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National Institute on Drug Abuse
Research Report Series
Methamphetamine: Abuse and Addiction
How is methamphetamine different
from other stimulants, like cocaine?
Methamphetamine is classified as
a psychostimulant as are such other drugs of abuse as amphetamine and
cocaine. We know that methamphetamine is structurally similar to amphetamine
and the neurotransmitter dopamine, but it is quite different from cocaine.
Although these stimulants have similar behavioral and physiological
effects, there are some major differences in the basic mechanisms of
how they work at the level of the nerve cell. However, the bottom line
is that methamphetamine, like cocaine, results in an accumulation of
the neurotransmitter dopamine, and this excessive dopamine concentration
appears to produce the stimulation and feelings of euphoria experienced
by the user. In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed and almost
completely metabolized in the body, methamphetamine has a much longer
duration of action and a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged
in the body. This results in methamphetamine being present in the brain
longer, which ultimately leads to prolonged stimulant effects.
| Although both methamphetamine and cocaine
are psychostimulants, there are differences between them. |
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Methamphetamine
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vs.
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Cocaine
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Man-made
Smoking produces a high that lasts 8-24 hours
50% of the drug is removed from the body in 12 hours
Limited medical use
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Plant-derived
Smoking produces a high that lasts 20-30 minutes
50% of the drug is removed from the body in 1 hour
Used as a local anesthetic in some surgical procedures
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What are the medical complications
of methamphetamine abuse?
Methamphetamine can cause a variety
of cardiovascular problems. These include rapid heart rate, irregular
heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and irreversible, stroke-producing
damage to small blood vessels in the brain. Hyperthermia (elevated body
temperature) and convulsions occur with methamphetamine overdoses, and
if not treated immediately, can result in death.
Chronic methamphetamine abuse can result in inflammation of the heart
lining, and among users who inject the drug, damaged blood vessels and
skin abscesses. Methamphetamine abusers also can have episodes of violent
behavior, paranoia, anxiety, confusion, and insomnia. Heavy users also
show progressive social and occupational deterioration. Psychotic symptoms
can sometimes persist for months or years after use has ceased.
Acute lead poisoning is another potential risk for methamphetamine
abusers. A common method of illegal methamphetamine production uses
lead acetate as a reagent. Production errors may therefore result in
methamphetamine contaminated with lead. There have been documented cases
of acute lead poisoning in intravenous methamphetamine abusers.
Fetal exposure to methamphetamine also is a significant problem in
the United States. At present, research indicates that methamphetamine
abuse during pregnancy may result in prenatal complications, increased
rates of premature delivery, and altered neonatal behavioral patterns,
such as abnormal reflexes and extreme irritability. Methamphetamine
abuse during pregnancy may be linked also to congenital deformities.
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