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What Are The Side Effects Of Methamphetamine?
Question: I have i believe an usual and troubling reaction to methamphetamine use... I've been a user off and on a few years (also abuse ADD meds) This summer I really did quite a bit of drug and was awake for a number of days. My right foot/ ankle got swollen to the point I couldn't walk. The next day I went to the ER and took an IV with some kind of anti-inflammatory and it got better within 24 hours. No diagnosis.
The first time I didn't even know the meth caused this because I have used many many times without such a reaction. But i have used heavily since, once going back to ER for same treatment... last time, after noticing symptoms I abstained from the drug early enough and it got better on its own within the next day. Mind you this was after several days of heavy use.
Today I have been using only about 12 hours (after not using for a week) paying very close attention to any potential symptoms. I can notice a tiny pulse near my right ankle (and i noticed this the last time as well) where otherwise a pulse would not be visible, and very slight swelling at this point (which would not be noticeable, except under tight scrutiny). Obviously the drug is having some side effect ALREADY.
I would like to know why the drug is having this affect. And why so recently. How serious is this (other than the obvious symptoms of foot pain)? and how detrimental is any continued use? And if I obstain from the drug, are there still any medical concerns here? I don't really want to stop using, and my psychological/ dependency issues would make it very difficult. I am 34 and also a heavy drinker. But in good physical health, ostensibly
The first time I didn't even know the meth caused this because I have used many many times without such a reaction. But i have used heavily since, once going back to ER for same treatment... last time, after noticing symptoms I abstained from the drug early enough and it got better on its own within the next day. Mind you this was after several days of heavy use.
Today I have been using only about 12 hours (after not using for a week) paying very close attention to any potential symptoms. I can notice a tiny pulse near my right ankle (and i noticed this the last time as well) where otherwise a pulse would not be visible, and very slight swelling at this point (which would not be noticeable, except under tight scrutiny). Obviously the drug is having some side effect ALREADY.
I would like to know why the drug is having this affect. And why so recently. How serious is this (other than the obvious symptoms of foot pain)? and how detrimental is any continued use? And if I obstain from the drug, are there still any medical concerns here? I don't really want to stop using, and my psychological/ dependency issues would make it very difficult. I am 34 and also a heavy drinker. But in good physical health, ostensibly
Brief Answer:
You start with the pieces you have
Detailed Answer:
and fit together the rest. Amphetamine is a strong vasoconstrictor. Symptoms related to this happen ALL the time when it is directly injected into an artery. this occurs accidentally probably about as often by medical personnel as with recreational drug use. The vasoconstriction by amphetamine is quite serious and often cuts off circulation to parts of limbs causing gangrene and necessitating amputation unless prompt antidotes (vasodilators, constriction blockers) are given.
This is generally mentioned in LIMBS due to direct injection or CENTRAL ORGANS due to effects on blood pressure or if there was underlying circulation problems to begin with. This is why amphetamine is associated with heart attack and stroke and why this is much much more common in a NON-YOUNG person. It happens in 20 yr olds; it doesn't happen frequently. You don't see many (surviving) middle aged abusers of cocaine nor amphetamine. For it to occur at a limb, the limb's circulation must have something else wrong with it. This is really common in diabetics nearly zero of which take drugs of abuse but many lose limbs or parts of limbs. (saw two today in the office; none were on drugs while hospitalized I am certain, but circulation got worse not better despite all the meds mentioned).
So.... if someone had one spot get reliably without circulation after stimulant use, I'd not only say not to use the stimulants, but to get the circulation looked at where the problem occurred (ARTERIAL FLOW STUDIES, oh, and check for diabetes, other vessel problems, oddly enough...check for hepatitis and HIV infection since allergic reaction to a chronic infection can cause circulation problems). While a baby aspirin in theory is helpful in diabetics with peripheral circulation problems, it increases the risk of a vessel breaking open catastrophically, so canont necessarily be recommended.
You start with the pieces you have
Detailed Answer:
and fit together the rest. Amphetamine is a strong vasoconstrictor. Symptoms related to this happen ALL the time when it is directly injected into an artery. this occurs accidentally probably about as often by medical personnel as with recreational drug use. The vasoconstriction by amphetamine is quite serious and often cuts off circulation to parts of limbs causing gangrene and necessitating amputation unless prompt antidotes (vasodilators, constriction blockers) are given.
