Metamfetamine Hydrochloride (MA)

Metamfetamine is a sympathomimetic drug, powerful stimulant of the central nervous system, whose action and uses are similar to dextroamphetamine. It has been used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but above all it is considered an illegal drug (Chomchai, 2016; Bartu, 2009). It is partially metabolized to amphetamine and it has strong psychotic, addiction and abuse potential. ^{(Vallersnes 2016, Courtney 2014, Carvalho 2012)}

It is excreted in breast milk (Chomchai, 2016; Bartu, 2009), with a slower elimination than in plasma, as the half-life in milk is 40 hours, disappearing completely from the milk 1 day before the values ​​in urine are negative. ^{(Chomchai 2016)}

A breastfeeding mother who inhaled methamphetamine was accused of the cot death of her 2-month-old baby, although there has been some question as to whether methamphetamine in milk was the cause. ^{(Green 1996, Ariagno 1995)}

There is little information on the impact of amphetamine abuse on infant development and health (Oei 2012), but it is known that they are more exposed to social problems, domestic violence, and lower rates of breastfeeding. ^{(Shah 2012, Oei 2010).}

Amphetamines do not cause significant decreases in prolactin levels ^{(DeLeo 1983)}. Methamphetamine withdrawal caused increased prolactin secretion. ^{(Zorick 2011)}

Its recreational use is strongly discouraged ^{(Oei, 2012)}. Drug abuse behavior incapacitates the mother for appropriate baby care and poses a life hazard for both the mother and the infant.

To avoid exposure to the infant and minimize the risk, after the last recreational use of amphetamine, it is advisable to wait 85 hours (5 T ½, which eliminates 97% of the substance) before breastfeeding again. For other authors it is enough to wait 2 days ^{(Bartu 2009)} or 4 days ^{(Chomchai 2016)} or, more safely, when the detection in the mother's urine is negative ^{(Chomchai 2016)}. Meanwhile, express and discard milk from the breast regularly to maintain production.

See below the information of these related products:

• Amfetamine (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
• Dexamfetamine Sulfate (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)