Pharmacology, neurobiology and neurotoxicity of methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (MA) is a synthetic, powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant drug, derived from amphetamine. It is used for both medicinal and illegal recreational proposes. MA causes an increase in activity, decrease in appetite, and a strong feeling of euphoria. MA exerts powerful effects on several neurochemical systems throughout the brainincluding dopamine, GABA and GLU. MA is highly lipophilic, which allows rapid and efficient transport across the blood-brain barrier and results in increased CNS penetration. It causes massive release of newly synthesized catecholamines, and blocks their reuptake from the synapse in several areas of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens, the prefrontal cortex and the striatum. This review presents: (i) an overview of the neurochemical and pharmacological effects of MA administration, (ii) a summary of the clinical effects of MA administration and (iii) evidence of MA’s neurotoxic effects. Due to its toxic potential, It is very important to develop research strategies towards prospective designs looking at large cohorts of young people belonging to a risk group for recreational drug use.