Meth stimulates the central nervous system, with meth symptoms lasting anywhere from 4 to 24 hours. Methamphetamine use can not only modify behavior in an acute state, but after taking it for a long time, the drug literally changes the brain in fundamental and long-lasting ways. Meth kills users by causing heart failure (myocardial infarction), brain damage, and stroke and it induces extreme, acute psychiatric and psychological meth symptoms that may lead to suicide or murder.
Listed below is a generalized list of meth symptoms. Keep in mind, just because a person is experiencing meth symptoms listed below does not automatically mean they are using meth.
- Central Nervous System Meth Symptoms
- euphoria
- increased alertness
- paranoia
- decreased appetite
- increased physical activity
- athetosis (writhing jerky, or flailing movements)
- irritability
- extreme nervousness
- insomnia
- confusion
- tremors
- anxiety
- aggression
- incessant talking
- hypothermia
- convulsions
*hypothermia (extreme rise in body temperature as high as 108 degrees) and convulsions sometimes can result in death.
- Cardiovascular Meth Symptoms
-
- chest pain
- hypertension
- accelerated heartbeat
- elevated blood pressure
- irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain
- Other Physical Meth Symptoms
- pupil dilation
- respiratory disorders
- dizziness
- tooth grinding
- impaired speech
- dry or itchy skin
- loss of appetite
- acne
- sores
- numbness
- sweating
- Psychological Meth Symptoms
- a mental state similar to schizophrenia
- anger
- panic
- paranoia
- auditory
- visual hallucinations
- repetitive behavior patterns
- formication (delusions of parasites or insects on the skin)
- homicidal or suicidal thoughts