Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that can be used to treat hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, which is characterized by symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive behavior, easily distracted, and difficulty concentrating.
Methamphetamine can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a type of sleep disorder in which the sufferer feels excessive sleepiness and falls asleep during the day. Sleepiness due to narcolepsy occurs and strikes the sufferer suddenly, regardless of whatever activity is being carried out.
Methamphetamine is a psychotropic drug that works by increasing the amount of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Increased levels of these three neurotransmitters will cause brain activity and the circulatory system to increase.
Therefore, this drug can increase the user's awareness, as well as increase heart rate and blood pressure. Another effect of methamphetamine is an increase in energy and a decrease in appetite resulting from an increase in this neurotransmitter.
In high doses, methamphetamine can be dangerous for users and cause death, so the use of this drug must be under the supervision of a doctor.
About Methamphetamine
| group | Central nervous system stimulant |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | - Relieves ADHD - Relieves narcolepsy |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding category | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Methamphetamine is thought to be absorbed into breast milk and consumed by the infant. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should not take this drug. In addition, the awareness and thinking ability of breastfeeding mothers can be disrupted due to the consumption of methamphetamine during breastfeeding, so it is feared that it will have a negative impact on the baby. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Warning:
- If an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after using methamphetamine, see a doctor immediately.
- For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult the use of this drug with a doctor.
- Please be careful in using this drug if you suffer from arrhythmia, heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, heart valve disease, history of heart attack, hypertension, stroke, or other disorders of blood vessels and heart.
- Please also be careful if you have diabetes, Tourette's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, history of drug abuse, and history of seizures.
- Please exercise caution if you have anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, or symptoms of psychosis.
- Avoid driving or operating dangerous heavy machinery while on treatment with methamphetamine, as this drug can cause side effects such as dizziness and reduced alertness. Avoid consuming alcohol because it can exacerbate the side effects that arise.
- If an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after using methamphetamine, see a doctor immediately.
Methamphetamine Dosage
Details of methamphetamine doses for various purposes can be seen in the following table.
| Necessities | Age | Dose |
| Relieves ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactive disorder) | Children aged 3-5 years | 2.5 mg as initial dose, once daily. The dose can be increased to a maximum dose of 20 mg per day. |
| Children over 6 years old | 5 mg, 1-2 times daily. The dose can be increased up to a maximum dose of 40 mg per day. | |
| Relieves narcolepsy | Mature | 5-10 mg per day as initial dose. The dose can be increased to a maximum dose of 60 mg per day. |
| Children aged 6-12 years | 5 mg per day, divided into several doses. The dose can be increased to a maximum dose of 60 mg per day. | |
| seniors | 5 mg per day, divided into several doses. The dose can be increased to a maximum dose of 60 mg per day. |
Using Methamphetamine Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information listed on the drug packaging before using it. Methamphetamine must be taken according to the rules and a doctor's prescription.
Make sure that there is sufficient time between one dose and the next. Try to take methamphetamine at the same time each day to maximize the effect of the drug.
For patients who forget to take methamphetamine, it is advisable to do so as soon as remember, if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
Drug Interaction
Methamphetamine can cause certain interactions when taken with other drugs, such as:
- Increased blood pressure, if taken together with beta-blocking drugs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) antidepressants.
- Increases the risk of heart and blood vessel disorders, such as arrhythmias, when taken with tricyclic antidepressants.
- Slows the absorption of certain drugs by the body, such as phenobarbital and
- Inhibits the stimulant effects of methamphetamine, when taken with chlorpromazine, lithium, and haloperidol.
Know the Side Effects and Dangers of Methamphetamine
Just like other drugs, methamphetamine is also at risk of causing side effects. Some side effects that may occur after taking this drug are:
- Dizzy.
- Headache.
- Constipation.
- Stomach ache.
- Nauseous.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss.
- Dry mouth.
- Hard to sleep.
In addition, methamphetamine users must also be vigilant if they experience an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug are:
- Tremors.
- Hard to breathe.
- Hypertension or hypotension.
- Arrhythmia
- It's hard to rest.
- Rhabdomyolysis.