What Is Crystal Methamphetamine?

Crystal methamphetamine is a colorless, odorless version of d-methamphetamine. In appearance, crystal methamphetamine can easily be mistaken for powdered glass. It is a perception altering drug. Methamphetamine is heated and smoked. It is easy to produce in small, discreet laboratories by mixing a cocktail of twelve to fifteen chemicals. This is the main reason for its widespread availability on the street.

Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1887 by Lazar Edeleanu. Methamphetamine was a result of experiments conducted by Akira Ogata in 1919 in Japan. Crystal methamphetamine is known by many of its street names - batu, blade, cristy, crystal, glass, hanyak, hiropon, tina and vidrio.

Even usage of miniscule quantities for a limited period of time could produce side effects such as dry mouth, dehydration, and sweaty hands. Extended usage will lead to some serious side effects include sexually promiscuous behavior, hypertension, dilated pupils and erectile dysfunction. Babies born to amphetamine users are more likely to be born prematurely and have low birth weight. As they grow up they could experience withdrawal symptoms like agitation and drowsiness.