Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine (With Table)

Amphetamine is a drug used to stimulate the central nervous system. It is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD). Disorders like narcolepsy, obesity are also treated by amphetamine. In 1887, the drug amphetamine was discovered. At first, it exists with two enantiomers. They are Levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. In pure amine forms, the chemical is equally divided. The term amphetamine is used to denote the enantiomers and also for single usage. In ancient days, the amphetamine drug was used to treat congestion and depression.

Methamphetamine is also a stimulant drug used to treat many disorders. It is used to treat the central nervous system. Methamphetamine is a recreational drug that is used in second-line treatment. In 1893, the drug methamphetamine was discovered. It exists in two enantiomers. They are levo-methamphetamine and dextro-methamphetamine. Like amphetamine, methamphetamine is also equal in the base mixture in pure amine forms. Methamphetamine is not a prescribed medicine in recent days. Due to its heavy neurotoxicity, it is not prescribed.

Comparison Table Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

What is Amphetamine?

Amphetamine is a drug used to stimulate the central nervous system. It is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD). Disorders like narcolepsy, obesity are also treated by amphetamine. In 1887, the drug amphetamine was discovered. At first, it exists with two enantiomers. They are Levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. In pure amine forms, the chemical is equally divided. The term amphetamine is used to denote the enantiomers and also for single usage. In ancient days, the amphetamine drug was used to treat congestion and depression.

In athletic performance enhancers and cognitive enhancers, amphetamine has significant use. It reacts as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant. In many countries, amphetamine is used as a prescribed drug. Due to heavy health risks, amphetamine illegal production is restricted.
Benzedrine is the first amphetamine pharmaceutical drug. It is used to treat various disorders. Racemic amphetamine is the current pharmaceutical amphetamine.

The monoamine and excitatory transmission in the brain is increased by the amphetamine. The amphetamine targets norepinephrine, which is present in the neurotransmitter. Oral, insufflation, rectal, intravenous, intramuscular are various routes for transmission. Amphetamine has 20% of protein binding. The melting point of amphetamine is 11.3 °C. The boiling point of amphetamine is 203 °C. The chirality of amphetamine is a racemic mixture. Amphetamine also causes many side effects.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is also a stimulant drug used to treat many disorders. It is used to treat the central nervous system. Methamphetamine is a recreational drug that is used in second-line treatment. In 1893, the drug methamphetamine was discovered. It exists in two enantiomers. They are levo-methamphetamine and dextro-methamphetamine. Like amphetamine, methamphetamine is also equal in the base mixture in pure amine forms. Methamphetamine is not a prescribed medicine in recent days. Due to its heavy neurotoxicity, it is not prescribed.

Methamphetamine has its potential and recreational use. In racemic methamphetamine and dextro-methamphetamine, it is trafficked. In the united states and in many countries, methamphetamine is categorized into schedule II which is a controlled substance. In Asia and Oceania, the illegal manufacturing of methamphetamine occurs. For treatment, the nasal decongestant is used in the United States. Methamphetamine is more effective and vigorous. But it is limited in many countries.

Desoxyn, Methedrine is the trade name for methamphetamine. It has high addiction liability. The melting point of methamphetamine is 170 °C. The boiling point of methamphetamine is 212 °C. It causes many side effects. It causes heart disease, glaucoma, and hyperthyroidism. Due to heavy usage, it also causes hypersensitivity in individuals. Disorders like blood pressure, mania, psychosis, and thyroid problems. It affects pregnancy in women and affects infants.

Main differences Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine

1. The continuous usage of amphetamine causes changes in blood pressure, and methamphetamine causes rapid heart rate.
2. Amphetamine is used for medical purposes, but methamphetamine is not used for medical purposes
3. Comparatively, amphetamine is less vigorous, and methamphetamine is more vigorous.
4. The effect of amphetamine drug will not last for a long time, but
   methamphetamine is long-lasting.
5. When compared to amphetamine, methamphetamine is more effective.

Conclusion

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are two different stimulant drugs used to treat many disorders. Amphetamine is widely used to treat narcolepsy and some other disorders. Methamphetamine is not widely used for medical purposes. Methamphetamine is more effective and vigorous. It is legally manufactured and used in many places. Methamphetamine makes to addict to the drug and makes you dependent. It causes many side effects and affects your daily activities. On the other hand, amphetamine is used for medical purposes. It is less effective and vigorous. Methamphetamine is a sub-class of amphetamine and then separated into a single class. Depending on the usage, the effect of the drug increases.

References

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/108705470000300403
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc1974659/