methamphetamine hydrochloride /meth′amfet″əmēn/ , a central nervous system stimulant that is easily synthesized and is a major drug of abuse. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and as a short-term treatment for the reduction of appetite in exogenous obesity. An unlabeled use is for the treatment of narcolepsy. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Glaucoma, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, history of drug abuse, concomitant use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or known hypersensitivity to this drug or to other sympathomimetic drugs prohibits its use. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are various manifestations of central nervous system excitation, increase in blood pressure, arrhythmia and other cardiovascular effects, nausea, and drug dependence.
