Side Effects Of Levomethamphetamine

Levomethamphetamine, also known as l-methamphetamine, and levmetamfetamine, is an isomer of methamphetamine. Isomers have the same chemical formulas, but differ in structure. Levomethamphetamine does not have effects on the central nervous system like methamphetamine. It is an active ingredient in nonprescription nasal decongestants, such as nasal inhalers. It decreases nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passage. This results in less swelling and mucus production. Despite its over-the-counter use, few studies have been conducted to determine the side effects of levomethamphetamine.

Hypertension

A study published in the October 2006 issue "Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" reports that intravenous administration of levomethamphetamine to methamphetamine abusers increased blood pressure and heart rate. A study in the July 2008 issue of "BioMed Central Clinical Pharmacology" reports that even at four times the recommended dose, inhalation of levomethamphetamine produced minimal increases in blood pressure. A 2009 study in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" reports that inhaled doses of levomethamphetamine minimally increased blood pressure and did not improve athletic performance.

Dizziness

The study in "BioMed Central Clinical Pharmacology" notes that inhaled doses of levomethamphetamine caused dizziness in some individuals.

Psychoactivity

The study in the journal "Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics" reports that intravenous administration of high doses of levomethamphetamine to methamphetamine abusers did cause changes in mood and behavior similar to methamphetamine, but the effects dissipated more quickly. Because inhaled decongestants at recommended doses do not produce high circulating concentrations of levomethamphetamine they are unlikely to cause changes in mood or behavior.

Addiction and Withdrawal

Abuse of levomethamphetamine may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms. There are no studies that have evaluated the potential for addiction to levomethamphetamine in people using nasal decongestants at the recommended doses. Some manufacturers of nasal inhalers containing levomethamphetamine advise not to use the product for more than seven days.

"Flight-or-Fight" Response

Levomethamphetamine belongs to the drug class, alpha-adrenergic drugs. These drugs act by mimicking adrenaline and stimulating adrenergic nerves. Adrenergic nerves mediate the body's "fight-or-flight" response. According to the website Surgery Encyclopedia, the common side effects of these drugs are anxiety, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, chest pain, headache, nausea, flushing and weakness.