Digitally signed by Jason Raquin Roque DN: cn=Jason Raquin Roque, o, ou, email=jason_mike15@yahoo.com, c=PH Date: 2012.05.

15 14:17:01 +08'00'

Methamphetamine was first synthesized from ephedrine in Japan in 1893 by chemist Nagai Nagayoshi. T h e t e r m "methamphetamine" was derived from elements of the chemical structure of this new compound: methyl alphamethylphenylethylamine. In 1919, crystallized methamphetamine was synthesized by Akira Ogata via reduction of ephedrine using red phosphorus and iodine. In 1943, Abbott Laboratories requested for its approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of narcolepsy, mild depression, post encephalitic parkinsonism, chronic alcoholism, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and hay fever. Methamphetamine was approved for all of these indications in December, 1944. All of these indication approvals were eventually removed. The only two approved marketing indications remaining for methamphetamine are for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the short-term management of exogenous obesity, although the drug is clinically established as effective in the treatment of narcolepsy.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas are attempting to use tobacco plants as DNA protein "factories" to produce an agent that could later be extracted and used to treat people who are addicted to methamphetamine Meth induces hypersexual behavior and especially with anal intercourse, HIV / viral transmission concerns are raised and unprotected receptive users are put in greater risk.

Submitted by:

ROQUE, JASON R.
As project for Organic Chemistry to Sir. Gideon A. Legaspi

REFERENCES:
Retrieved from March 22, 2011

http://www.alcoholism.about.com/od/meth/Metham

phetamine.htm http://www.urban75.com/Drugs/meth.html http://www.stuartxchange.org/Shabu.html

Unraveling the ancient world of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, also known as metamfetamine is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of drugs. It increases alertness, concentration, energy, and in high doses, can induce euphoria, enhances self-esteem and increases libido. It is high potential for abuse and addiction. It is FDA approved for treatment of ADHD and exogenous obesity. Appearance: Colorless, odorless gas, White crystalline powder Melting Point: -158o C Boiling Point: -29.8o C Vapor Density: 4.2 (air= 1) Vapor Pressure: 5 atm Density: 1.329 g/cm-3 Stability: Non flammable, Stable, May react violently with aluminum Water solubility: Substan-

Two methods that have been described both involve the reduction of ephedrine (itself readily available) using either lithium in liquid ammonia as the reducing agent, or else red phosphorous and iodine to generate HI for the reduction.

A further process involves the reductive amination of phenylacetone, first converting it into the formyl amide of methamphetamine, then hydrolysing the amide with HCl(aq).

Physical Effects: It may include anorexia, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, flushing, restlessness, dry mouth, headache, tachycardia, bradycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hypotension, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, twitching, insomnia, numbness, palpitation, arrhythmias, tremors, acne, pallor, convulsion, heart attack, stroke, and death.

The molecular formula for methamphetamine is C10H15N.

Injection, also known as "slamming", "banging", "shooting up" or "mainlining", is a popular method used by addicts which carries relatively greater risks than other methods of administration. Smoking amphetamines refers to vaporizing it to inhale the resulting fumes, not burning it to inhale the resulting smoke. It is commonly smoked in glass pipes made from glass blown Pyrex tubes and light bulbs. It can also be smoked off aluminium foil, which is heated underneath by a flame. Suppository is a less popular method of administration used in the community with comparatively little research into its effects. Information on its use is largely anecdotal with reports of increased sexual pleasure and the effects of the drug lasting longer.

Psychological Effects: It may include euphoria, anxiety, increased libido, alertness, concentration, energ y, sel f -est eem, self confidence, sociability, irritability, aggression, psychosomatic disorders, psychomotor agitation. Medical Uses: It has been approved by FDA under the name of Desoxyn as treatment for narcolepsy and treatmentresistant depression. It is known to produce central effect similar to the other stimulants.