Amphetamines and Crystal Meth

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter affected by methamphetamine that leads to increased mood elevation?

Dopamine (correct)

Acetylcholine

Serotonin

Norepinephrine

Which treatment is recommended for managing seizures induced by methamphetamine use?

Diazepam (correct)

Phenobarbitone

Propofol

Morphine

What physical sign may indicate a history of methamphetamine use?

Smooth skin texture

Bradycardia

Recent needle puncture marks (correct)

Weight gain

What is a potential risk of using depressants during the come-down phase from methamphetamine?

Reinforcement of dependence Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT commonly associated with chronic methamphetamine use?

Hyperactivity Signup and view all the answers

What supportive care is suggested for patients experiencing significant end organ failure due to methamphetamine overdose?

Intravenous phentolamine Signup and view all the answers

What common psychological effect may occur during methamphetamine withdrawal?

Hallucinations Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of crystal meth as described in the content?

A stimulant that causes intense euphoria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT related to the come-down phase of methamphetamine use?

Increased appetite Signup and view all the answers

What type of intravenous solution is used to help eliminate methamphetamine from the body through urine?

Crystalloids Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary medical use of amphetamines?

To treat narcolepsy and ADHD Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about crystal methamphetamine is false?

It is less potent than powder methamphetamine. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of crystal methamphetamine (ice)?

It can appear as small clear crystals. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of ingestion produces effects from ice the quickest?

Injected Signup and view all the answers

Why is crystal methamphetamine categorized as a Schedule II substance?

It can cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of consuming ice?

Vaporized Signup and view all the answers

What effect does crystal methamphetamine have on the body?

It speeds up messages traveling between the brain and body. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a local name for crystal methamphetamine?

Shard Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant reason for the illegal status of certain types of amphetamines?

They are highly addictive and can cause severe dependence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason people abuse amphetamines?

For their euphoric effects. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following mechanisms does an indirect agonist utilize to affect neurotransmitters?

Blocks monoamine reuptake Signup and view all the answers

What is a long-term effect associated with methamphetamine use?

Severe weight loss Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common behavioral symptom of methamphetamine use?

Preoccupation with chasing the next high Signup and view all the answers

What form of physical symptom is NOT typically associated with methamphetamine use?

Increased muscle mass Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is indicative of methamphetamine overdose?

Extreme agitation Signup and view all the answers

What may be a psychological consequence of chronic methamphetamine use?

Total break from reality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following poses a health risk specifically when injecting drugs?

Increased risk of infections Signup and view all the answers

Which physical symptom is associated with prolonged methamphetamine use and is often referred to as 'Meth Mouth'?

Severe gum disease Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT an accepted method of treating acute methamphetamine intoxication?

Immediate detoxification Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of the anxiety experienced during methamphetamine use?

Racing thoughts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are psycho-stimulant drugs that speed up messages between the brain and body.
Some types are prescribed to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and Parkinson's disease.
Other types, like speed, are produced and sold illegally.
Crystal methamphetamine (ice) is a potent form, used as a performance enhancer.

ICE (Crystal Methamphetamine)

Ice is a colorless, odorless stimulant.
It's stronger and more addictive than powder meth.
It comes as small, chunky crystals, sometimes resembling ice or glass fragments.
Can also come as a white or brownish powder.
It has a strong, bitter taste.
Common nicknames include crystal meth, shabu, crystal, glass, or shard.

Methamphetamine Use Methods

Ice can be smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed.
Smoked ice produces an almost immediate effect.
Injection and snorting have faster effects (15-30 seconds, 3-5 minutes respectively).
Swallowing meth results in a delayed effect (15-20 minutes).
Higher purity levels in ice may lead to longer-lasting and more intense effects.

Illegality of Methamphetamine

Crystal methamphetamine is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Schedule II substances, including cocaine and PCP, have a high potential for abuse.
Abuse can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Methamphetamine Effects on the Body

Indirect agonist for dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin.
Blocks monoamine reuptake.
Inhibits MAO metabolism.
Inhibits vesicular storage.
Reverses reuptake.

