• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)

    ​MCH HOTLINE
    1-800-456-8900

    ​

    Amphetamines/Methamphetamine

     

    What is amphetamine/methamphetamine?

    • Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant1
    • It can be injected intravenously, snorted, smoked, or taken orally1
    • Physicians may also prescribe it in low doses for the treatment of attention deficit disorders or narcolepsy1
    • Amphetamines function by increasing the release of certain neurotransmitters including norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin2
    • Use of amphetamines result in increased alertness, euphoria, exhilaration, and increased inhibition2
    • Methamphetamines are a more potent form of amphetamines3
    • Effects of methamphetamine include euphoria, increased wakefulness, and increased energy3
     

    What are the medical consequences of amphetamine/methamphetamine use?

    • Cardiac effects
           Cardiac arrhythmias2, 3
           Hypertension2, 3
    • Insomnia2, 3
    • Seizures2, 3
    • Hyperthermia2, 3
    • Neurological effects
    • Visual and auditory hallucinationsisual and auditory hallucinations3
    • Mental health issues
           Mood disturbance
           Paranoia3
           Delusions3
    • Decreased appetite4
    • Dental problems4
     

    What are the medical consequences of amphetamine/methamphetamine use in pregnancy?

    • Placental abruption2
    • Preterm birth2
    • Decreased birth weight and size2
    • Cardiac anomalies4, 5
    • Cleft lip and/or palate4, 5
    • Biliary atresia4, 5
    • Cerebral hemorrhage in neonate4, 5
    • Increased risk of neonatal death6
    • Increased risk of developmental disorders in childhood like ADHD and oppositional defiance disorder7
     
     
    Resources
    1. Office of National Drug Control Policy.  Street Terms: Drug and Drug Trade.  Retrieved November 15, 2010 from http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/streetterms/. 
    2. Lindsay, M.K. and Burnett, E. (2013). The use of narcotic and street drugs during pregnancy. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology 56. 133-141.
    3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2011).  ACOG Committee Opinion 479: Methamphetamine Abuse in Women of Reproductive Age.  Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 
    4. Drug Facts: Methamphetamine.  Retrieved January 15, 2014 from The National Institute on Drug Abuse Web site: http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/methamphetamine
    5. Kuczkowski, K.M (2007).  The Effects of Drug Abuse on Pregnancy [Electronic Version].  Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol, 19, 578-585.
    6. Good, M.M. et al (2010).  Methamphetamine Use During Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Implications [Electronic Version]. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 116:2:1, 330-334
    7. Lester, B.M., LaGasse, L.L (2010). Children of Addicted Women [Electronic Version]. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 29, 259-276. 
     

    Return to Women's Health

    Return to Substance Use and Abuse

     
     
    January, 2014