Many people mistakenly think that amphetamines and methamphetamine are both the same types of drugs but they aren’t. Although both amphetamines and methamphetamine do have many of the same characteristics and qualities, they are both stimulants and they are both dangerous, they are not exactly the same. There are some differences between amphetamines vs. methamphetamine, and though minimal, it’s important to know what they are.
First of all, when used properly, amphetamine is a powerful drug that can have many uses – methamphetamine on the other hand does not have many uses besides recreational drug use. Amphetamine is used in some doctor administered diet pills and though it was once used in over the counter diet pills, this use has discontinued because of the high potential for abuse and dependence that amphetamine based drugs has.
The effects of amphetamine are very strong and this can lead to an increased metabolism, rapid heart rate and similar effects.
The effects of methamphetamine are quite the same but may also include:
- Impaired speech
- Rapid pulse
- Dry mouth
- Shallow breathing
While all of these symptoms or side effects are possible with both amphetamines and methamphetamine use, the effects of methamphetamine are much stronger typically than amphetamine and they tend to come about much more quickly than the effects of amphetamine.
Methamphetamine actually breaks down and metabolizes into amphetamine. There are many other drugs in methamphetamine and a wide range of chemicals that can make this drug extremely potent and dangerous to use. Because of the way that meth breaks down into amphetamine, drug tests which show a presence of amphetamine are often considered a positive indication of methamphetamine use.
Amphetamine is scientifically known as methylated phenylethylamine. Methamphetamine is double methylated phenylethylamine. The double process is the primary difference between amphetamine and methamphetamine in a laboratory or scientific instance. Otherwise, the two chemicals or drugs are almost identical in nature causing the same side effects, same dangers and same potential for overdose as well as the same risk of physical dependence and addiction.
Neither methamphetamine nor amphetamine are really safe for use but amphetamines are used in some prescription medications. Amphetamines can be safe for oral use when they are used EXACTLY as prescribed and under the supervision or direct medical care of a doctor. Methamphetamine is NEVER safe for oral consumption and should not be used by any means!