What are its short-term effects?
The drug's effects are similar to those of cocaine but longer
lasting. Crystal Meth can cause erratic, violent behavior among its
users. Effects include suppressed appetite, interference with
sleeping behavior, mood swings and unpredictability, tremors and
convulsions, increased blood pressure, irregular heart rate. Users
may also experience homicidal or suicidal thoughts, prolonged
anxiety, paranoia and insomnia.
Crystal meth use by pregnant women can lead to premature birth
or birth defects, including heart defects and cleft palate.
What are its long-term effects?Long-term effects of Crystal Meth
use can include brain damage (similar to the effects of Parkinson's
disease or Alzheimer's disease), coma, stroke or death. Chronic
users may also develop distinct physical symptoms. Signs of chronic
use include weight loss, tooth decay and cracked teeth ("Meth
Mouth"), psychosis and hallucinations, sores on the body from
picking at skin, and formication (an abnormal skin sensation akin
to "bugs crawling on skin").