This is generally mentioned in LIMBS due to direct injection or CENTRAL ORGANS due to effects on blood pressure or if there was underlying circulation problems to begin with. This is why amphetamine is associated with heart attack and stroke and why this is much much more common in a NON-YOUNG person. It happens in 20 yr olds; it doesn't happen frequently. You don't see many (surviving) middle aged abusers of cocaine nor amphetamine. For it to occur at a limb, the limb's circulation must have something else wrong with it. This is really common in diabetics nearly zero of which take drugs of abuse but many lose limbs or parts of limbs. (saw two today in the office; none were on drugs while hospitalized I am certain, but circulation got worse not better despite all the meds mentioned).
So.... if someone had one spot get reliably without circulation after stimulant use, I'd not only say not to use the stimulants, but to get the circulation looked at where the problem occurred (ARTERIAL FLOW STUDIES, oh, and check for diabetes, other vessel problems, oddly enough...check for hepatitis and HIV infection since allergic reaction to a chronic infection can cause circulation problems). While a baby aspirin in theory is helpful in diabetics with peripheral circulation problems, it increases the risk of a vessel breaking open catastrophically, so canont necessarily be recommended.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi, I will take your advice to get the area looked at. However, I am in China. Before I do that, I wonder if you could take a stab at what is causing the problem (other than amphetamine use), and offer any potential things to help. Is it edema? Is it cellulitis? these are a couple illnesses i found on the internet with somewhat similar symptoms.
i have added a couples photos to show what the ankle/foot looked like when it was to the point that I couldnt walk.
And you can rule out diabetes. Actually I did say in my profile that blood tests revealed that I do not have diabetes. Nor do I have HIV or hepatitis.
Is there any explanation for why this reaction would just suddenly occur recently? I have been using amphetamine for years.
I'd like to add that I am not injecting the drug. As you said that was the most common cause
i have added a couples photos to show what the ankle/foot looked like when it was to the point that I couldnt walk.
And you can rule out diabetes. Actually I did say in my profile that blood tests revealed that I do not have diabetes. Nor do I have HIV or hepatitis.
Is there any explanation for why this reaction would just suddenly occur recently? I have been using amphetamine for years.
I'd like to add that I am not injecting the drug. As you said that was the most common cause
Brief Answer:
Very helpful pictures!
Detailed Answer:
oh that !
yeah, I'm sticking with my first points, but infection isn't going to go ON with a drug then OFF again in hours, and serious lack of circulation isn't PINK/RED but instead blue or white.
so.... it is more likely......this!
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/0000
Raynaud's phenomena. It isn't the most common spot to have it (fingers) but I suspect if you look you'll find the ends of the fingers change color.
I suspect that if you ask five attractive women if they get that happening to them in the winter you will get a date! (and at least 1 will also have the same thing but in fingers). Raynaud's phenomena is in about 1 in five young women. Increased in cigarette smokers and, apparently, stimulant users. It has been associated with loss of limb in some stimulant users, but really, how many stimulant abusers do you know and how many have had this happen to them?
It isn't that common. Even the raynaud's isn't that common and serious complications of raynaud's in general and with stimulants in particular is not common.
So why YOU? yeah, that's why I'm sticking with my first statements.
1) cigarette use is likely to make this worse. Maybe it is only when both are present at the same time and if someone didn't smoke cigarettes within 3 hrs of methamphetamine it wouldn't occur? Well.... might have fixed it. it is hard to justify checking on a condition after you find a way to not have it ever occur again,
so maybe NOT 2) other conditions make raynaud's more common and more severe, these include and are not limited to malformed vessels, injured vessels, vessels with other clot or circulatory problems, autoimmune diseases such as lupus. And just twitchy vessels. While this is the mildest it isn't necessarily entirely safe either and would be associated with migraine and problems in vessels in the head that can set up strokes.
Very helpful pictures!
Detailed Answer:
oh that !
yeah, I'm sticking with my first points, but infection isn't going to go ON with a drug then OFF again in hours, and serious lack of circulation isn't PINK/RED but instead blue or white.
so.... it is more likely......this!
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/0000
Raynaud's phenomena. It isn't the most common spot to have it (fingers) but I suspect if you look you'll find the ends of the fingers change color.
I suspect that if you ask five attractive women if they get that happening to them in the winter you will get a date! (and at least 1 will also have the same thing but in fingers). Raynaud's phenomena is in about 1 in five young women. Increased in cigarette smokers and, apparently, stimulant users. It has been associated with loss of limb in some stimulant users, but really, how many stimulant abusers do you know and how many have had this happen to them?
