Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It has limited medical use under strict prescription controls; nonmedical use carries serious risks.
Health effects and risks
Possible effects include increased wakefulness and heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, and impaired judgment. Serious harms can include heart problems, overheating, seizures, severe dental problems, and substance use disorder. If someone has chest pain, seizures, or extreme overheating, seek emergency help.
Testing and next steps
Drug screens vary by specimen and by the substances listed on a test’s panel. Check the instructions and panel before selecting a test; do not assume every product detects this substance. A home screen is preliminary. For more on specimen types, read Drug Testing Methods; for a preliminary positive result, read Unexpected or Preliminary Positive Results. The Substance Information hub lists the current staging test options.
Sources and support
See the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Commonly Abused Drugs chart for a general overview. For confidential U.S. treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Call 911 for a medical emergency.