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Illicit
Metham-
phetamine Lab |
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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. Methamphetamine's 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 it's 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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| ABC's -
Amphetamines.
Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. 10 Sept.
2001 <http://www.nadc.gov.ab.ca/aadac/addictions/abc/amphetamines.htm>. |
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| Baselt, Randall C.,
and Robert H. Cravey. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in
Man. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers, Inc., 1989. |
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| Drug Photos from
the IPRC Website. Indiana Prevention Resource Center. 10 Sept. 2001 <http://www.drugs.indiana.edu/prevention/iprcpics.html>. |
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| NIDA Research
Report Series - Methamphetamine: Abuse and Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
10 Sept.
2001 <http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/methamph/methamph2.html>. |
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