It isn't that common. Even the raynaud's isn't that common and serious complications of raynaud's in general and with stimulants in particular is not common.
So why YOU? yeah, that's why I'm sticking with my first statements.
1) cigarette use is likely to make this worse. Maybe it is only when both are present at the same time and if someone didn't smoke cigarettes within 3 hrs of methamphetamine it wouldn't occur? Well.... might have fixed it. it is hard to justify checking on a condition after you find a way to not have it ever occur again,
so maybe NOT 2) other conditions make raynaud's more common and more severe, these include and are not limited to malformed vessels, injured vessels, vessels with other clot or circulatory problems, autoimmune diseases such as lupus. And just twitchy vessels. While this is the mildest it isn't necessarily entirely safe either and would be associated with migraine and problems in vessels in the head that can set up strokes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi. I did a little research on Raynaud's disease and I'm inclined to believe that this is not what I have:
1. As you acknowledged, its on a different part of the body than is typical
2. When I look at my fingers I don't see any hint of discoloration, as you suspected I would
3. The pictures that I saw on the internet look quite different from my symptoms I thought, and different part of the body
So you have any other possible diagnoses or ideas about it?
Since my last message to you, I have gone on another binge that has been going three days. Actually I am pleased to notice that the symptoms have not seemed as bad this time. (That would explain why I've let it go on now for 3 days). I don't know what to attribute that to. However, in those experiences, it was only after 4 or more days of usage that the area got to that point. So I plan to sleep tonight.
So IF I'm going to continue to use at all, I should definitely know how detrimental or dangerous that is to me with this (mysterious?) condition. First, how damaging and dangerous are these outbreaks (When the foot gets to the point I cant walk). Second, even if I avoid the "outbreak", what harm am I doing to this condition by using at all?
Maybe it's worth noting, that when these outbreaks occur, there is very little to no pain, EXCEPT for when I put weight on it
1. As you acknowledged, its on a different part of the body than is typical
2. When I look at my fingers I don't see any hint of discoloration, as you suspected I would
3. The pictures that I saw on the internet look quite different from my symptoms I thought, and different part of the body
So you have any other possible diagnoses or ideas about it?
Since my last message to you, I have gone on another binge that has been going three days. Actually I am pleased to notice that the symptoms have not seemed as bad this time. (That would explain why I've let it go on now for 3 days). I don't know what to attribute that to. However, in those experiences, it was only after 4 or more days of usage that the area got to that point. So I plan to sleep tonight.
So IF I'm going to continue to use at all, I should definitely know how detrimental or dangerous that is to me with this (mysterious?) condition. First, how damaging and dangerous are these outbreaks (When the foot gets to the point I cant walk). Second, even if I avoid the "outbreak", what harm am I doing to this condition by using at all?
Maybe it's worth noting, that when these outbreaks occur, there is very little to no pain, EXCEPT for when I put weight on it
Brief Answer:
one starts with what we know
Detailed Answer:
there are several reasons to suspect circulation rather than infection, inflammation,allergic reaction...not sure what other process is even conceivable. And I don't see how any process other than a change in circulation is considered. Furthermore, the process is quite localized so some underlying circulatory problem is occurring. With deep pain, a process underlying the surface is implied. So, previous posts apply and reactive vessels is still a possiblity. An underlying circulatory process. And one that could literally be underlying such as a localized loss of circulation to bone (avascular necrosis). Happens with amphetamine but is uncommon. Will cause loss of bone and basically a very bad fracture that doesn't necessarily heal all that well.
one starts with what we know
Detailed Answer:
there are several reasons to suspect circulation rather than infection, inflammation,allergic reaction...not sure what other process is even conceivable. And I don't see how any process other than a change in circulation is considered. Furthermore, the process is quite localized so some underlying circulatory problem is occurring. With deep pain, a process underlying the surface is implied. So, previous posts apply and reactive vessels is still a possiblity. An underlying circulatory process. And one that could literally be underlying such as a localized loss of circulation to bone (avascular necrosis). Happens with amphetamine but is uncommon. Will cause loss of bone and basically a very bad fracture that doesn't necessarily heal all that well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi. so I have used a couple times for extended periods since I first contacted you and to my XXXXXXX I didnt have any symptoms in the foot/ankle area. That seems like good news, but a little worried it could give me a false sense of security. Have you any idea why this could have given me heavy troubles for about a month when using, but no troubles before or since that period (assuming that the pain/swelling stays away)? Is that a XXXXXXX to you?
