Methamphetamine Effects on the Body

Methamphetamine is classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse but also limited accepted medical uses. Prescription methamphetamine (Desoxyn®) is FDA-approved for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and, in limited circumstances, short-term management of obesity. However, its medical use is uncommon, and therapeutic doses are substantially lower than those typically encountered in illicit use.^2,3,30

Methamphetamine use can produce profound—and sometimes fatal—effects involving virtually every organ system. Acute and chronic exposure may result in significant neurologic, cardiovascular, respiratory, psychiatric, oral, and metabolic complications. The severity of these effects depends on factors such as dose, route of administration, duration of use, polysubstance use, and the individual's underlying health status.^3,20,41

The following sections review the principal systemic effects of methamphetamine that are most relevant to healthcare professionals and the dental team.