Methamphetamine Dosage Guide

Methamphetamine overdose is a **life-threatening medical emergency**. There is **no antidote** -- treatment is entirely supportive, making early recognition critical. ## Warning Signs - **Chest pain** -- may indicate heart attack or aortic dissection - **Rapid or irregular heartbeat** - **Severe headache** -- possible stroke - **Dangerously high body temperature** -- linked to organ failure - **Seizures** - **Extreme agitation or psychosis** - **Muscle rigidity or dark urine** (rhabdomyolysis) - **Loss of consciousness** Cardiovascular events can occur at previously tolerated doses, especially with exertion, dehydration, or heat. ## Emergency Response **Call 911 immediately.** While waiting: 1. Keep the person **calm and cool** -- reducing agitation and temperature are priorities 2. **Do not restrain** unless necessary; struggling worsens hyperthermia 3. **If overheating**, apply cool water to neck, armpits, groin 4. **If seizing**, protect the head and clear hazards 5. **If not breathing**, begin CPR 6. **If fentanyl contamination is possible**, administer **naloxone** -- it will not harm someone overdosing on stimulants alone Hospital treatment uses benzodiazepines for agitation, active cooling, and cardiac monitoring. Good Samaritan laws in most states protect people who call 911 during drug emergencies. ## Coming Down Safely For non-emergency comedowns: avoid opioids (the "goofball" combination is extremely dangerous), move to a calm dark environment, hydrate, eat if possible. Time and sleep are the most effective resolution.