Methamphetamine (meth) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD). It is also prescribed to increase weight loss and treat obesity. When used appropriately there are few meth side effects.
How to Use Meth
Take methamphetamines as directed by your doctor. When filling a prescription, your pharmacist will give you a medication guide. Read the pamphlet and ask the pharmacist any questions you may have.
When using meth for ADHD, the doctor may prescribe taking it once or twice a day. For weight loss, meth may be prescribed a half hour before each meal. Consult with your doctor for directions.
It is suggested not to take meth in the evenings. It is a stimulant and may cause restlessness and insomnia.
Meth Withdrawal Symptoms
When meth is taken for long periods or in high doses, withdrawal may occur when stopping. Do not stop cold-turkey. Ask your doctor to taper the prescription to reduce meth side effects. Common withdrawal symptoms include exhaustion, mood swings, depression, agitation, and headaches. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor right away.
Meth Addiction
As a stimulant, meth can be addictive. Do not increase your dose without instructions from your doctor. Do not take meth more often or longer than prescribed. Any of these behaviors can be a sign of addiction and should be treated. Talk to your doctor if meth use has become a problem.
Important Meth Warning
Meth can be habit-forming. Keep meth prescriptions locked, away from children and those who may have substance abuse tendencies. Do not share your prescription with others or take in ways other than recommended by your doctor.
Long-term meth use can slow a child’s development. Consult with your doctor if your child is not growing or gaining weight properly.
Meth abuse can cause death or serious meth side effects.
Minor Meth Side Effects
When starting a new drug therapy, minor side effects are normal. Many minor meth side effects will reduce or go away after a few days of use. If any of these meth side effects persist or become unbearable, contact your doctor.
- Trouble sleeping
- Agitation and Nervousness
- Upper Abdominal Pain
- Loss of Appetite
- Vomiting
- Euphoria
Infrequent and Rare Meth Side Effects
While some meth side effects may be infrequent or rare, they can be serious. Contact your doctor or go to an emergency room if any of the following meth side effects occur.
Infrequent Meth Side Effects
- Allergic Reaction
- Anger and Outbursts
- Anxiousness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry Mouth
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Excessive Sweating
- Feeling Weak
- Fever
- Headache
- Hives or Rash
- Lack of Interest in Sex
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Restlessness
- Trouble Breathing
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Weight Loss
Rare Meth Side Effects
When taken as prescribed many meth side effects can be avoided. Meth abuse contributes to infrequent and rare side effects.
- Abnormal Heart Rhythm
- Aggressiveness
- Altered Mental Status
- Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity
- Blurred Vision
- Chest Pain
- Continued Painful Erection
- Chronic Muscle Twitches or Movements
- Compulsive Skin Picking
- Constriction of Blood Vessels of the Extremities
- Dilated Pupil
- Disturbance in the Ability of the Eye to Focus
- Double Vision
- Dyskinesia
- Depression
- Feeling Faint
- Feeling Unhappy or Unwell
- Frequent Erections
- Giant Hives
- Grinding of the Teeth
- Hair Loss
- Hypertalkative
- Hallucination
- Heart Attack
- Hepatitis
- High Blood Pressure
- Life Threatening Allergic Reaction
- Mood Changes
- Numbness and Tingling
- Occasional Numbness, Prickling, or Tingling of Fingers and Toes
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Serious Muscle Damage that may Lead to Kidney Failure
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- Stroke
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Taking Habit-Forming Drugs
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
- Worsening Symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome
When to Get Help for Meth Side Effects
If you or a loved one is abusing methamphetamine’s, seek help. Northlake Recovery in Southern Florida can help you beat meth addiction and prevent meth side effects from ruining your life. Call (561)-770-6616 for a free consultation.
Recent Comments