To be honest, barring major health issues, I dont really want to quit using. I have been a "functional addict" I guess for a number of years (mainly abusing add meds). As an aspiring artist I feel the drug gives me focus and creativity which would be difficult to achieve otherwise. I also have dependence / psychological issues which would make sobriety VERY difficult and undesirable right now.
So I guess it's important for me to know how serious this mysterious condition is/was and the consequences of continuing stimulants. I'm trying to understand the last thing you said. Were you saying that amphetamine use could actually cause a bone fracture?? Which bone? Around the fibula seems to be the area that was most affected by the swelling.
P.S. Is it normal to see a pulse in the area just below the ankle, next to the heel? Because I have noticed that at times recently in BOTH ankles. Seems strange. Would never have noticed that without paying close attention.
To be honest, barring major health issues, I dont really want to quit using. I have been a "functional addict" I guess for a number of years (mainly abusing add meds). As an aspiring artist I feel the drug gives me focus and creativity which would be difficult to achieve otherwise. I also have dependence / psychological issues which would make sobriety VERY difficult and undesirable right now.
So I guess it's important for me to know how serious this mysterious condition is/was and the consequences of continuing stimulants. I'm trying to understand the last thing you said. Were you saying that amphetamine use could actually cause a bone fracture?? Which bone? Around the fibula seems to be the area that was most affected by the swelling.
P.S. Is it normal to see a pulse in the area just below the ankle, next to the heel? Because I have noticed that at times recently in BOTH ankles. Seems strange. Would never have noticed that without paying close attention.
Brief Answer:
Not much surprises me.
Detailed Answer:
My fingers are currently hot pink. My hands often go to the temperature of a bun warmer--this is somewhat under conscious control. This occurs in about 1 in 5 women. The opposite where the fingers go as white and as pale as a corpse occurs in a similar percent of different populations (ok, much more common than 20% in elderly patients with heart failure). The majority of heart failure patients I've seen this year--get over it. Current state-of-the-art therapy for atherosclerotic disease is to change lifestyle and fix it internally. I have very large knobby veins in all extremities, in the hands it is because they work and grew, in the legs, the varicose veins are similarly large because they are broken.
Vessels are entirely dynamic. In answer of your first question. Technically most vessel abnormalities change over time and often really short times. Blood clots the change is in minutes. Atherosclerotic lesions it's weeks, vessels growing, is months.
That's nothing. You should see me dance. Seriously, that's the answer to what you should do instead of methamphetamine.
1) assumption one. Experience changes, especially involuntary or semi-voluntary ones reflect structures in the brain at some level. Oh, sorry, that's the only assumption.
You can train a mammal to respond to cues positively or negatively. The training is in minutes to maybe an hour. One can reverse it or make it go in the opposite direction. The nerve cells involved in all of this process are the same cells in the same areas and are uniquely stimulated by drugs of abuse. Oh, sorry, drugs of abuse are defined by their ability to interact with this cueing process. Amphetamines are uniquely powerful in affecting the parts involved in determining what is relevant from all the sensory input the brain receives (salience). They lower how much info gets in and concentrate the input onto fewer inputs that are more intense. The brain shrinks on amphetamine. This just can't be good.
Contrarily, ballroom dance also involves training concentration. Furthermore, when I hear music I now feel movement and see dance steps (synesthesia). All ballroom dancers have that. No neurophysiologists have noticed it; mainly because they have concentrated on ballet and on higher cortical brain functions and not popular music (basal brain functions like in addiction) or middle brow music (ballroom) and middle brain functions. So, conventional concentration training increases what the brain does. Addictive drugs decreases it. And, this is semi-voluntary (see assumption one).
You might find my book amusing. It touches on addiction issues.
http://www XXXXXXX com/dp/0000/
Not much surprises me.
Detailed Answer:
My fingers are currently hot pink. My hands often go to the temperature of a bun warmer--this is somewhat under conscious control. This occurs in about 1 in 5 women. The opposite where the fingers go as white and as pale as a corpse occurs in a similar percent of different populations (ok, much more common than 20% in elderly patients with heart failure). The majority of heart failure patients I've seen this year--get over it. Current state-of-the-art therapy for atherosclerotic disease is to change lifestyle and fix it internally. I have very large knobby veins in all extremities, in the hands it is because they work and grew, in the legs, the varicose veins are similarly large because they are broken.
