METHAMPHETAMINE – INFORMATION AND HARM REDUCTION
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine is a more potent form of amphetamine, with an even more intense stimulating effect on the nervous system. It is widely used in medicine as a treatment for attention disorders, hyperactivity, and sleep disturbances, although due to its potential for abuse, it is controlled under regulations. However, due to its stronger psychoactive effects, methamphetamine is also commonly used for recreational purposes, which carries a serious risk of addiction and a range of negative health consequences.
Description and History of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine was first synthesized in 1919 by the Japanese chemist Akira Ogata. However, its pharmaceutical potential was not immediately recognized. It wasn’t until the 1930s that methamphetamine became popular as a treatment for hypertension and asthma. It was widely used by soldiers during World War II, contributing to its widespread dissemination.
VIDEO: Do's and don'ts of using methamphetamine (turn on captions)
How Does Methamphetamine Work?
Methamphetamine is a psychoactive substance that primarily affects the central nervous system. It works by increasing the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. This leads to heightened feelings of energy, alertness, and mental stimulation. However, methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance.
Methamphetamine: Effects
Methamphetamine: Duration of Effects
- Onset of Effects: The effects of methamphetamine typically manifest relatively quickly after consumption, usually within a few minutes.
- Peak Action: Methamphetamine reaches its maximum effect within the first few hours after consumption.
- Duration of Effects: The effects of methamphetamine can last for about 3-6 hours, but this can vary depending on the dose and individual body reaction.
- Crash: After the period of methamphetamine action, users may experience a “crash” characterized by a decrease in energy, anxiety, and irritability. This period can last for several hours or longer.
Methamphetamine: Dosage
- Standard Dosage: A typical dose of methamphetamine ranges from 5-60 mg and can be administered orally, intravenously, or by inhalation.
- Low Dosage: Dosages below 5 mg are considered low and may produce subtle effects.
- High Dosage: Dosages above 60 mg can lead to stronger effects but carry a higher risk of adverse effects and health consequences.
VIDEO: How does methamphetamine works? (enable captions)
Harm Reduction: Methamphetamine
Do not use methamphetamine, especially if:
- You have a history of heart disease or hypertension.
- You are taking medications that may interact with methamphetamine.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have a history of mental health issues.
- You are in an uncontrolled or unfamiliar environment.
Here are some basic tips for damage reduction when using methamphetamine:
- If you lack experience and/or certainty of concentration, start with a low dose.
- Maintain adequate hydration, but avoid excessive water intake (hydration must be balanced).
- Avoid frequent use to prevent tolerance and potential neurotoxicity.
- Exercise caution when combining methamphetamine with other substances.
- In case of serious side effects, seek medical help immediately.
- Always test methamphetamine for purity using a reliable PRO Test drug testing kit. Learn how to test methamphetamine by checking the article /how-to-test-methamphetamine/.
Click the article above to learn how to test methamphetamine.
Mixing: Methamphetamine
It is best to avoid mixing any psychoactive substances, but if it cannot be avoided, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Here is a list of the main risks of mixing methamphetamine with popular psychoactive substances:
- Methamphetamine and Alcohol: The combination of methamphetamine and alcohol may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and potentially impaired judgment.
- Methamphetamine and Benzodiazepines: The combination may lead to a reduced stimulating effect of methamphetamine but also increases the risk of excessive consumption of either substance.
- Methamphetamine and DMT: Mixing methamphetamine with DMT can lead to intensified effects and potential disorientation.
- Methamphetamine and GBL: Combining methamphetamine with GBL carries an increased risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
- Methamphetamine and GHB: The combination of methamphetamine with GHB may increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
- Methamphetamine and Psilocybin Mushrooms: The combination can lead to the potential amplification of psychedelic effects.
- Methamphetamine and Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Reduced methamphetamine action can lead to excessive methamphetamine consumption.
- Methamphetamine and Ketamine: Combining methamphetamine with ketamine can lead to intensified dissociative experiences and disorientation.
- Methamphetamine and Caffeine: The combination may increase stimulating effects and potentially accelerate heart rate.
- Methamphetamine and MDMA: Mixing methamphetamine with MDMA may increase the risk of cardiovascular stress and potentially excessive stimulation.
- Methamphetamine and LSD: The combination can lead to potential amplification of psychedelic effects.
- Methamphetamine and MAOi: Combining methamphetamine with MAOi carries a very high risk.
- Methamphetamine and Methamphetamine: Concurrent use of methamphetamine can excessively stimulate the cardiovascular system and increase health risks.
- Methamphetamine and NBOMe: Mixing methamphetamine with NBOMe can lead to intensified effects and increased risk of excessive stimulation.
- Methamphetamine and Opioids: Mixing methamphetamine with opioids carries an increased risk of respiratory depression and overdose.
- Methamphetamine and Nitrous Oxide: The combination can lead to intensified dissociative effects and potential disorientation.
- Methamphetamine and THC: Mixing methamphetamine with THC may increase the risk of anxiety and paranoia.
- Methamphetamine and Tramadol: Combining methamphetamine with tramadol may carry the potential risk of serotonin syndrome and life-threatening reactions.
Is Methamphetamine Legal?
Methamphetamine is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including Poland and the United States. In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to produce, possess, or distribute methamphetamine for non-medical purposes.
Sources:
- erowid.org
- dmt-nexus.me
- psychonautwiki.org
- tripsit.me
- wikipedia.org
Disclaimer
The information presented on this page is not intended to promote drug use. Many of the substances mentioned are illegal according to national and international law, and possessing these substances is punishable by law. Never assume that a substance is safe. The concentration, purity, and additives can vary greatly, even if the samples come from the same source or look similar. Chemical Safety sp. z o.o. strongly discourages the use of any psychoactive substances – legal or illegal. Using psychoactive substances always carries health risks that can be avoided.