Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine: Know the Facts

What Are Amphetamines?

Amphetamines are a group of synthetic compounds that speed up the body’s central nervous system. They have a long history, dating back to the early 20th century when they were first created. They gained popularity in the 1930s for their effects, including increased alertness and energy. During World War II, amphetamines were used by soldiers to combat fatigue and boost their performance, further popularizing the drugs.

Amphetamines are used for a variety of medical purposes, including the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. For this reason, people who suffer from the inability to concentrate, stay focused, pay attention, or have trouble staying awake, are most likely familiar with amphetamine salts. While amphetamines can provide relief for certain physical and mental health conditions, these drugs also have a significant potential for abuse and can be found in illicit forms.

List of Amphetamines

There are many different types of amphetamines, and they all have different effects. Here’s a list of amphetamines that highlights the most common types:

• Dextroamphetamine
• Levoamphetamine
• Methamphetamine
• Lisdexamfetamine

Common prescription amphetamines and their brand names include: 

• Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall®)
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®)
• Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse®)
• Methamphetamine (Desoxyn®)

Prescription amphetamines can be extremely helpful for those with ADHD, but all amphetamines have a potential for misuse and abuse. This is because amphetamines work by altering the brain’s chemistry to increase dopamine levels, which can create a sense of euphoria. As a result, people may begin to rely on the drug to feel good, cope with negative emotions, or enhance their performance at work or school. This dependence can quickly turn into drug addiction, where individuals struggle to function without the drug and experience intense cravings and withdrawal.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine, often simply referred to as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Methamphetamine was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.

When considering amphetamine vs methamphetamine, the main difference between the two drugs is the strength and potential for abuse. Meth is chemically similar to amphetamine but has stronger effects and a higher potential for abuse.

In medical settings, methamphetamine is available under the brand name Desoxyn® to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. This prescription medication comes in the form of pills or tablets that are taken orally.

However, methamphetamine is also commonly abused as a recreational drug. When abused, meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken in pill form. As a street drug, meth commonly comes in the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.

Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse

Both the prescription and illicit form of meth produces feelings of euphoria and increased energy. However, the street version of meth results in an intense, short-lived high that is often followed by a crash that can leave users feeling depressed and fatigued.

To escape the negative effects of a meth crash, people often take the drug in large amounts over short periods of time. As a result, methamphetamine abuse often leads to a quick downward spiral that ends in severe physical and mental health consequences. 

Short-term side effects of methamphetamine abuse include:

• Euphoria
• Increased energy
• Reduced appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Cognitive impairment
• Rapid heart rate and breathing
• Increased blood pressure
• High body temperature

Long-term side effects of methamphetamine abuse include:

• Severe dental problems (known as “meth mouth”)
• Skin sores from picking at the skin
• Rapid weight loss
• Insomnia
• Mood disorders
• Agitation
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Brain damage
• Seizures
• Heart failure
• Stroke

Methamphetamine side effects are incredibly dangerous when the drug is abused. Sadly, methamphetamine addiction is difficult to overcome and relapse rates are high.

Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine

When it comes to amphetamine vs methamphetamine, it’s all about chemistry, legal status, and usage statistics. Both drugs have a high potential for addiction, but methamphetamine is generally considered more addictive due to its stronger effects and rapid onset. Prolonged and heavy use of amphetamines and methamphetamine can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when not using them.

Chemical Makeup of Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine

Amphetamine and methamphetamine share a common core structure but differ in their chemical compositions. Both substances stimulate the central nervous system, but methamphetamine is more potent due to an extra methyl group attached to its structure. This small structural difference results in significantly different effects on the body and mind.

Legal Status of Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine

The legal status of amphetamines and methamphetamines varies depending on their intended use.

• Amphetamines: Some amphetamines, like Adderall and Vyvanse, are legally available by prescription for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. However, their recreational use is illegal, and they are classified as controlled substances. Like most medical prescriptions, heavy use of amphetamines can have negative effects on the body.
• Methamphetamine: Methamphetamine is legally available by prescription under the brand name Desoxyn® to treat obesity and ADHD. Like other prescription amphetamines, Desoxyn® is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a potential for abuse and dependence. Recreational use of meth is illegal in most countries, including the United States. Production, possession, and distribution of methamphetamine outside of medical use are illegal and subject to severe penalties.

Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine Usage

While amphetamines and methamphetamines are both widely used, their patterns of use differ. Amphetamines are commonly prescribed for medical use, primarily to manage ADHD and narcolepsy. However, illicit use is not uncommon, and prescription amphetamines have a significant potential for misuse. Among people aged 12 or older in 2021, an estimated 0.5% (or about 1.5 million people) had a prescription amphetamine use disorder in the past 12 months.

Methamphetamines are also prescribed for ADHD, but are primarily encountered as an illicit drug, with a high potential for abuse. It is often produced in illegal laboratories and sold on the black market. In 2020, approximately 1.7 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using methamphetamine in the past year. Methamphetamine use is a global issue, with an estimated 27 million users worldwide.