Methamphetamine has been classified by the U.S. 39 These characteristics make it a drug with high potential for widespread misuse. 38 It also has longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system. However, methamphetamine differs from amphetamine in that, at comparable doses, much greater amounts of the drug get into the brain, making it a more potent stimulant. Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria. Methamphetamine was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.
Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system.
