Methamphetamine: characteristics of this destructive drug

Since ancient times, human beings have always used psychoactive substances They alter the nervous system in different ways: they excite us and make us feel more energetic, they make us have hallucinations or they relax us and take us into a trance state.

Around the year 3000 a. C products of this type were already used, but drugs have evolved over time. Nowadays, not only natural drugs are consumed, but the human being has created different synthetic psychoactive substances with powerful effects for consumers. In this regard, one of the most popular drugs, especially in the United States and some European countries, en is methamphetamine (deoxyephedrine), also called "crystal meth" or "ice". Next we will see its characteristics and effects.

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Methamphetamine: a stimulant and addictive drug

This substance is a powerful psychostimulant that has a structure similar to dopamine, a neurotransmitter generated by our body. Even if

there are other stimulants such as cocaine or MDMA that are consumed with great frequency, their effects are very different.

Methamphetamine belongs to the phenethylamine family and to the amphetamine group. The origin of its synthesis is in Japan, in 1919, but it did not appear in Europe until 20 years later. It seems that during World War II, the Nazi party used methamphetamine to stimulate its troops and, in this way, make them believe they were invincible. The drug used by the German army was called "Pervin."

On the other hand, methamphetamine is one of the drugs that causes the most suffering, and also It is among those that generate the most intense addiction. The effects of the abuse of this substance can be dramatic, especially on a physical level, as it is considered a predatory drug.

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Chemical composition

The chemical composition of methamphetamine is related to amphetamine sulfate, as its Synthesization is done through the addition of a methyl group at the nitrogen atom of the amphetamine. Its chemical formula is C10H15N.

This drug usually occurs in the form of colorless transparent crystals, and can appear with different degrees of purity depending on the method used for its production. Although it is common to confuse this drug with MDMA, they are two different substances and their effects are totally different.

Differences between drugs

Let's look at some of the things that distinguish between methamphetamine and other drugs.

Differences between crystal methamphetamine and MDMA

There is usually some confusion with this drug, because it is possible to find MDMA and methamphetamine crystal. Although their appearance is similar, it is necessary to distinguish their effects. While the effects of methamphetamine are stimulating and euphoric, those of MDMA are empathic, that is, they induce empathy, with less marked stimulating consequences.

The doses of these substances also tend to vary: the average dose of the latter drug is 75-150 milligrams and that of methamphetamine is 12-30 milligrams. Going wrong and taking 75 grams of methamphetamine can cause very serious effectssuch as hyperstimulation, agitation, nervousness, anxiety, and paranoia.

Methamphetamine produces a very pronounced insomnia effect that can last up to a day, while it is possible to lie down and fall asleep after a few hours after the MDMA wears off. Methamphetamine is also much more addictive than the latter drug.

Differences between methamphetamine and cocaine

Methamphetamine releases large amounts of dopamine in the brain and central nervous system, just like cocaine and ecstasy. However, unlike those substances, the first has a much longer release time and its effects can last six to 12 hours in a single dose.

With respect to cocaine, methamphetamine has a number of differences. As discussed, methamphetamine is a stimulant drug, just like cocaine. However, the latter is also a local pain reliever. Cocaine is derived from the plant and methamphetamine is a designer drug. It takes approximately 12 hours for a person's body to eliminate 50% of this synthetic substance; instead, to eliminate the same percentage of cocaine it takes an hour. Both drugs can be smoked, but the duration of the effect of methamphetamine is much longer.

Side effects of this substance

The effects of methamphetamine are devastating. On a social level, the person is seriously damaged, but on a physical level, the abuse of this substance can lead to serious problems of malnutrition and health. Among its side effects we can find:

• Emaciated physical appearance
• Tremors
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Seizures
• Memory loss.
• Loss of appetite
• Repetitive motor activity.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Humor changes.
• Respiratory problems.
• Psychosis: paranoia and hallucinations.
• Emotional disorders
• Serious dental problems.
• Death.

Methamphetamine as a medicine

There is also some confusion because methamphetamine can be used to create medicines; however, the molecule found in pharmacies has nothing to do with this highly addictive drug.

Some medications such as the Vicks inhaler contain L-methamphetamine, which is a chiral molecule of the dangerous and illegal drug, that is, D-methamphetamine. Both are asymmetric molecules that mirror each other, but their effects are completely different. While one is treated for nasal congestion, the other causes serious health effects.

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