Smokable methamphetamine ('ice'): an old drug in a different form

Methamphetamine has long been a drug of abuse. The smokable form of methamphetamine hydrochloride, called "ice" on the street, is twice as toxic as amphetamine and has clinical effects similar to those of cocaine. In the United States, methamphetamine use has spread eastward from Hawaii and California. Ice is a strong central nervous system stimulant. Chronic use may result in serious psychiatric, cardiovascular, metabolic and neuromuscular changes. Generally, patients presenting with methamphetamine toxicity can be treated conservatively in the emergency department. Long-term treatment usually requires drug rehabilitation and inpatient counseling.