Effects of Methamphetamine on Different Systems

Neurological: Delirium, tremors, seizures, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia, psychosis.
Psych: Anxiety, confusion, sleep problems, hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis.
ENT: Dry mouth, teeth grinding, poor oral hygiene, nasal injury.
Cardiovascular: Increased heart rate, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, potentially heart attacks and/or sudden death.
Pulmonary: Lung issues like pulmonary hypertension or ARDS.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ischemic colitis.
Renal: Acute kidney injury.
Musculoskeletal: Muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis.
Skin: Increased sweating, skin sores (if injected).

Long-Term Effects

Anxiety, confusion; sleep problems.
Hallucinations, delusions.
Methamphetamine psychosis.
Psychotic behaviors.
Chronic depression.
Severe weight loss.
Brain damage.

Clinical Presentation

Hyperthermia (high body temperature).
Euphoria.
Dilated pupils.
Sweating.
Insomnia.
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate).
Decreased appetite.
Increased alertness and energy.

Mood Symptoms

Anxiety, restlessness, panic.
Aggression, racing thoughts.
Severe depression (after binges).
Euphoria.
Violent mood swings.
Delusions of grandeur.

Behavioral Symptoms

Risky sexual behavior.
Inability to stop use.
Violence
Neglect of hobbies and activities.
Borrowing or stealing money.
Preoccupation with "chasing the next high".
Isolation from friends and family.
Unsafe activities.

Physical Symptoms

Weight loss.
Cardiac arrhythmias.
Malnutrition.
Respiratory issues.
Skin sores, acne, loss of elasticity.
Meth mouth.
Brain damage.
Seizures.

Psychological Symptoms

Confusion.
Memory loss.
Disorganized lifestyle.
Paranoia.
Psychosis.
Hallucinations.
Severe detachment from reality.

Injecting Risks

Tetanus risk.
Infection risk.
Vein damage.

Hepatitis B and C.
HIV.
AIDS.

Snorting Risks

Nasal passage damage.

Overdose Symptoms

Chest pain.
Breathing problems.
Uncontrolled jerking.
Extreme agitation, confusion, clumsiness.
Severe headache.
Unconsciousness.
Stroke.
Heart attack.
Immediate death.

Treatment

Physical and/or chemical restraint may prevent harm.
Treating life-threatening problems like breathing, seizures, tachycardia, and hyperthermia.
Gastric lavage, activated charcoal.
Intravenous fluids to eliminate the drug.
Phentolamine, nitroprusside, or nitroglycerin for organ failure.
Antibiotics for infections.
Diazepam and chlorpromazine for sedation and seizures.
Other drugs (imipramine, fluoxetine) to address symptoms.

Coming Down

Several days, or even weeks to recover following use.
Difficulty sleeping.
Exhaustion.
Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision.
Paranoia, hallucinations, confusion.
Irritability and "feeling down."

Cycle of Dependence

Using depressants (like alcohol, benzodiazepines or cannabis) to manage comedown effects can perpetuate the cycle of dependence on both the stimulating and depressant drugs.

Autopsy Findings

Recent needle puncture marks, irregular linear scars, and skin infections.
Inguinal area, neck and other places with needle marks.
Crank Bugs (hallucinatory) sensation of bugs crawling.
Extreme weight loss.
Bony prominences.
Prominent rib cage.
Meth mouth (oral damage).

Ongoing Health Issues

Pathological heart conditions like cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial fibrosis, coronary artery fibrosis.
Systemic infections (Hepatitis B/C).
Severe burns.

Addiction ("Binge & Crash")

The drug increases dopamine levels, creating an intense high and desire for more doses.
Cravings and compulsive behavior result from the need to maintain the euphoria.

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Description

Explore the world of amphetamines, focusing on their uses, particularly in treating conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. Learn about crystal methamphetamine, its effects, and various methods of use. This quiz delves into both the medical and illegal aspects of these powerful stimulants.