Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine: What Makes Them Different?

In the following article, we will explore Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine, which are powerful stimulants that are categorized similar category. Both drugs make a person’s brain stay focused and work faster, making them widely used stimulants. Both methamphetamine and amphetamine potency are totally opposite specially when it comes to the effects, dosages, uses, and mechanisms. Still, a lot of individuals are there who use to search for amphetamine vs methamphetamine differences. To clear all the doubts, we will discuss them in detail. If you or your loved one is also one of them who uses Amphetamine or Methamphetamine, then this article is for you.

What are Amphetamines/Methamphetamines?

Overview Of Amphetamine

Amphetamines a synthetic stimulants that are used to boost the activity linked to neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. Prescription-based amphetamines are available in pill form, which assist a person to stay focused with alertness. You can also find Amphetamine in Adderall and Ritalin that usually prescribed by doctors for patients who are suffering from ADHD. Amphetamines work by releasing dopamine by affecting the brain’s reward system. But many people used to consume it for non-medical uses and activities like staying awake for a longer time.

Action Mechanism of Amphetamine

Before moving towards the differences, first Understand that how Amphetamine workes and how neurotransmitters are influenced by stimulant

• Amphetamine acts by boosting the level of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine with in central nervous system (CNS) synaptic cleft via a variety of action mechanisms. 
• Amphetamine also functions by taking a risky decision to plunge into the Dopamine Transporter (DAT), NET (Norepinephrine Transporter), and SERT (Serotonin Transporter), through diffusion, and lay out the presynaptic axon.
• Amphetamine also works by slowing the metabolism of monoamine oxidase (MAO) neurotransmitters. 
• Amphetamine stays active within the intracellular receptor and is located in  Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1).
• Downregulation from NMDA receptor NR2B subunit from the striatum stays active as Chronic exposure alters receptor composition.

Overview Of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine are powerfull stimulants drug that is orignally form of amphetamine. One of the widely known medicines, specifically among adults. Due to Methamphetamine’s stimulant, it boost up body’s Metabolism and directly acts on the central nervous system. Which helps a person to stay awake and do their activities with less sleep. While its pharmaceutical dosage form has a low amount of use to treat ADHD. Since this drug carries high abuse potential, it is considered as addactive drug that makes you suffer from multiple behavioral disorders and severe health risks.

Action Mechanism of Methamphetamine

Monoamine neurotransmitters increase norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels, that enhances by Methamphetamine by affecting the CNS. Methamphetamine has multiple abilities for various molecular processes that can lead to pharmacological effects.

• Release the monoamines from their storage and allow them to enter the synaptic space by reversing  dopamine transporters(DATs) function 
• By choosing the Neurotransmitters of monoamines, it stops the task of monoamine transporters
• By activating trace amine–associated receptors (TAARs), Methamphetamine increases the expression of Cyclic AMP Response Element (CRE-Luc). By engaging with TAAR1 to stop dopamine uptake, TAAR1 is dependent in a manner.
• inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, increasing cytosolic monoamine levels, and surface By reducing the expression of DATs.

Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

The Amphetamine and Methamphetamine chemical structure may differ in the group of Methamphetamine, which allows to bypass blood–brain barrier to generate strong effects with speed.  Amphetamine or Methamphetamine drug test also impacts the result, which may differ. As some medications metabolize into amphetamine.

• Intensity: When it comes to power, methamphetamine generates more power with a higher intensity rush at a similar dose. Which means Methamphetamine is stronger than Amphetamine.
• Clinical Use: Methamphetamine is used in rare medical cases, whereas Amphetamine is easily prescribed by doctors for narcolepsy and ADHD Treatment.
• Effect Duration: In studies, experts find that Amphetamine effects last for 4 to 6 hours, whereas Methamphetamine lasts for more than 24 hours.
• Appearance: Amphetamine is available in tablet and capsule form. Methamphetamine is available in Crystal, powder, or waxy paste form.

Some Side Effects Of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Both are belongs from same category that share different and many common and serious side effects that need medical supervision. 

Common Side Effect of Amphetamine

• Fast heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Decreased appetite 
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain.
• Insomnia 
• Sleep problems
• Feeling anxious
• Jittery or restless
• Mood swings.
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Changes in sex drive
• Blurred vision

Seriuous Side Effect of Amphetamine

• Heart attack 
• Stroke
• Chest pain
• Sudden death
• Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia)
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Severe anxiety
• Depression.
• Seizures
• Motor or verbal tics
• Confusion

Common Side Effect of Methamphetamine

• Irritability
• Aggression
• Tachycardia
• Hypertension
• Hyperthermia
• Sweating
• Depression
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Weightloss
• Malnutrition
• Dehydration
• Bruxism
• Toothdecay
• Skinpicking
• Infections
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Hallucinations
• Addiction
• Cravings

Serious Side Effect of Methamphetamine

• Immunosuppression
• Infections
• Death
• Stroke
• Heartattack
• Arrhythmia
• Cardiomyopathy
• Hypertension
• Hyperthermia
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Seizures
• Coma
• Neurotoxicity
• Dementia
• Depression
• Addiction
• Overdose
• Psychosis
• Schizophrenia
• Paranoia
• Violence
• Suicide
• Malnutrition
• Organfailure
• Liverfailure
• Kidneydamage

Avoid Consuming Amphetamine or Methamphetamine Together

Consuming amphetamine and methamphetamine together will overlap and amplify with each other. Which dirrectly effects on the CNS by easily simulating the prescription drug addiction that increases the risk of neurotoxicity. Testing the overall health point of view regarding Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine in urine is important because taking both drugs can confuse metabolism, adding extra pressure in liver and kidneys.

Precautions of Amphetamine Vs Methamphetamine

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are powerful drugs. Whereas they might have limited medical uses while under close medical Checkup, ignoring the prescription carries serious social risks. Note down the important precautions that are crucial to prevent addiction.

• Consume it as prescribed by the doctor 
• Follow the recommended dose
• Stop using it if you are suffering from high blood pressure or heart-related disease
• Avoid Medicine While pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Stop taking alcohol 
• Stop taking medicine and go for medical support in feels like pain in your chest
• Hide your medicine in a place where children can’t reach  
• Avoid sudden stopping without a doctor’s permission 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, we believe that you understand the differences between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine. These two drugs are effective, but these drugs are not recommended for teenagers. Amphetamine is prescribed for ADHD types sitution, while Methamphetamine is applied when the situation is very critical, as it lasts for a long period. However, they clearly address distinct requirements due to varying objectives and levels of risk. Adding drugs that are similar to this will lead to adverse effects. It is important to take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor.