what is difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine
You need to know the difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine if you want to use strong stimulants. Even though these two drugs are similar in some ways, their effects, risks, and ways of being treated are not.
This means that there is a chance that someone will abuse or become addicted to these drugs. Stimulants make the central nervous system (CNS) work faster, which speeds up breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. They also give you more energy and help you concentrate.
At Free by the Sea, you can learn the difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine and how to tell if someone is addicted to a stimulant.
What does amphetamine mean?
Synthetic drugs called amphetamines use neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine to make the brain and nerves work faster. Amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse, are mostly given to people who have narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
People often look for amphetamines for reasons other than medical ones, like to lose weight or stay awake longer. However, students are the ones who abuse these prescription amphetamines the most. In fact, almost one-third of college students in the U.S. use amphetamines, which are sometimes called “study drugs,” to help them do better in school.
The release of dopamine by amphetamines changes the brain’s reward system. The person may get stuck in a cycle of drug-seeking behaviors that not only make the effects of the drug last longer but also mask withdrawal symptoms. When people keep using amphetamines for reasons other than medical ones, the neural pathways or connections in their brain change, which leads to addiction.
These are some signs of an amphetamine use disorder:
- Getting irritable
- Trouble sleeping
- Losing weight
- Headaches
- Arms or legs going numb
- Acting hostile or aggressive
- Tiredness
- Constipation
- Tics in the mouth or muscles
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Acting on impulse
What does methamphetamine mean?
People may know methamphetamine better by its street names, such as meth, crank, and ice. People inject, snort, or smoke this illegal synthetic stimulant, which is made up of amphetamine mixed with common household items. Drain cleaner, battery acid, paint thinner, or lighter fluid are all very dangerous chemicals that can be used to make methamphetamine. The chemicals used to make methamphetamine are hard for the body to process, which can have serious mental and physical effects.
When someone first uses it, they may feel a strong rush, with lots of energy and confidence. When the drug wears off, which is called a meth crash, the person feels tired, can’t sleep, has cravings, is confused, and anxious. Because methamphetamine is so addicting, many people become hooked on it very quickly.
Long-term use of methamphetamine can lead to serious health problems, such as tooth decay, skin aging too quickly, liver failure, psychosis, cognitive problems, and even cardiac arrest.
Some signs that someone is abusing or addicted to methamphetamine are:
- Irritability
- Skin sores
- Chronic insomnia
- Loss of weight all of a sudden
- Behaviors that show nerves or anxiety
- Behaviors that put others at risk
- Hyperactivity
- Sagging skin
- Severe tooth decay
Key Differences Between Methamphetamine and Amphetamines
We already said that both amphetamines and methamphetamine are strong and dangerous stimulants, but there are some key differences between the two.
Here are some of the main ways that amphetamines and methamphetamine are different:
History
- An amphetamine is phenylisopropylamine, which was made by a Romanian scientist named Lazăr Edeleanu in 1887 while he was working in Germany.
- This drug is called methamphetamine. It was first made by a Japanese scientist named Nagai Nagayoshi. This took place in 1883. One more Japanese scientist, Akira Ogata, created the crystallized form of meth that most people use today in 1919.
Medical Value
- Amphetamines: Prescription drugs that contain amphetamines are used by millions of kids, teens, and adults.
- Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine is only found in one approved drug, and it is a closely watched drug that isn’t given very often.
Legal Status
- Amphetamines: With a prescription, you can legally buy, possess, and use many types of amphetamines.
- Methamphetamine: In the United States, it is illegal to sell, possess, or use methamphetamine, except for prescription drug Desoxyn.
Manufacturing
- Amphetamines: Both legally and illegally made substances can be used or abused with amphetamines.
- Methamphetamine: In the US, almost all methamphetamine is made illegally, often in meth labs that are very dangerous.
Safety
- Amphetamines: People who take prescription amphetamines as their doctor tells them can have better health and a higher quality of life with few side effects.
- Drugs like methamphetamine: Using methamphetamine always comes with serious risks, which is why prescriptions for it are so uncommon. People who use methamphetamine put their bodies and minds at great risk.
Conclusion
Both amphetamines and methamphetamines are strong stimulants that can have effects on the brain and body. However, they are not the same when it comes to their legal status, potential risks, or medical uses. Amphetamines can help people with ADHD and narcolepsy when they are prescribed them, but abusing them can cause serious addiction and health problems. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is illegal and has terrible effects on the mind and body. It often leads to addiction quickly and long-term health problems. It’s important to know these differences in order to make smart decisions and spot the signs of abuse. If you or someone you know is having trouble with addiction, getting help as soon as possible is very important for recovery and long-term health.
