INTRAVENOUS METHAMPHETAMINE—ADJUVANT TO PSYCHOTHERAPY
M. STRAKER M. D.
1. Methamphetamine hydrochloride, a sympathomimetic drug and a central stimulant, is described as a facilitating agent and adjuvant to psychotherapy.
2. The brief literature is reviewed and the physiological and psychological effects are described, both immediate and remote.
3. Sixty-six patients were treated with Methedrine in office practice, and the results were beneficial in selected cases.
4. Complications were encountered rarely; they consist of headache and the risk of precipitating an acute psychotic reaction.
5. The clinical results are ascribed to the stimulating properties of methamphetamine; the effect is an increase of ego strength and self-esteem, together with the stripping away of superficial ego defenses and the partial dissolution of the resistances.
