The effects of methamphetamine may be felt immediately or within 20 minutes, depending on how it is used.5 When smoked or injected, it enters the bloodstream and brain rapidly and produces an immediate and intense “rush” or euphoria. Other immediate effects include increased wakefulness, confidence, energy, and sex drive, as well as decreased appetite.1,3,6
The euphoria wears off quickly, leading to a “crash.” Some people try to avoid this and extend the euphoria by repeatedly taking the drug in a binge pattern. Repeated use in this way increases the risk of developing a methamphetamine use disorder.
Methamphetamine use can have immediate negative health effects, including paranoia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, stroke, increased blood pressure, kidney damage, nonfatal overdose (also called “overamping”), or fatal overdose.1,5,7,8,9