Methamphetamine ( /m??æmf?t?mi?n/ , also known as methylamphetamine , N-methylamphetamine or desoxyephedrine ) is a psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug . It is a member of the family of phenylethylamines . more

Methamphetamine ( /m??æmf?t?mi?n/ , also known as methylamphetamine , N-methylamphetamine or desoxyephedrine ) is a psychostimulant and sympathomimetic drug . It is a member of the family of phenylethylamines . The levorotary (R- isomer ) levomethamphetamine is an over-the-counter drug and used in Vicks Inhalers for nasal decongestion and does not possess the CNS activity of dextro or racemic methamphetamine. The dextrorotatory (S- isomer ) dextromethamphetamine can be prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder , though unmethylated amphetamine is more commonly prescribed. Narcolepsy and obesity can also be treated by the aforementioned isomer under the brand name Desoxyn . It is considered a second line of treatment, used when amphetamine and methylphenidate cause the patient too many side effects. It is only recommended for short term use (~6 weeks) in obesity patients because it is thought that the anorectic effects of the drug are short lived and produce tolerance quickly, whereas the effects on CNS stimulation are much less susceptible to tolerance. It is also used illegally for weight loss and to maintain alertness, focus, motivation, and mental clarity for extended periods of time, and for recreational purposes. less