Crystal meth Side Effects

Methamphetamines are central nervous systems stimulants that cause the release of powerful neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

The dopamine stimulates brain cells and at the same time, enhancing body actions and mood. Norepinephrine contributes to that feeling of jubilation.

Other body activities that can be affected with the use of this drug are appetite suppressant, heart rate, body temperature and response associated with alertness.

The street names for methamphetamine include: meth, crystal meth, ice, chalk, crystal and speed.

These names are given depending on how methamphetamine is used or taken. Meth can be taken intravenously, smoking, snorting or orally.

The effects of crystal meth depend on whether the drugs are taken on a long term or short term bases.

Short term crystal meth side effects may include:

1. Dilated pupils
2. Decreased fatigue
3. Increased activity
4. insomnia
5. Euphoria
6. Increased attention
7. Euphoric rush or "flash"
8. Increased respiration
9. Decreased appetite
10. Diarrhea, nausea
11. Irregular heart beat
12. Increased body temperature
13. Jaw clenching
14. tremors
15. Increases libido
16. Sexual climax problems

Long term crystal meth side effects may include:

I. Psychosis and Paranoia
II. Hallucinations  and Delusions
III. Obsessive compulsive behavior
IV. Damage to brain
V. Memory loss
VI. Aggressive or Violent behavior
VII. Meth mouth
VIII. Anorexia
IX. Mood instability

These effects stem from the association the drug has on the bodies' nervous system. Crystal meth when compared to cocaine produces a longer feeling of euphoria, which can last for over 12 hours.

That same pleasurable effect observed with cocaine use may only last for a few minutes. The sensational effect of the crystal meth disappears before the concentration of the drug starts to diminish in the blood.

Thus the other side effects such as tachycardia, high blood pressure may remain while the euphoric feeling diminishes. 

Without the required treatment for this addiction the end result is usually fatal. Due to the effects meth has on the blood vessels, there is a high potential for stroke, which in many cases lead to death.

Other patients die of hyperthermia and cardiac failure.

Over the past decade the use of crystal meth had produced staggering results. A research conducted by NSDUH, noted that over 10.4 million people over 12 years have tried meth at some point in their lives.

The monitoring youth survey showed that 4.5% of high school students said they have used the drug at least once in their life.

With these surprising statistics, it was not a surprise when meth has been ruled a class A drug and stiffer penalties are in place for people because using or selling the illegal form of the drug.