This is an old revision of this page, as edited by C6541 (talk | contribs) at 05:52, 11 April 2009 (Changed "the most prominent psychostimulant..." to "a psychostimulant".). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 05:52, 11 April 2009 by C6541 (talk | contribs) (Changed "the most prominent psychostimulant..." to "a psychostimulant".)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) This article is about the psychostimulant, d-methamphetamine. For the decongestant, l-methamphetamine, see Levomethamphetamine. Pharmaceutical compound | |
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| Clinical data | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Desoxyephedrine Pervitin Anadrex Methedrine Methylamphetamine Syndrox Desoxyn |
| Routes of administration | Medical: Oral Recreational: Oral, I.V., I.M., Insufflation, Inhalation, Suppository |
| ATC code | |
| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
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| Pharmacokinetic data | |
| Bioavailability | 62.7% oral; 79% nasal; 90.3% smoked; 99% rectally; 100% IV |
| Metabolism | Hepatic |
| Elimination half-life | 9–15 hours |
| Excretion | Renal |
| Identifiers | |
IUPAC name
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| CAS Number | |
| PubChem CID | |
| ChemSpider | |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.007.882  |
| Chemical and physical data | |
| Formula | C10H15N |
| Molar mass | 149.233 g/mol g·mol |
| 3D model (JSmol) | |
SMILES
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Methamphetamine (/mɛθæm'fɛtəmiːn/, also known as, methylamphetamine, N-methylamphetamine, desoxyephedrine, crystalline methamphetamine hydrochloride) is a psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug. It is a member of the family of phenylethylamines. The levorotary (R-isomer) levomethamphetamine is an over-the-counter drug and used in inhalers for nasal decongestion and does not possess the CNS activity of dextro or racemic methamphetamine. The dextrorotatory (S-isomer) dextromethamphetamine can be prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, though unmethylated amphetamine is more commonly prescribed. Narcolepsy and obesity can also be treated by the aforementioned isomer under the brand name Desoxyn. It is considered a second line of treatment, used when amphetamine and methylphenidate cause the patient too many side effects. It is only recommended for short-term use (~6 weeks) in treatment-resistant obesity patients because it is thought that the anorectic effects of the drug are short-lived and produce tolerance quickly, whereas the effects on CNS stimulation are much less susceptible to tolerance. It is primarily used illegally for recreational purposes, weight loss and to maintain alertness, focus, motivation, with mental clarity for extended periods of time.
Methamphetamine enters the brain and triggers a cascading release of norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. It is highly active in the mesolimbic reward pathway of the brain, inducing intense euphoria, with high-risk for abuse and powerful addiction. To a lesser extent, methamphetamine acts as a dopaminergic and adrenergic reuptake inhibitor with high concentrations serving as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Users may become hypersexual or obsessed with a task, thought or activity. Withdrawal is characterized by excessive sleeping, eating, and major depression, often accompanied by anxiety and drug-craving.<ref>{{cite journal | author = McGregor C, Srisurapanont M, Jittiwutikarn J, Laobhripatr S, Wong