It continues to have limited employment in surgery today, but has been largely replaced by synthetic, local anesthetics such as lidocaine. Physical symptoms include accelerated heartbeat and breathing, and higher blood pressure and body temperature. It is known to be addictive, and death from a cocaine overdose can occur from convulsions, heart failure or the depression of vital brain centers controlling respiration. Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder, and chunks. Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours, depending on the dosage and concentration of the drug.
Users say the drug causes increased alertness and a sense of well-being.
The short-term negative effects include paranoia, hallucinations, violent behavior, insomnia, acne and sores. Longer-term effects include dependence, accompanied by fatal kidney and lung disorders, possible brain damage and possible stroke. It's usually sold as a clear liquid that looks just like water, and can be mistaken for water because it's usually found in clear, plastic bottles. It can also be found as a white powder. People use it for a variety of reasons, including to induce a euphoric state, for body building and as an agent to intensify the effects of other recreational drugs.