Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (MET/MAMP), amphetamine, and metabolites are potent sympathomimetic agents. It can be administered either intranasally, orally, intravenously or may also be smoked. Methamphetamine stimulates the brain to produce neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Acute higher doses lead to enhanced stimulation of the Central nervous system (CNS) and include euphoria, alertness, and a sense of increased energy and power. More acute responses may result in anxiety, paranoia, psychotic behavior, and cardiac dysrhythmias. The pattern of psychosis which may occur following high doses may be indistinguishable from schizophrenia. Methamphetamine is excreted in urine; either unaltered as methamphetamine (40%) or as amphetamine, as well as oxidized and/or deaminated derivatives. Methamphetamine has a half-life of 9 to 24 hours. This test detects the presence of Methamphetamine in human urine specimens, qualitatively.