METHAMPHETAMINE

› Methamphetamine also known  meth, N- methylamphetamine is a psychostimulant of

the amphetamine class of drugs. This synthetic stimulant affects the central nervous system.

› Street names:-ice, crystal, glass, tik, chalk,crank,yaba,speed, Poor Man's Cocaine,etc.

› It causes the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin and

activates the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.

› Methamphetamine and its metabolite amphetamine are structurally related, differing only

by the presence of a methyl group.

› White or off-white powder, odorless, bitter-tasting.

› Schedule II drug.

› Sold under the name Desoxyn.

› Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)

in children.

› Short term treatment of obesity.

› Also prescribed off-label for narcolepsy.

› Following oral administration, methamphetamine is readily absorbed into the bloodstream.

› Methamphetamine's high lipophilicity also allows it to cross the blood brain barrier faster than other stimulants, where it is more stable against degradation by monoamine oxidase (MAO).

› In the brain, a primary action of methamphetamine is to elevate the levels of extracellular monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine) by promoting their release from the nerve endings.

› However it is not clear how methamphetamine causes neurotransmitter release, but it appears to involve redistribution of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles (via the vesicular monoamine transporter VMAT2) to the neuronal cytoplasm and the reverse transport of neurotransmitters through the plasma membrane transporter into the extracellular space.

› This inversion leads to a release of these transmitters from the vesicles to the cytoplasm and from the cytoplasm to the synapse

Mode of action

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

› Generally seen in children, but teenagers and adults also show ADHD.

› Difficulty paying attention and focusing, sitting still, depression, lack of sleep, learning disabilities,  behavior problems

› Affects 3 - 5% of school children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls.

› Desoxyn is prescribed to treat ADHD in children six years old and older.

› 5 mg Desoxyn once or twice a day is recommended. 

› It has calming effect when used at the dosage intended.

› It helps ADHD patients by giving them improved impulse control, improved concentration, decreased irritability, and decreased anxiety.

Use in

Diseases

Exogenous Obesity

› Desoxyn is also recommended for weight loss.

› This class of drugs used in obesity is known as an anorectic.

› Desoxyn causes appetite suppression.

› One 5 mg tablet should be taken one/half hour before each meal.

› Treatment should not exceed a few weeks in duration.

Narcolepsy

› Narcolepsy is a condition in which the person falls into deep sleep during its attacks.

› Meth is used in treating this condition due to one of its effects of keeping the senses awake.

› Therefore the episodes of deep sleep are diminished during treatment.

› Methamphetamine is a highly stimulant drug. It’s effect is similar to cocaine.

› It gives feeling of euphoria, increased libido, alertness, concentration, increased energy, increased self-esteem, self-confidence.

› It is highly addictive drug and it is difficult to quit.

› Routes of administration:- Ingestion (Orally), Snorted, Injected, Smoked.

› Meth addiction is rapidly spreading in all countries.US population is badly affected with meth.

› 5.3% of Americans aged 12 and older reported trying methamphetamine at least once.

› It is easy to make meth at home or in illegal labs by using chemicals like diluted HCl,NaOH,Ethyl ether, etc.

› In 1970, methamphetamine was regulated in the Controlled Substances Act in the U. S., and a public education campaign was mounted against it.

Meth as an addictive drug

Side effects

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Methjakarta.jpg

Referenceshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2413312/ - Pharmacologic mechanisms of crystal meth

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/TG-Meth.pdf -Teacher's Guide: Methamphetamine

http://adhd.emedtv.com/desoxyn/desoxyn.html - Desoxyn, ADHD

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/desoxyn