Name: Methamphetamine (Desoxyn, various street names)
Class: CNS-Active Sympathomimetic Agent (Indirect)
Mechanism: Release of DA, NE, & 5HT from nerve terminals. Some blockade of reuptake of DA, NE, & 5HT. Weak inhib. of MAO. Produces elev. of mood, euphoria, alertness, ¯ sense of fatigue, ¯ food intake, periph. sympathomimetic effects.
Absorption: Oral ® good bioavail.
Dist.: Crosses BBB.
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Neurosis, paranoia, frank psychosis. Tolerance, but not as strong as opiates. Acute toxicity ® hypertension, stroke, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias. Very strong psych. dependence. Mild physical dependence. W/drawal ® appetite, fatigue, depression.
Utility: Treat narcolepsy, ADHD. Off-label uses. Ice = smokable version.
Special Features: Not Metabolism. by COMT. Decreased Metabolism. by MAO. Higher ratio of CNS/PNS actions than amphetamine.