Meth Side Effects

Methamphetamine, also known as "meth", is a dangerous stimulant drug that is considered to be one of the fastest growing and most serious drug problems facing the nation. One of the reasons for this is that the drug can be produced by combining a specific set of chemicals, all of which can be obtained legally. Methamphetamine's mood altering effects are long-lasting, and the user experiences an intense, rush or feeling of extreme pleasure. The drug stays in the brain longer than other stimulants, and its effects last longer substantially longer. The drug is extremely addictive, even more so than heroin or cocaine. Chronic meth use can cause severe, often irreversible, physical and psychological damage and side effects.

Individuals who use meth may experience side effects which could prove disastrous to their health and well-being. Individuals who inject meth put themselves risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and/or hepatitis transmission, as are all intravenous drug users. The risk of infectious diseases when combined with a compromised immune system can result in severe or even fatal side effects. Repeated meth injections may cause abscesses at the injection sites, which can lead to infection and other dangerous side effects.

An array of toxic chemicals are used in the production of meth, and meth users may experience side effects because of these toxic substances. For instance, some meth manufacturers use lead acetate to produce a batch of meth, which can lead to acute lead poisoning. Meth users also risk exposure to other metals and salts that may be used in meth production which can lead to serious health problems including cancer, respiratory problems, anemia, and birth defects. Despite the side effects of the drug, many meth users continue use to ward off symptoms of withdrawal. Meth addiction is hard to overcome for this reason without intervention.

Some of the common short- and long-term meth side effects are as follows:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
• Increased respiration
• Acute lead poisoning
• If pregnant, birth defects to the developing fetus
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
• Irritability
• Itching
• Decreased appetite
• Erratic attention span
• Repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin, pulling out hair, compulsive cleaning, etc.
• Aggression or violent behavior
• False sense of confidence and power
• Convulsions
• Carelessness about appearance
• Deceit or secretiveness
• Insomnia which can last 24-120 hours or Long periods of sleep which can last for 24-48 hours
• Psychosis - including hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Suicidal tendencies
• Cognitive problems
• Anxiousness
• Heart problems (including ischemia and arrhythmia)
• Difficulties swallowing
• Facial flushing (hyperpyrexia)
• Irreversible, stroke producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain
• Malnutrition and weight loss
• Permanent neurological damage
• Dental problems
• Shortness of breath
• Nasal problems or nosebleeds
• Sores that do not heal
• Dilated pupils
• Track marks on arms
• Increased activity
• Incessant talking
• Delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin