Methamphetamine can be prescribed to certain individuals to treat specific medical conditions. While it is not administered or prepared in the same way that crystal meth is, and is largely different in its effects, these two types of drugs are still the same substance at their core, which is why doctors must be very careful in prescribing methamphetamine to patients.
What Does Methamphetamine Treat?
The prescription version of methamphetamine can be used to treat several issues, such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and severe obesity or weight gain. However, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “It is rarely used medically, and only at doses much lower than those typically abused.” In addition, if an individual’s condition can be treated with therapy and/or another type of medication, it often will be, as most doctors do not prescribe the medication unless there is a real need for it. Methamphetamine has been found to be a beneficial option for individuals with these disorders, however, and a person can take the medication and not become addicted to it as long as they take it as prescribed.
Can I Buy Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine can be an effective medicine if taken as prescribed by a doctor.
The only way to legally obtain the drug as a medication is through a doctor’s care. “It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has high potential for abuse and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled.” Though other drugs may be classified as Schedule I substances that create just as intense of an addiction syndrome, methamphetamine can be used medically in some situations, which is why it is only Schedule II.
Is Crystal Meth a Medicine?
Crystal meth is obtained illegally by those who want to abuse it, and while the same drug in its prescription form can be used as a treatment, the crystal form of methamphetamine is dangerous. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, it can cause a number of issues for the individual, physically and mentally, when abused such as:
- Loss of appetite and malnutrition
- Elevated body temperature
- Paranoia
- Irritability
- Unpredictable behavior
- Headache
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Weakened immune system
- Cracked teeth
- Skin infections
- Stroke
- Heart infection
- Anxiety
- Homicidal or suicidal thoughts
- Sudden death
Some of these same issues can occur when a person takes methamphetamine as a treatment, another reason why the medication is not highly prescribed to many patients. Still, it should not cause serious issues when taken as prescribed, and if you experience side effects that do not go away or begin to grow steadily worse, you should discuss them with your doctor.
Is Methamphetamine Right for Me?
If you are in need of an ADHD or weight loss medication, it is very important to talk to your doctor to find out if methamphetamine could be helpful to you. But you must never begin taking the drug without a doctor’s prescription. Either as a medication or a street drug, but especially in its illegal, rock form, it is highly addictive and dangerous when abused, often causing mental and physical side effects that can take months or even years to eradicate. If you want to learn more about methamphetamine, call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?).