Methamphetamine

Abstract

Methamphetamine (METH) is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is a widely abused psychostimulant. Monoaminergic neurotransmitter terminals are affected by METH intake. METH structure is very similar to amphetamine, a drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METH is taken in various modes, such as smoking, swallowing, snorting, injecting powder, etc. Dopamine levels, serotonin levels, and norepinephrine levels are increased due to METH uptake, leading to extremely strong euphoric effects. This dopamine surge causes the brain to repeatedly take the drug and is responsible for addiction. As a short-term effect, METH causes increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, faster breathing, rapid and/or irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure, and body temperature. METH overdose causes hyperthermia and convolution, which can lead to death if not treated. METH also causes irreversible brain damage. Amphetamine psychosis, dementia-like symptoms, increased anti-social behaviour, and increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases are the long-term neurological effects of METH use.