Levomethamphetamine

Levomethamphetamine (other names: l-desoxyephedrine, l-methamphetamine, levmetamfetamine ) is the l- stereoisomer of methamphetamine, a sympathomimetic vasoconstrictor which is the active ingredient used in some over-the-counter nasal decongestants. The common brand-name for levmetamfetamine in the U.S. is the Vicks Inhaler. In the U.S., the name was converted to levmetamfetamine from levo-methamphetamine to lower the risk of abuse of the decongestant preparation.

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Chemistry

Levomethamphetamine affects the sympathetic nervous system but is not thought to be nearly as addictive or centrally active as the d- isomer of methamphetamine (dextro-methamphetamine, d-methamphetamine, d-desoxyephedrine, etc.) and only exerts vasoconstricting effects used for decongestion.

Side Effects

Common side effects include muscle tremor and stomach cramps. Other side effects include hypertension and tachycardia.

Recreational Use

Although levo-methamphetamine is only very mildly centrally active (unlike dextro-methamphetamine, which acts mainly on the central nervous system), recreational drug users may abuse the inhaler preparation by cracking open the inhaler and then swallowing the cotton inside (as the cotton is soaked in levo-methamphetamine.) This gives the user a very mild "speedy" effect with a mild energy boost, similar to that of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Sometimes uncomfortable and displeasant feelings can arise by ingesting the cotton, since the cotton is also soaked in menthol and camphor. Both menthol and camphor are analgesics and are possibly lethal at high doses. The inhaler is also commonly used at raves where the active ingredients are blown into the face entering the mouth, nose and eyes of a "raver" who has taken MDMA. This is due to the euphoric feeling supposedly attained by the receiver on MDMA, as the menthol feels pleasant along with the effects of heightened sensual perception caused by the MDMA.