Physical Effects Methamphetamines are highly addictive and users can experience physical and psychological effects. Compared with cocaine use, methamphetamines are more problematic because of the longer-lasting effects. Users experience erratic behavior, excess energy, and suppressed appetite, and become weak or ill resulting from lack of nourishment. Chronic users can suffer tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and paranoia. Repeated use of the drug can cause a disorganized lifestyle, weight loss, liver damage, stroke, lowered resistance to illness, and, eventually, death.
Methamphetamines can cause a severe crash after the effects wear off.
The crash, or low feeling, is more intense and longer lasting than that of both speed and cocaine. The effects not only are long lasting, but continue to cause damage to the user long after use has stopped. Some of the many health-related consequences associated with methamphetamine use include increased respiration, tremors, convulsions, and such cardiovascular problems as chest pain, hypertension, and increased heart rate. Methamphetamines also are thought to damage brain cells that contain dopamine and serotonin, which transmit impulses to the brain. Methamphetamine use can reduce dopamine levels, producing symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's Disease.