Crystal Meth Effects

Introduction: Crystal Meth

Crystal Meth is used to refer to the chemical methamphetamine, desoxyephedrine or methylamphetamine. When in crystalline form, methamphetamine is commonly known as crystal meth, Tina, ice or glass. Crystal meth is usually smoked using glass pipes. It can also be injected dry or when it has been dissolved in water. Other ways of taking crystal meth include; swallowing, snorting or inserting it into the urethra or anus.

Crystal Meth Usage

Crystal meth has a number of use. For instance, most females use Crystal Meth because it causes extreme weight loss. It is however important to note that the weight loss effects realised from Crystal Meth are short term. This is because the body is capable of building tolerance toward the drug thus weight loss benefits only last for a few weeks i.e. approximately six weeks. Also, all weight that is lost after taking Crystal Meth can be regained if one stops using the drug. It is for this reason among many others why methamphetamine isn't recommended for weight loss by doctors.

Apart from the weight loss benefits offered by Crystal Meth, other people take the drug because it has a long lasting high. Methamphetamine is capable of causing numerous neurotransmitters to be simultaneously released to produce a long lasting sense of euphoria that can last up to 12 hours.

Methamphetamine is also taken as a stimulant because it improves alertness, concentration and energy levels by decreasing fatigue and appetite. Methamphetamine can also taken as an antidepressant to relieve side effects such as low sex libido and pleasure.

Crystal Meth Effects

This are a number of effects associated with taking pure Crystal Meth (methamphetamine). It is important to note that crystal meth as a street drug is usually not pure thus the side effects associated with using the drug may go beyond the Crystal Meth effects mentioned below.

Common Immediate Crystal Meth effects

Some of the most common immediate effects of Crystal Meth include; euphoria, nausea, diarrhoea, increased alertness, increases energy, excessive sweating, insomnia, loss of appetite, tremors, agitation, jaw clenching, irritablulty, panic, consfusion, talkativeness, panic, violence, increased libido, high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, increased heart rate, increased body temperature and bronchodilation. Other common immediate crystal Meth effects include artery wall constriction and birth defects in nursing and pregnant mothers when Crystal Meth crosses the placenta.

Crystal meth effects with chronic use

There are a number of serious Crystal Meth effects associated with chronic use. One of the main chronic effects is tolerance i.e. needing higher Crystal Meth doses to get the same effect. Prolonged tolerance usually leads to addiction which has very serious effects. Another chronic use effect caused by Crystal Meth is drug related psychosis which usually affects addicts who stop using a drug. Chronic use of Crystal Meth also causes temporary weight loss as stated above, drug craving, withdrawal symptoms such as anhedonia and depression. Also, chronic Crystal Meth caused meth mouth which is characterised by rapid decay and falling out of teeth.

Crystal Meth overdose effects

It is important to note that overdosing on Crystal Meth has very serious life threatening effects i.e. brain damage, muscle breakdown or rhabdomyolysis which causes kidney failure or damage, death caused by stroke, elevated body temperature or cardiac arrest. Also, overdosing on Crystal Meth can cause formication which simply refers to the flesh crawling sensation. Other serious Crystal Meth effects include; tension headaches, delusions, hallucinations and paranoia.

Crystal Meth sources

Methamphetamine is readily available in prescription medicines for treating obesity, narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Crystal Meth is however regarded to as a street drug because it is made in illegal laboratories by mixing and chemically altering prescription drugs. In order to make Crystal Meth, you have to reduce ephedrine or pseudoephedrine which is commonly found in allergy and cold medicines. The process involves hydrogenation of ephedrine/pseudoephedrine molecular groups.

Crystal Meth is very dangerous to both makers and users. For instance, the process of making Crystal Meth produces a dangerous gas that is highly explosive. In addition to this gas the phosphorus and phosphine by products i.e. chloroform, ether, ammonia, acetone, hydrochloric acid, iodine, methylamine, lithium, hydrochloric acid, mercury, sodium and hydrogen are also dangerous.