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Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that
activates certain systems in the brain. It is
closely related chemically to amphetamine, but
the central nervous system effects of methamphetamine
are greater. Both drugs have some medical uses,
primarily in the treatment of obesity, but their
therapeutic use is limited. The central nervous
system (CNS) actions that result from taking even
small amounts of methamphetamine include increased
wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased
appetite, increased respiration, hypethermia,
and euphoria. Other CNS effects include irritability,
insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety,
paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and
convulsions can result in death.
Illicit methamphetamine, which is almost exclusively
methamphetamine hydrochloride, is sold in powder,
ice, and tablet forms. Powder methamphetamine,
the most common form available in the United States,
is produced domestically and also is smuggled
into the country from Mexico. Traditionally, Asian-produced
ice was almost exclusively found in Guam, Hawaii,
and parts of California; however, increased domestic
production of this form of methamphetamine has
increased availability to several other areas
of the country previously untouched by exposure
to ice. Methamphetamine tablets, primarily manufactured
in Burma, have been smuggled into the United States,
especially to northern California and the Los
Angeles area.
Source: DEA, "Drug Intelligence
Brief: The Forms of Methamphetamine," April
2002
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