From the Guidelines
Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant drug that contains N-methylamphetamine as its active ingredient, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen atoms, and is typically produced using various chemicals including pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, red phosphorus, iodine, anhydrous ammonia, lithium, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and solvents like acetone or ether. The production of methamphetamine often involves the use of pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, which are found in some cold medications, as a precursor chemical 1. Illicit methamphetamine may contain dangerous impurities and contaminants from its manufacturing process, such as lead, mercury, and other toxic substances, which contribute to the drug's harmful effects 2.
Composition and Effects
The composition of methamphetamine helps explain why it's highly addictive and dangerous, as it directly affects the central nervous system by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain 3. Methamphetamine can lead to myocardial ischemia from mechanisms similar to cocaine, and studies have shown that it can result in decreased myocardial perfusion and reduce coronary sinus blood flow 3.
Pharmaceutical-Grade Methamphetamine
Pharmaceutical-grade methamphetamine, prescribed under the name Desoxyn, contains pure methamphetamine hydrochloride in controlled amounts, typically 5 mg tablets, and is manufactured under strict quality controls without the dangerous contaminants found in illicit versions 2.
Key Points
- Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant drug with N-methylamphetamine as its active ingredient
- It is composed of carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen atoms and produced using various chemicals
- Illicit methamphetamine may contain dangerous impurities and contaminants
- Pharmaceutical-grade methamphetamine is manufactured under strict quality controls without contaminants
- Methamphetamine directly affects the central nervous system, increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels in the brain 1, 2, 3
From the FDA Drug Label
Methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets, USP contain 5 mg of methamphetamine hydrochloride, USP for oral administration. In addition, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone and purified water. The ingredients in methamphetamine (methamphetamine) are:
- Active ingredient: methamphetamine hydrochloride, USP
- Inactive ingredients: + Crospovidone + Magnesium stearate + Microcrystalline cellulose + Povidone + Purified water 4
From the Research
Ingredients of Methamphetamine
The ingredients used to manufacture methamphetamine are not explicitly listed in the provided studies. However, according to the study 5, methamphetamine can be easily manufactured from simple chemicals such as pseudoephedrine.
Chemical Composition
The studies do not provide a detailed chemical composition of methamphetamine. They primarily focus on the effects, consequences, and treatment of methamphetamine abuse.
Manufacturing Process
While the manufacturing process of methamphetamine is not described in detail, the study 5 mentions that the drug is inexpensive and easily manufactured from simple chemicals.
Key Findings
- Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug that affects the monoamine neurotransmitter systems of the brain 6, 7, 8.
- The drug is associated with many health problems, including neurotoxicity, cognitive impairment, and psychosocial issues 6, 9, 7, 8.
- Treatment options for methamphetamine abuse include pharmacological, psychological, or combination therapies 6, 8.