Vessels are entirely dynamic. In answer of your first question. Technically most vessel abnormalities change over time and often really short times. Blood clots the change is in minutes. Atherosclerotic lesions it's weeks, vessels growing, is months.
That's nothing. You should see me dance. Seriously, that's the answer to what you should do instead of methamphetamine.
1) assumption one. Experience changes, especially involuntary or semi-voluntary ones reflect structures in the brain at some level. Oh, sorry, that's the only assumption.
You can train a mammal to respond to cues positively or negatively. The training is in minutes to maybe an hour. One can reverse it or make it go in the opposite direction. The nerve cells involved in all of this process are the same cells in the same areas and are uniquely stimulated by drugs of abuse. Oh, sorry, drugs of abuse are defined by their ability to interact with this cueing process. Amphetamines are uniquely powerful in affecting the parts involved in determining what is relevant from all the sensory input the brain receives (salience). They lower how much info gets in and concentrate the input onto fewer inputs that are more intense. The brain shrinks on amphetamine. This just can't be good.
Contrarily, ballroom dance also involves training concentration. Furthermore, when I hear music I now feel movement and see dance steps (synesthesia). All ballroom dancers have that. No neurophysiologists have noticed it; mainly because they have concentrated on ballet and on higher cortical brain functions and not popular music (basal brain functions like in addiction) or middle brow music (ballroom) and middle brain functions. So, conventional concentration training increases what the brain does. Addictive drugs decreases it. And, this is semi-voluntary (see assumption one).
You might find my book amusing. It touches on addiction issues.
http://www XXXXXXX com/dp/0000/
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I'm doing my best to relate everything you said to my problem.
I'm Surprised that you said that Vessels or veins can change over a short period of time. Though that does seem to be the case with me. Are you saying then that I'm not doing a special amount of damage to this area then by continuing to use? I do plan on cutting down on my use and quitting someday soon. Just not in the right frame of mind to do it now.
to what you said two messages ago: it's possible that the drug itself can cause a fracture? Maybe I didn't understand that correctly or fully.
As an aside, I am a musician and writer. I thought that either amphetamines or sleep deprivation or both were tapping into a part of the brain that I couldn't access otherwise and helping me work creatively. It's possible that is just in my head
I'm Surprised that you said that Vessels or veins can change over a short period of time. Though that does seem to be the case with me. Are you saying then that I'm not doing a special amount of damage to this area then by continuing to use? I do plan on cutting down on my use and quitting someday soon. Just not in the right frame of mind to do it now.
to what you said two messages ago: it's possible that the drug itself can cause a fracture? Maybe I didn't understand that correctly or fully.
As an aside, I am a musician and writer. I thought that either amphetamines or sleep deprivation or both were tapping into a part of the brain that I couldn't access otherwise and helping me work creatively. It's possible that is just in my head
Brief Answer:
hate to say nice things about methamphetamine but
Detailed Answer:
brain damage yes, heart damage yes, but not vessel 'damage'. It causes vessels to reverisbly constrict. when the drug isnt' there, they pop back.
Oh, I'd forgotten about the articles that showed that the constriction of blood from methamphetamine can cause bones to die off and fracture. This would be pain from constriction followed by an even worse pain that stays around and inability to move the area without the pain becomeing very bad. That would not be a reversible situation but would be due to the vessel constriction (which would go away, but the fracture would remain).
While I'm going to stick to my statements that amphetamine will not help creativity, you bring up lack of sleep. That's well known to cause daydreams, intrusion of dreams into waking consciousness, lowering inhibitions, etc which COULD improve creativity.
hate to say nice things about methamphetamine but
Detailed Answer:
brain damage yes, heart damage yes, but not vessel 'damage'. It causes vessels to reverisbly constrict. when the drug isnt' there, they pop back.
Oh, I'd forgotten about the articles that showed that the constriction of blood from methamphetamine can cause bones to die off and fracture. This would be pain from constriction followed by an even worse pain that stays around and inability to move the area without the pain becomeing very bad. That would not be a reversible situation but would be due to the vessel constriction (which would go away, but the fracture would remain).
While I'm going to stick to my statements that amphetamine will not help creativity, you bring up lack of sleep. That's well known to cause daydreams, intrusion of dreams into waking consciousness, lowering inhibitions, etc which COULD improve creativity.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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