Quick info
Methamphetamine (N-methylamphetamine) is a synthetic amphetamine derivative. Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes a release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain and thus has a euphoric and stimulating effect. Since methamphetamine enters the brain more quickly than amphetamine and the stimulating effect is stronger and longer, it causes a stronger and longer-lasting high (kick) and thus has a higher addiction potential than amphetamine.
Norepinephrine and dopamine are released simultaneously; pronounced subjective performance enhancement, increased self-esteem, euphoria, disinhibition and increase in desire; methamphetamine is therefore also used as a sex drug. Increase in body temperature, accelerated pulse and respiration, and increased blood pressure. Hunger, the need for sleep, and pain are suppressed. Increased willingness to take risks, increased aggressiveness and readiness to use violence, extreme nervousness, and an increased urge to talk (babble flush) are further characteristics of its effects. Methamphetamine is broken down only slowly in the body.
Onset of effect
Snorted after about 10-20 min, swallowed after 30-120 min, smoked and injected within a few sec.
Duration of action
Depending on the form of application 3-12 h. Highly dosed, the effect can last longer than 24 hours.
Aftereffects
up to 70 hrs.
Appearances
pills (Yaba, Thaipille, Pervitin®) or crystalline powder (Crystal, Ice, Pico).
Forms of consumption
Methamphetamine is swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected (slamming), or administered rectally.
Dosage
Limit dose: 2 - 5 mg
Low dose: 5-10 mg
Average dose: 10 - 25 mg
High dose: 25 - 50 mg
Very high dose: + 50 mg
Short-term side effects include tense jaw muscles, dry mouth, increased body temperature, marked dehydration and increased heart rate, as well as increased blood pressure and tremors all over the body, irritability and aggressive to violent behavior (especially in combination with alcohol and in high doses). Individuals with methamphetamine overdoses usually experience psychiatric symptoms such as agitation, suicidal ideation, or psychotic reactions. Deaths associated with methamphetamine overdoses are usually due to pulmonary edema, cerebral hemorrhage, cardiac arrhythmias, acute heart failure, or high fever.
Long-term risks:
Methamphetamine is a highly depleting substance with a very high dependence potential with psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. Pronounced downs, aggression, depression and the desire to use again (craving) characterize the period of regular use. Constant restlessness, sleep and circulatory disorders, paranoia and even amphetamine psychosis may occur. Suicidal thoughts also occur frequently. In addition, weight loss, skin inflammations ("speed pimples"), tooth loss, kidney and lung damage, stomach problems and epileptic seizures are possible. In women, the menstrual cycle can be disrupted. Snorting damages nasal mucous membranes and nasal septum, swallowing damages stomach mucous membranes; smoking damages lungs and increases cancer risk. Chronic consumption favors cerebral hemorrhages and strokes with sudden paralysis and damages the heart.
It is believed that chronic use of methamphetamine can irreversibly alter or damage the brain, associated with impairments in intellectual performance. Chronic methamphetamine users have a significantly increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
Risky behaviour due to stimulating, pain-inhibiting, aphrodisiac effects as well as overestimation of one's own capabilities.
LSD analogues are substances that are chemically very similar to LSD and can have comparable effects. Some of them have been known for a long time (e.g. ALD52, ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, PRO-LAD etc.) and have been studied pharmacologically as well as psychopharmacologically, at least in part. Others are newer "creations" (e.g. the derivatives 1P-LSD,1B-LSD, 1cP-LSD, 1V-LSDetc.), for which only few or no data are available. Certain LSD analogues can (still) be legally produced, traded and consumed in some countries, which is the main reason for their distribution.
Most LSD analogues are naturally different from LSD in their effect and/or potency (e.g. ETH-LAD, AL-LAD, LSZ etc.). In contrast, the so-called 1-acylated LSD compounds (e.g. 1P-LSD, 1V-LSD, 1B-LSD, ALD-52, etc.) are presumed, on the basis of pharmacological studies, to convert into LSD in the body (they function as so-called prodrugs) and thus have a comparable psychoactive effect to LSD.
In the case of prodrugs of LSD and LSD analogues, it has not been conclusively clarified whether, in addition to their psychoactive effect, they can produce other pharmacological effects. How potent these prodrugs are compared to the resulting substance (e.g., 1P-LSD to LSD), and to what extent a delay in onset of action occurs in each case, may be substance-dependent and cannot be generalized. Therefore, it is important to approach the dose/effect carefully to avoid overdoses.
If you or someone else needs urgent help after taking drugs or alcohol, call an ambulance on 144. Tell the emergency responders everything you know.
It could save lives.