Methamphetamine overdose - Overview

Definition of Methamphetamine overdose:

Methamphetamine is stimulant drug. A strong form of the drug is illegal sold on the streets. A much weaker form of the drug comes as a prescription for the treatment of narcolepsy.

This article focuses on the illegal street drug. The street drug is usually a white crystal-like powder, called "crystal meth." This powder can be snorted up the nose, smoked, swallowed, or dissolved and injected into a vein.

A methamphetamine overdose may be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term).

• An acute methamphetamine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes this drug and has side effects, which can be life-threatening.
• A chronic methamphetamine overdose refers to the health effects seen in someone who uses the drug on a regular basis.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient:

Methamphetamine

Where Found:

Methamphetamine is a common but illegal drug sold on the streets. It may be called meth, crank, speed, crystal meth, and ice.

A much weaker form of methamphetamine is sold as a prescription under the brand name Desoxyn. It is used to treat narcolepsy. However, it is not often used.