Methamphetamine Side Effects

Brand Names: Desoxyn

Please note - some side effects for Methamphetamine may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects of Methamphetamine - for the Consumer

Methamphetamine

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Methamphetamine:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; exaggerated sense of well-being; headache; loss of appetite; mild nervousness; nausea; upset stomach.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation or restlessness; blurred vision; change in sexual ability or desire; changes in speech; chest pain; difficulty moving; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; mental/mood changes; pounding in chest; seizures; severe headaches; stomach pain; tremor; trouble sleeping; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, tics); unusual weakness or tiredness; vomiting.

Side Effects by Body System

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular effects have included palpitations, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure. Sudden death, cardiomyopathy, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been reported rarely.

The results of case-controlled study indicate that methamphetamine use among young patients (less than 45-years-old) not only increases the risk of developing cardiomyopathy but also of developing a more severe form of cardiomyopathy. However, it has been suggested that myocardial pathology may be reversible with early cessation of use.

Nervous system

Nervous system effects have included overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dyskinesia, dysphoria, tremor, headache, exacerbation of motor and phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome. Long-term neurotoxicity has been associated with methamphetamine abuse.

Gastrointestinal

According to one review, xerostomia secondary to chronic methamphetamine use can result in significant oral health issues such as dental caries and accelerated tooth wear from bruxism.

Gastrointestinal effects have included dry mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, (undesired) anorexia and weight loss, and other disturbances. One study has reported that recent methamphetamine use was significantly predictive of giant ulcer formation.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic effects have included urticaria.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included impotence and changes in libido.

Other

Children aged 7 to 10 years randomized to received methylphenidate (vs. placebo) were found to experience a temporary slowing in growth rate without evidence of growth rebound during this period. It is unknown whether chronic use of amphetamines cause a similar suppression of growth, but it is anticipated that they will.

Other effects have included a significant elevation (highest in the evening) of the plasma corticosteroid levels and temporary growth suppression associated with long-term use. Amphetamines may interfere with urinary steroid determination.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects including psychotic episodes at recommended doses have been reported rarely.

Persistent psychiatric symptoms in methamphetamine users (including psychotic symptoms) may be attributable to the reduction of dopamine transporter activity.

Ocular

Ocular side effects including visual disturbances such as difficulties with accomodation and blurred vision have been associated with stimulant therapy.

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