The street version of methamphetamine is most often manufactured illegally in underground labs. All forms are extremely dangerous and induce long-lasting, debilitating effects. Unlike cocaine, methamphetamine metabolizes slowly in the body. Up to two days are required to eliminate a single dose. Side effects of methamphetamine use include irritability, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, dryness of the mouth, sweating, palpitations, and hypertension.
Excessive doses can produce mental confusion, severe anxiety, and paranoia.
Continued moderate to chronic use may lead to physical dependence and even death. Methamphetamine use can result in long-term changes in the brain that are associated with impaired memory and coordination. Levels of dopamine transporters in the brains of former methamphetamine abusers were 24 percent lower than those in the brain of healthy control subjects.