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Illicit Metham-
phetamine
Lab | |
Ice | |
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| The term
"methamphetamines" is often used broadly to represent the
amphetamine derivates: methamphetamine, the designer drug MDMA
(ecstasy), and other designer drugs. These substances are similar in
chemistry and also have generally similar effects on users. In
addition, MDMA is known to show significant cross-reactivity with
many types of methamphetamine urine screen tests. Prescription and
illicit forms of methamphetamine are discussed below. The designer
drug MDMA is
discussed on a separate page. |
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| Synonyms:
Deoxyephedrine, Desoxyephedrine, Dextromethamphetamine |
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| Drug Class:
Anorexic,
CNS
Stimulant |
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| Trade
Names: Desoxyn, Methampex |
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| Street
Names: Chalk, Crank, Crystal, Crystal Meth, Glass, Ice,
Meth, Quartz, Speed |
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| Description: Methamphetamine is a powerfully
addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous
system. The drug was developed early in the 20th century from its
parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal
decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Methamphetamines chemical
structure is similar to that of amphetamine, but it has more
pronounced effects on the central nervous system and has a higher
potential for abuse and addiction. Like amphetamine, it causes
increased activity, decreased appetite, and a general sense of
well-being. The effects of methamphetamine can last for 6 to 8
hours. After the initial "rush," there is typically a state of high
agitation that in some individuals can lead to violent behavior.
Some users repeatedly take the drug over several days in order to
maintain the euphoria. These binges often continue even when
agitation and hallucinations replace the feelings of
exhilaration. |
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| Methamphetamine is found
in both prescription form and in illicitly manufactured forms.
Prescription methamphetamine is used sparingly in the treatment of
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy
(attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness). It is usually found in the
form of tablets or capsules - in a variety of shapes and colors.
This form has a high potential for abuse. But its uncommon, as
prescriptions are limited. The majority of methamphetamine abuse is
associated with the illegally manufactured forms - the powdered form
and "ice". The powdered form is commonly referred to as "crystal
meth" or "crank". This form is found in varied colors, but is
normally a white crystalline powder that is sniffed. It is also
commonly converted to a liquid form and injected. Ice, also known as
"glass", "crystal", or "quartz", has the appearance of shaved glass.
This form is typically smoked and is thought to be even more
addictive than the powdered forms. Both crystal meth and ice are
produced easily in clandestine laboratories with relatively
inexpensive over-the-counter ingredients. This accounts for their
widespread abuse in rural areas as well as in urban
areas. |
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| Excretion:
Under normal conditions in the 24-hour urine, up to 43% of a
methamphetamine dose is excreted as unchanged methamphetamine, 15%
as p-hydroxymethamphetamine, 4% to 7% as amphetamine, and the
remainder as minor amounts of the same metabolites found after
amphetamine use. These figures can vary significantly as a result of
differences in urine pH. Methamphetamine concentrations as high as
333,000 ng/ml have been reported in the urine of methamphetamine
abusers. |
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