Amphetamines and Ice: An Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary medical use of amphetamines?

To treat Alzheimer's disease

To enhance cognitive abilities in healthy adults

To alleviate chronic pain conditions

To manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (correct)

Which form of methamphetamine is known to be the most potent and addictive?

Liquid methamphetamine

Crystal methamphetamine (ice) (correct)

Powdered methamphetamine

Methamphetamine pills

What is the typical duration to feel the effects of ice when smoked?

15 to 20 minutes

3 to 5 minutes

30 to 60 minutes

Immediately (correct)

Why is crystal methamphetamine classified as a Schedule II substance?

It has a high potential for abuse and can cause severe dependence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What effects does the higher purity level of ice have compared to lower purity levels?

It results in more intense and longer-lasting psychological effects (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which route of administration is characterized by the quickest onset of effects for ice?

Injecting (A) Signup and view all the answers

What common feature is shared by both crystal methamphetamine and powdered methamphetamine?

Both can be abused for euphoria (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is ice commonly described in terms of its appearance?

Colorless and odorless crystals (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one recommended treatment for methamphetamine overdose that helps manage hyperthermia?

Intravenous crystalloid fluids (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly experienced during the come-down period from methamphetamine use?

Hallucinations and paranoia (B) Signup and view all the answers

What common physical finding may indicate methamphetamine abuse during an autopsy?

Recent needle puncture marks (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions can arise from chronic methamphetamine use related to heart health?

Cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial fibrosis (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following agents is used as an adjunct treatment for symptoms associated with methamphetamine use?

Fluoxetine (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of using depressant drugs during methamphetamine come-down?

Cycle of dependence on both drug types (B) Signup and view all the answers

During a methamphetamine-induced hallucination, users may report feeling what sensation?

Crawling sensations on or under the skin (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of medical intervention is indicated for seizures caused by methamphetamine use?

Use of diazepam (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following long-term effects is NOT commonly associated with methamphetamine use?

Increased cognitive function (D) Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is NOT involved in the action of indirect agonists for neurotransmitters?

Directly stimulates receptor sites (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT typically observed during a methamphetamine overdose?

Severe depression (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which behavioral symptom is most closely associated with methamphetamine use?

Preoccupation with 'chasing the next high' (C) Signup and view all the answers

In methamphetamine use, which physical symptom is least likely to manifest?

Increased muscle mass (C) Signup and view all the answers

What psychological symptom is NOT typically noted in methamphetamine users?

Improved memory (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which complication is most directly associated with injecting methamphetamine?

Tetanus (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a recommended immediate treatment for methamphetamine overdose?

Encouraging physical activity (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are psycho-stimulant drugs that speed up messages between the brain and the body.
Some amphetamines are prescribed to treat conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy.
Others, like speed, are produced and sold illegally.
Crystal methamphetamine (ice) is a potent form.

What is Ice?

Crystal methamphetamine (ice) is a colorless, odorless stimulant.
It's stronger and more addictive than powdered methamphetamine (speed).
It comes as small, chunky crystals, sometimes looking like ice or fragments of glass, or as a white or brownish crystal-like powder.
Ice has a strong smell and a bitter taste.
Other names for ice include crystal meth, shabu, crystal, glass, and shard.

Methods of Use

Ice can be smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed.
Smoked ice produces an almost immediate effect.
Injected ice takes 15-30 seconds to take effect.
Swallowed ice takes 15-20 minutes to take effect.
Snorting ice produces an effect in 3-5 minutes.
Purity level affects duration and intensity of effects.

Why is Ice Illegal?

Crystal methamphetamine is a Schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
Schedule II substances, like cocaine and PCP, have a high potential for abuse.
Abuse of these drugs can cause severe psychological or physical dependence.

How Ice Affects the Body

Indirect agonist for dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin (5-HT).
Mechanism: Blocks monoamine reuptake, inhibits MAO metabolism, and inhibits vesicular storage, and reverse reuptake.

Effects of Ice on Organs

Neurologic: Delirium, tremors, choreiform movements, intracranial hemorrhage.
Psych: Anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, suicidal or homicidal behavior, compulsive behavior (skin picking/formication, hair pulling).
ENT: Dry mouth (xerostomia), teeth grinding (bruxism), poor oral hygiene, nasal injuries.
Cardiovascular: Tachycardia, hypertension, dysrhythmias, myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy.
Pulmonary: Pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ischemic colitis.
Renal: Acute kidney injury, rhabdomyolysis.
Musculoskeletal: Rigidity, rhabdomyolysis.
Skin: Diaphoresis, soft tissue infections (abscesses).

Long-Term Effects

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

Clinical Presentation

Symptoms include hyperthermia, euphoria, dilated pupils, sweating, insomnia, tachycardia, arrhythmia, decreased appetite ,increased alertness and energy.

Mood Symptoms

Anxiety, restlessness, panic
Aggression
Racing thoughts, severe depression following binges, violent mood swings, delusions of grandeur.

Behavioral Symptoms

Risky sexual behavior
Avoidance of hobbies and pleasurable activities
Borrowing/stealing money
Preoccupation with the next high
Pulling away from friends/family
Engaging in unsafe activities.

Physical Symptoms

Marked weight loss, cardiac arrhythmias, malnutrition, respiratory problems
Acne, picking scars, loss of skin elasticity, "meth mouth"
Brain damage, seizures

Psychological Symptoms

Confusion, memory loss
Disorganized lifestyle
Paranoia
Psychosis, hallucinations
Total break from reality.

Other Health Risks

Injecting ice increases risk of tetanus, infection, and vein damage.
Sharing needles increases risk of hepatitis B & C, and HIV/AIDS.
Snorting ice can cause nasal passage damage and nosebleeds.

Overdose

Symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems, fits, agitation, confusion, clumsiness, headache, unconsciousness, stroke, heart attack.

Treatment

Physical/chemical restraints can be used to prevent harm.
Aim to treat life-threatening symptoms (compromised airway, seizures, tachycardia, hyperthermia).
Gastric lavage with antidotes, activated charcoal, intravenous fluids to eliminate the drug.
Intravenous phentolamine, nitroprusside or nitroglycerin for end-organ failure
Supportive care like antibiotics for infections, sedation (diazepam, chlorpromazine).

Coming Down

Recovery can take days, potential effects include difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, and irritability.

Addiction Cycle

Use of depressant drugs (alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis) to manage come-down effects can lead to dependence on both types of drugs.

Autopsy Findings

Recent needle marks (cubital fossa, arms, ankles, groin, neck).
"Crank Bugs" (itching, scratching).
Extreme weight loss, prominent bones and ribs.
"Meth Mouth" (severe tooth decay/damage)

Additional Notes

Pathological changes in the heart (cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial fibrosis, coronary artery fibrosis).
Systemic infections (Hepatitis B/C)
Severe burns.
The drug boosts dopamine release leading to intense elevated mood and increased addictive behavior.

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Description

This quiz explores the nature of amphetamines, focusing on their medical uses, illegal forms, and particularly crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as 'ice.' Discover the various methods of use and learn about the effects of these powerful stimulant drugs. Test your knowledge on this important health topic.