DEA Drug Fact Sheet: Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (meth) is a stimulant. The FDA-approved brand-name medication is Desoxyn.

What is its Origin?

• International Production: Mexican drug trafficking organizations are the primary manufacturers and distributors of methamphetamine to cities throughout the United States.
• Domestic Production: Domestic clandestine laboratory operators also produce and distribute meth, typically on a smaller scale.
• Manufacturing Methods: Methods depend on the availability of precursor chemicals. Domestic illicit meth is primarily made with diverted products containing pseudoephedrine.
• Regulations: The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 requires retailers to place non-prescription products containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine behind the counter or in a locked cabinet. Consumers must show identification and sign a logbook for these purchases.

Common Street Names

Common street names include:

• Batu, Bikers Coffee, Black Beauties, Chalk, Chicken Feed, Crank, Crystal, Glass, Go-Fast, Hiropon, Ice, Meth, Methlies Quick, Poor Man’s Cocaine, Shabu, Shards, Speed, Stove Top, Tina, Trash, Tweak, Uppers, Ventana, Vidrio, Yaba, and Yellow Bam.

Appearance

• Regular Meth: Typically appears as a pill or powder.
• Crystal Meth: Resembles glass fragments or shiny blue-white “rocks” of various sizes.

Methods of Abuse

Methamphetamine can be taken in several ways:

• Swallowed.
• Snorted.
• Injected.
• Smoked.

Effects of Use

Effect on the Mind

Methamphetamine increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, which is involved in body movement, motivation, and the reinforcement of rewarding behaviors.

• Psychological Effects: High doses can cause euphoria, enhanced self-confidence, and increased libido.
• Chronic Use: Long-term use can result in anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior.
• Psychosis: Users may display psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (such as the sensation of insects crawling under the skin).
• Neurotoxicity: Chronic use can lead to long-term changes in the brain’s dopamine system, causing reduced motor speed and impaired verbal learning.

Effect on the Body

Even small amounts of methamphetamine can result in:

• Increased wakefulness and physical activity.
• Decreased appetite.
• Rapid breathing and heart rate.
• Irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure.
• Hyperthermia (overheating).

Long-term physical effects may include extreme anorexia, memory loss, and severe dental problems (“meth mouth”). High doses can elevate body temperature to dangerous or lethal levels, causing convulsions, cardiovascular collapse, and death.

Overdose Effects

High doses may result in death from:

• Stroke.
• Heart attack.
• Multiple organ problems caused by overheating.

Similar Substances

Substances that produce similar effects include:

• Cocaine.
• Potent stimulant pharmaceuticals, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate.

Legal Status in the United States

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act.

• Abuse Potential: It has a high potential for abuse.
• Medical Use: It has a currently accepted medical use in FDA-approved products.
• Prescription: It is available only through a non-refillable prescription.
• Current Medication: Desoxyn® is the only legal meth product, marketed in 5, 10, and 15-milligram tablets for very limited use in treating obesity and ADHD.