distribution is imprisonment for life. While in theory a doctor could prescribe it for an appropriate indication, this would require case-by-case approval by the director-general of public health. In New Zealand, Methamphetamine is most commonly referred to by the street name P. ^[45]

South Africa

In South Africa, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule 5 drug, and is listed as Undesirable Dependence-Producing Substances in Part III of Schedule 2 of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 (Act No 140 of 1992). ^[46] Commonly called Tik, it is mostly abused by youths under the age of 20 in the Cape Flats areas. The Cape Flats ( Afrikaans: Die Kaapse Vlakte) is an expansive low-lying flat Area situated to the southeast of the central business district of Cape ^[47]

United Kingdom

As of 18 January 2007,^[48] methamphetamine is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 following a recommendation made by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs in June 2006. The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (c38 is an Act of Parliament, by which the United Kingdom aims to control the possession and supply of numerous drugs The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD is a statutory and non-executive non-departmental British public body which was established under the UK's Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 ^[49] It had previously been classified as a Class B drug, except when prepared for injection.

United States

Methamphetamine Lab Seizures in the US

Year	Seizures
1999	7,438
2000	9,902
2001	13,357
2002	16,212
2003	17,356
2004	17,710
2005	12,484
2006	6,435

Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. The Controlled Substances Act ( CSA) was enacted into law by the Congress of the United States as Title II of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control The Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) is a United States Department of Justice Law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug smuggling and The Convention on Psychotropic Substances is a United Nations Treaty designed to control Psychoactive drugs such as Amphetamines Barbiturates ^[50] It is available by prescription under the trade name Desoxyn, manufactured by Ovation Pharma. Desoxyn is a brand of Methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as desoxyephedrine hence the name "Desoxyn" indicated for treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Ovation Pharma is a manufacturer of Pharmaceuticals products including the popular-selling ADHD medicine Desoxyn ( Methamphetamine) While there is technically no difference between the laws regarding methamphetamine and other controlled stimulants, most medical professionals are averse to prescribing it due to its notoriety.

Illicit methamphetamine has become a major focus of the 'war on drugs' in the United States in recent years. The War on Drugs is a prohibition campaign undertaken by the United States government with the assistance of participating countries intended to reduce the Illegal In addition to federal laws, some states have placed additional restrictions on the sale of precursor chemicals commonly used to synthesize methamphetamine, particularly pseudoephedrine, a common over-the-counter decongestant. Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. A decongestant is a broad class of Medications used to relieve Nasal congestion. In 2005, the DEA seized 2,148. The Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) is a United States Department of Justice Law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug smuggling and 6kg of methamphetamine. ^[51] In 2005, the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 was passed as part of the USA PATRIOT Act, putting restrictions on the sale of methamphetamine precursors. The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 ( CMEA) was signed into United States law on March 9, 2006 to regulate among other things retail over-the-counter The USA PATRIOT Act, commonly known as the Patriot Act, is a controversial Act of Congress that U

On November 7, 2006, the US Department of Justice declared that November 30, 2006 be Methamphetamine Awareness Day. ^[52]

DEA El Paso Intelligence Center EPIC data is showing a distinct downward trend in the seizure of clandestine drug labs for the illicit manufacture of methampetamine from a high of 17,356 in 2003. The Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA) is a United States Department of Justice Law enforcement agency tasked with combating drug smuggling and Lab seizure data for the United States is available from EPIC beginning in 1999 when 7,438 labs were reported to have been seized during that calendar year.

Legality of similar chemicals

See pseudoephedrine and ephedrine for legal restrictions in place as a result of their use as precursors in the clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine. Pseudoephedrine (commonly abbreviated as PSE is a sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Decongestant. Ephedrine (EPH is a Sympathomimetic Amine commonly used as a Stimulant, appetite suppressant concentration aid Decongestant, and to treat Clandestine chemistry generally refers to Chemistry carried out in illegal drug Laboratories (known colloquially as labs) but can include any

See also

• Montana Meth Project
• Party and Play
• Phenethylamines
• Clandestine chemistry
• Amphetamine
• Propylhexedrine
• Illegal drug trade
• Entomotoxicology

References

• Poison Information Monograph (PIM 334: Methamphetamine)
• Chronic Amphetamine Use and Abuse A very thorough review on the effects of chronic use (American College of Neuropsychopharmacology)
• Methamphetamine Use: Clinical and Forensic Aspects, by Errol Yudko, Harold V. The Montana Meth Project is a Montana -based organization founded by Billionaire Thomas Siebel which seeks to reduce Methamphetamine abuse particularly Party and play (often abbreviated PNP or PnP, especially in online jargon) also known as a chem session or chemical session Phenethylamine, or β -phenylethylamine or 2-phenylethylamine is an Alkaloid and Monoamine. Clandestine chemistry generally refers to Chemistry carried out in illegal drug Laboratories (known colloquially as labs) but can include any Amphetamine, and related drugs such as Methamphetamine are a group of drugs that act by increasing levels of Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and Dopamine Propylhexedrine, also known as hexahydrodesoxyephedrine or dimethylcyclohexaneethanamine is a Sympathomimetic with varied medicinal uses is an Adrenergic compound The illegal drug trade or drug trafficking is a global Black market consisting of the cultivation manufacture distribution and sale of illegal Drugs In Forensic entomology, entomotoxicology is the analysis of toxins in Arthropods (mainly Flies and Beetles) that feed on Carrion. Hall, and Sandra B. McPherson. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fl, 2003.

Footnotes

Documentaries

• The Ice Age - ABC Australia - 4 Corners - Australian methamphetamine use.
• Frontline - The Meth Epidemic - PBS United States - Frontline - The Meth Epidemic

External links

• NLM Hazardous Substances Data Bank - Entry for d-methamphetamine
• Erowid Methamphetamine Vault
• EMCDDA drugs profiles: Methamphetamine (2007)
• A Key to Methamphetamine-Related Literature - A comprehensive thematic index of methamphetamine research published in academic and scientific journals with links from citations to the PubMed abstracts.
  • Meth FAQ - More detailed synthesis and synthesis from other sources.
• DEA's Methamphetamine News Releases

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