What Is Medical Meth & Its Uses in Treatment?

There is no medical term called “medical meth” in medicine or pharmacy. Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive and illegal drug with no approved medical uses.

Amphetamine is used in the medical field as a prescription medication. Amphetamines are a class of stimulant drugs that increase the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This increased activity can have therapeutic effects for specific medical conditions.

Methamphetamine and amphetamine are stimulant drugs in the same compounds called phenethylamines. They are similar in structure and mechanism of action, but there are some critical differences between them.

The main difference between methamphetamine and amphetamine is the potency and duration of their effects. Methamphetamine is more potent and longer-lasting than amphetamine. This means that it has a stronger and longer-lasting impact on the brain and body, leading to a higher risk of addiction and more severe side effects.

Regarding medical use, amphetamine is the more commonly prescribed drug of the two. It treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity.

Methamphetamine is not approved for medical use in most countries, although it is sometimes prescribed in minimal circumstances, such as treating ADHD and sometimes obesity.

How Are Methamphetamines Used in Medicine & Treatment?

Methamphetamine itself is not used in medicine and treatment, as it is an illegal and highly addictive drug. However, Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride) is a prescription stimulant medication approved for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, in some cases, obesity.

Desoxyn works by increasing certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain, which can improve attention, focus, and impulse control in people with ADHD. It is usually prescribed as a last resort when other medications are ineffective due to the potential for abuse and addiction.

Brand Names for Medical Methamphetamines

As previously mentioned, methamphetamine is not used for medical purposes due to its highly addictive and illegal nature. However, the prescription medication Desoxyn contains methamphetamine hydrochloride and is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity.

Desoxyn is the only brand-name medication with methamphetamine hydrochloride as the active ingredient. It is a controlled substance and is only available with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

Other medications used for ADHD and related conditions that contain different forms of amphetamines as the active ingredient include:

• Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine).
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate).
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine).
• Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine).
• Evekeo (amphetamine).

What Are Methamphetamines Used to Treat?

Desoxyn, the only prescription with methamphetamine hydrochloride as the active ingredient, is approved for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, in some cases, obesity. It works by increasing neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain, improving attention, focus, and impulse control in people with ADHD. It can also reduce appetite and promote weight loss in some people who are obese.

How Do Prescription Methamphetamines Work?

Prescription methamphetamines, such as Desoxyn, increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate attention, focus, and impulse control, and their levels are often disrupted in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methamphetamines are central nervous system stimulants, which can increase neurotransmitters’ release and block their reuptake, increasing their concentration in the synaptic cleft between neurons. This increase in neurotransmitter activity can help to improve attention, focus, and impulse control in people with ADHD.

In addition, prescription methamphetamines can also reduce appetite and promote weight loss in some people who are obese. This is thought to be due to the stimulant effect on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates appetite and metabolism.

How Are Medical Methamphetamines Administered?

Desoxyn is available in tablet form, and it is typically taken orally, with or without food, according to the prescribed dosage and frequency. The dosage is usually tailored to the individual’s needs based on their age, weight, and medical condition.

It’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and frequency and to be monitored regularly by a healthcare provider, as the medication can have side effects and be habit-forming. It’s also important to avoid crushing or snorting the drug, as this can increase the risk of abuse and addiction.

In some cases, Desoxyn may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy and other non-medical interventions. Working closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each case is essential.