Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (IPA: /ˌmɛθæmˈfɛtəmiːn/), also known as meth, crystal, or crystal meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant that is mainly used as a recreational drug and less commonly as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity.

Etymology

The term "methamphetamine" is derived from the chemical compound methyl-amphetamine. The prefix "meth-" refers to the presence of a methyl group, while "amphetamine" is a contraction of "alpha-methylphenethylamine".

Pharmacology

Methamphetamine works by increasing the amount of the natural chemical dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is involved in body movement, motivation, and reinforcement of rewarding behaviors. The drug’s ability to rapidly release high levels of dopamine in reward areas of the brain strongly reinforces drug-taking behavior, making the user want to repeat the experience.

Health Effects

Short-term health effects of methamphetamine use include increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, faster breathing, rapid and/or irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Long-term use can lead to addiction, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and paranoia, severe dental problems ("meth mouth"), intense itching leading to skin sores from scratching, and an increased risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.

Related Terms

Amphetamine: A central nervous system stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, and obesity.
Dopamine: A type of neurotransmitter, which is a substance that nerves use to send messages to one another.
Central nervous system: The part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Methamphetamine
Wikipedia's article - Methamphetamine

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Methamphetamine