Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug (illicit), i.e. a psychoactive substance of centralervous system stimulant action.Among users, the methamphetamine known as Ice, Tina, Meth, cocaine, Speed or poor crystal. The therapeutic use of thedrug methamphetamine (Pervitin) base was banned in several countries, including Brazil, due to improper use (recreational)and abusive. As the name suggests, methamphetamine has effects similar to amphetamines, though its effects are morepotent, resembling those of cocaine.

Methamphetamine is easily manipulated in clandestine laboratories, from a mixture of hydrochloric acid and substances inmedicines sold without prescription, as bronchodilators and Nasal Decongestants (pseudoephedrine), or even with the ownephedrine.

As well as other synthetic drugs, such as Ecstasy and LSD, methamphetamine use is considered, worldwide, as an epidemicamong the regulars of "raves", due to "increased energy" that the drug provides. Methamphetamine is found and can be ingested in different ways:

Crystal – can be smoked (in like crack pipes).

– Pills ingested orally.

Powder – can be "sniffed" (like cocaine), or injected (dissolved in water or alcohol).

The effects of methamphetamine begin between 3 and 5 minutes after use via Lung (smoked or "sniff") or intravenously. If ingested, the effects arise between 15 and 20 minutes. A differential of meth in relationship to other drugs, such as cocaine and crack, is the duration prolonged its effects, ranging from 4 to 8:0 (depending on how it was used).

The action of methamphetamine as a stimulant of the Central nervous system is given by the release of dopamine,norepinephrine and serotonin (neurotransmitter), being the most common effects: euphoria, decreased appetite, sleep andfatigue, increased alertness, changes in libido and emotions intensified. The constant use leads to quick addiction and the need for increasing doses due to tolerance to its action.

The continuous use of methamphetamine takes the user to develop mood disorders, anxiety, insomnia and aggressiveness.There is the possibility to present memory problems, symptoms of psychosis and changes in brain structure and function(brain damage, characterized by loss of gray matter and white matter hypertrophy, among others). Other consequences are:weight loss and dental complications.

Elevation of body temperature, increased blood pressure, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmias and seizures can be symptoms ofoverdose by the use of methamphetamine, and can lead to death.

References:

May, Lillian. Toxicology of drugs and Toxicology society. Campo Grande, 2009, 28 slides. Available at: accessed on 28 <http://www.fes.br/disciplinas/far/toxicologia/8%AA%20aula-toxicologia-2009.ppt > jan. 2010. presentation in Power point.

SPEAKERPHONE. Meth. SISP, published in May 3, 2007. Available at:<http://psicoativas.ufcspa.edu.br/vivavoz/revisoes/metanfetamina.pdf > data access on jan 28. 2010.

TRIPICCHIO, Adalbert. Ice: old drug back more powerful. Available at: accessed on 28 <http://www.brasilmedicina.com.br/noticias/pgnoticias_det.asp?Codigo=1455&AreaSelect=4 > jan. 2010.

See people before and after drug use:

the formula:

Methamphetamine is a synthetic chemist, (created by man), unlike marijuana, for example, which comes from a plant.

Crystal Meth is commonly manufactured in illicit laboratories hidden that use various forms of amphetamine (stimulantdrug) or derivatives, mixed with other chemicals to increase its potency. Common tablets such as remedies for colds are often used as the basis for the production of the drug. The "cook" meth extracts ingredients of these pills and to increase its potency combines substance with chemicals such as battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern oil, and defroster.

These dangerous chemicals are potentially explosive. And due to meth cooks are themselves drug users and disoriented,often burn-if severely, are disfigured or die, when their preparations explode. Such accidents are putting others in danger in their homes or nearby buildings.

The illicit laboratories create very toxic waste, as well as the production of about 2.5 kg of methamphetamine produces2270 kg of waste. People exposed to this waste material can be poisoned and ill.

"Social Security's money wasn't enough to pay for our habit of consumption of methamphetamine and sustain our son, sowe turned our House leased in a Meth Lab. We store the toxic chemicals in our fridge without knowing that the toxinswould penetrate [would] the other food in the freezer.

When I gave my son three years some cheese to eat – I didn't know that it was food poisoning. I was very high on meth tonotice, 12:0 later, my son was deathly ill. But I was so high that it took me two hours to figure out how to take it to the hospital at 8 km away. By the time I got to the emergency room, my son was pronounced dead by a lethal dose ofammonia hydroxide – one of the chemicals used to make Meth. "– Melanie.