Methamphetamine Research Paper

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Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant and recreational drug that is often synthesized in illicit makeshift laboratories. [1] A scientist by the name of Nagai Nagayoshi originally synthesized the drug from ephedrine in Japan in 1893. Another Japanese scientist then improved upon its synthesis in 1919, this new mechanism of synthesis allowed the compound to be mass-produced. [2] Methamphetamine was desired by various governments for use in the military due to its ability to increase combat performance and increase sleeplessness. During the 1950’s and 60’s the drug was widely popular in the United States as a diet pill as well as a treatment for narcolepsy due to its stimulant abilities. [3] [4] By the 1970’s the addictive properties …show more content…
[7] The chemical has a molar mass of 148 g/mol and is easily recognizable due to its

characteristic phenyl ring and amine group. Methamphetamine is also characteristic in that it has a chiral center, giving rise to two enantiomers, a dextrorotary (R) and levorotary (L) enantiomer. [8] [9]The substance is freely soluble in water and alcohol, which makes ingestion largely variable. [10] The recreational drug is most often smoked, but may be snorted and ingested, although the latter is not as common as it is known to have a displeasing taste. Methamphetamine is known to affect the central nervous system in that it promotes a sudden increase in dopamine, otherwise known as the pleasure hormone. [11]The symptoms and possible effects of ingestion are wide and variable but most often include insomnia, hallucination and elation with low dosages. After the high, the individual may experience depression, due to the sudden drop in dopamine concentration in the individual, as well as irritability and paranoia. Overdosing on the drug may lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia and hyperthermia.

Methamphetamine Research Paper

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