Updated April 02, 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Question: How is Methamphetamine Different From Cocaine?
Answer:
Methamphetamine and cocaine have some similar behavioral and physiological effects, there are big differences in how they work in the body.
Cocaine is almost completely metabolized and removed from the body. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, remains in the body unchanged for a much longer duration. Therefore, it remains in the brain longer, producing longer stimulant effects.
Both methamphetamine and cocaine increase dopamine levels in the brain, but studies have found that meth use leads to much higher levels of dopamine than cocaine because the nerve cells respond differently to the two drugs.
Both cocaine and methamphetamine prolong dopamine actions in the brain by blocking its re-absorption by certain nerve cells. But, meth only blocks re-absorption at low doses. It also increases the release of dopamine, which leads to much higher concentrations in the gap between neurons. This can damage nerve terminals.
Back to: Methamphetamine FAQ
Sources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse. "Methamphetamine." Research Report Series Updated September 2013
The Partnership at DrugFree.org. "Methamphetamine." Drug Guide. Accessed March 2014.
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
Question: How is Methamphetamine Different From Cocaine?
Answer:
Methamphetamine and cocaine have some similar behavioral and physiological effects, there are big differences in how they work in the body.
Cocaine is almost completely metabolized and removed from the body. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, remains in the body unchanged for a much longer duration. Therefore, it remains in the brain longer, producing longer stimulant effects.
Both methamphetamine and cocaine increase dopamine levels in the brain, but studies have found that meth use leads to much higher levels of dopamine than cocaine because the nerve cells respond differently to the two drugs.
Both cocaine and methamphetamine prolong dopamine actions in the brain by blocking its re-absorption by certain nerve cells. But, meth only blocks re-absorption at low doses. It also increases the release of dopamine, which leads to much higher concentrations in the gap between neurons. This can damage nerve terminals.
Back to: Methamphetamine FAQ
Sources:
National Institute on Drug Abuse. "Methamphetamine." Research Report Series Updated September 2013
The Partnership at DrugFree.org. "Methamphetamine." Drug Guide. Accessed March 2014.