How is methamphetamine different from other stimulants, like cocaine?

Methamphetamine is classified as a psychostimulant as are such other drugs of abuse as amphetamine and cocaine. We know that methamphetamine is structurally similar to amphetamine and the neurotransmitter dopamine, but it is quite different from cocaine. Although these stimulants have similar behavioral and physiological effects, there are some major differences in the basic mechanisms of how they work at the level of the nerve cell. However, the bottom line is that methamphetamine, like cocaine, results in an accumulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine, and this excessive dopamine concentration appears to produce the stimulation and feelings of euphoria experienced by the user. In contrast to cocaine, which is quickly removed and almost completely metabolized in the body, methamphetamine has a much longer duration of action and a larger percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body. This results in methamphetamine being present in the brain longer, which ultimately leads to prolonged stimulant effects.

Although both methamphetamine and cocaine are psychostimulants, there are differences between them.

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More About Methamphetamine or Speed Addiction:

• What is methamphetamine?
• What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?
• How is methamphetamine used?
• What are the short-term effects of methamphetamine use?
• What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine use?
• What are the medical complications of methamphetamine use?
• How is methamphetamine different from other stimulants, like cocaine?
• What is ice?
• Abuse Patterns
• Low-Intensity Methamphetamine Abuse
• Binge Methamphetamine Abuse
• High-Intensity Methamphetamine Abuse
• Dangerous Tweakers
• Are there any other problems that can occur from methamphetamine addiction?
• Methamphetamine/Speed Index

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• Ecstasy Addiction Information
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• Methamphetamine/Speed Information
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• Drug Addiction Information Index

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