Effects of methamphetamines in teenagers
(image source: TalkToFrank)
Methamphetamines White/crystal/power: (will be crushed for use)
Overview:
Methamphetamines is classified as an addictive stimulant that speeds up the central nervous system. It is often called “Meth” and it is used to treat ADHD, as well as aids in the weight loss of obese patients. It is often odorless, and in power form. This affects teenagers dangerously as they have the highest rate in meth usage. In 2017, 375,000 teenagers (1.1% of the world population) aged 18-25 used meth. 20% of the teenagers aged 12-17 used meth.
Medical Use:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Methamphetamine, in the form of the medication Desoxyn, may be prescribed in rare cases when other medications have been ineffective. It is usually reserved for patients who have not responded adequately to other treatment options. Desoxyn helps increase attention span and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in individuals with ADHD.
Short-term weight loss: Methamphetamine can be prescribed for short-term use as an appetite suppressant in cases of severe obesity. It may be used when other weight loss methods have failed, and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. However, this use is highly restricted due to the potential for abuse and addiction.
Narcolepsy: Methamphetamine may be prescribed to manage excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis (cataplexy) associated with narcolepsy. It helps promote wakefulness and alertness in individuals with this sleep disorders.
Side Effects:
Short Term Effects:
Increased wakefulness and physical activity
Decreased appetite
Faster breathing rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
Increased blood pressure and body temperature
Long Term Effects:
Extreme weight loss
Addiction
Severe dental problems
Intense itching, leading to skin sores from scratching
Anxiety changes in brain structure and function confusion memory loss
Sleeping problems
Violent behavior
Paranoia— irrationally extreme distrust of others
Hallucinations - Sensing, perceiving things (not present) or differently from how they truly are.
Possible Complications:
Cardiovascular complications:
Increased risk of heart attacks and stroke
Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscles)
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
Respiratory complications:
Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)
Respiratory infections
Chronic bronchitis
Acute lung injury
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Neurological complications:
Seizures
Neurotoxicity leading to brain damage
Cognitive impairments, including memory loss and difficulty with concentration and decision-making
Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease-like symptoms
Psychiatric/ Mental health conditions:
Addiction and substance use disorder
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking)
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Infectious diseases:
Hepatitis B and C
HIV/AIDS (from sharing contaminated needles or engaging in risky behaviors)
Skin infections and abscesses (from skin picking and injection drug use)
Drug interactions:
These are the most common drug interactions out of the many available. Please consult with your doctor prior to taking any.
Combining methamphetamines with antidepressants, blood pressure medications or decongestants can increase blood pressure, body temperatures, and heartbeat.
Antipsychotic medications with methamphetamine can worsen antipsychotic treatment and increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Serotonergic drugs or Opioids with methamphetamine can increase serotonin levels, and cause respiratory depression
Alcohol and sedatives with methamphetamine can depress the central nervous system
Dosing:
The following dosing information was provided by Medscape.com, however please refer to a physician prior to intake, as it can change based on weight, body type and other factors.
Pediatrics (Teenagers Up to 25 years):
<6 years : Safety efficacy not established
> 6 years : 5 mg per day or 12 hr increase dose at weekly intervals of 5 mg until optimal response(usually 20-25 days mg/day)
Notes:
Methamphetamine is a depressant and primarily acts as a CNS (central nervous system), but caution is needed when using it with other medications. Individuals with obstructive lung disease are at a higher risk of complications, and alcohol should be avoided due to unpredictable effects and increased cardiovascular risks. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and to ensure safe use of methamphetamine.
Citation:
“Desoxyn (methamphetamine) dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more.” Medscape Reference, https://reference.medscape.com/drug/desoxyn-methamphetamine-999218. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“Meth Abuse Statistics.” Sunshine Behavioral Health, 1 July 2021, https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/amphetamines/meth/abuse-statistics/. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“Methamphetamine.” MedlinePlus, 15 June 2017, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615002.html. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“Methamphetamine DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 16 May 2019, https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“Methamphetamine Interactions.” Drugs.com, https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/methamphetamine.html. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“Methamphetamine Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-8676/methamphetamine-oral/details. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“Methamphetamine Toxicity - StatPearls.” NCBI, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430895/. Accessed 25 May 2023.
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