Methamphetamine adverse effects

For those who take GHB deliberately, the objective is to take the right amount to achieve the desired high. But the drug is unpredictable and users risk deadly overdose, which can occur within 15 minutes of ingestion. An overdose can result in such severe adverse effects as vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures (especially when GHB is combined with methamphetamine), unconsciousness, coma (especially when combined with alcohol), and death. 

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA). Until recently, PPA was widely available in a number of nonprescription cold medications and diet control products. Adverse effects are similar to those described for ephedrine. In response to an FDA warning of increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke, especially in women, PPA has been withdrawn from the market by most manufacturers. Before this withdrawal, PPA was another popular starting product for synthesis of S(-f-)-methamphetamine. PPA is also a metabolite of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. 

Bupropion (amfebutamone) is a phenylisopropylaminoketone that is structurally related to the phenylisopropylamine CNS stimulant, methamphetamine, and the phenylisopropylaminoketone, cathinone (a constituent in khat), and the anorexiant, diethylpropion (Fig. 21.21). Although structurally similar to the CNS stimulants, bupropion exhibits distinctive different pharmacologic and therapeutic effects. The absence of the tricyclic ring system in bupropion results in a better adverse-effect profile than with the TCAs. The tertiary butyl group in bupropion prevents its N-dealkylation to metabolites that could possess sympathomimetic and/or anorexigenic properties. 

Ginseng (ginseng total saponin) used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 5,000 years for many indications. controlled animal study showed prevention of development of dopamine receptor super-sensitivity induced by chronic methamphetamine administration, therefore may provide therapy for adverse effects of chronic methamphetamine use. mechanism not established, but likely related to pre-synaptic dopamine receptors. 

From alcohol and methamphetamine to Prozac, Valium, lithium, and Zyprexa, psychoactive substances disguise their adverse mental effects for the user. A person grossly mentally impaired by stimulants, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or neuroleptics is likely to have little idea about how dysfunctional he or she has become. When the individual does perceive a change in himself or herself, positive or negative, it is almost never attributed to the causative agent the drug. If the individual feels euphoric, it is attributed to good fortune and especially... 

Irvine G, Chen L, eds. The environmental impact and adverse health effects of clandestine manufacture of methamphetamine. NIDA Research Monograph 115. Miller MA, Kozel NJ, eds. N. Bethesda National Institute on Drug Abuse, 1991, pp. 33 -6. 

Ginseng TCM diminishes adverse CNS effects of chronic methamphetamine abuse... 

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