Methamphetamine, widely recognized today for its illicit use, held a remarkably different status in the mid-20th century. During the 1950s, this potent compound was a commonly prescribed medication in the United States. Its journey from a therapeutic agent to a highly controlled substance reflects a significant shift in medical understanding and public policy, driven by evolving insights into its pharmacological effects and potential for harm.
Disorders Treated with Methamphetamine
In the 1950s, medical professionals utilized methamphetamine to address a range of health conditions, primarily due to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system. One prominent use was in managing obesity, where it served as an appetite suppressant to aid in weight loss. Patients struggling with excess weight were often prescribed methamphetamine, sometimes as part of combination drugs like Obetrol, which contained a mix of amphetamine salts, including methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine also played a role in treating narcolepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime sleepiness. The drug’s stimulant properties helped to combat the excessive somnolence and “sleep attacks” experienced by individuals with this condition, allowing them to maintain alertness throughout the day.
Beyond sleep disorders and weight management, methamphetamine was prescribed for various mood disorders, including depression, to elevate mood and energy levels. Its stimulating effects were believed to counteract the lethargy and low spirits associated with depressive states. It was also used to combat general fatigue and exhaustion, providing individuals with increased energy and alertness. This application extended to various civilian groups, including truck drivers and college students, who sometimes used it to stay awake for extended periods. Methamphetamine also saw early, though less widespread, use for hyperactivity in children, a condition that would later be more fully understood as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Why Methamphetamine Was Prescribed
The widespread prescription of methamphetamine in the 1950s stemmed from its perceived effectiveness and the medical philosophy prevalent at the time. As a potent central nervous system stimulant, methamphetamine provided immediate and noticeable effects such as increased energy, heightened alertness, and appetite suppression. These pharmacological actions offered symptomatic relief for the conditions it was prescribed to treat.
The medical approach of the era often focused on managing symptoms. Long-term risks associated with many pharmaceuticals, including drug dependence and severe side effects, were not yet fully comprehended or prioritized compared to current medical knowledge. Additionally, the pharmaceutical landscape offered limited alternative treatments for conditions like narcolepsy, severe obesity, and certain mood disorders.
Medical research and clinical opinion of the period also supported the use of methamphetamine. Early studies highlighted its ability to improve mental activity and combat fatigue, contributing to its endorsement by the medical community. The drug was also distributed to military personnel during World War II by various nations, including the U.S., Germany, and Japan, to enhance endurance and performance.
Evolution of Understanding and Regulation
The broad medical use of methamphetamine began to decline as a clearer understanding of its risks emerged. Its high potential for abuse, addiction, and severe side effects, which include psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, and cardiovascular issues like stroke and cardiac arrhythmia, prompted significant changes in how the drug was controlled.
Legislative actions were implemented to restrict its availability. The Drug Abuse Control Amendments of 1965, for instance, aimed to prevent the misuse and illicit trafficking of dangerous drugs, including stimulants. This act established special controls for depressant and stimulant drugs, recognizing the public health and safety threats posed by their unsupervised use. Subsequent legislation, such as the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, categorized methamphetamine as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification signifies a high potential for abuse, while still acknowledging some accepted medical use.
The development of new medications for the conditions previously treated with methamphetamine also contributed to its decline in prescription. Safer and more targeted alternatives became available for obesity, narcolepsy, and ADHD, offering better risk-benefit profiles for patients. Currently, methamphetamine has very limited medical uses in the United States. It is available under the brand name Desoxyn, primarily prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged six years and older, and in rare cases, for severe obesity, typically when other treatments have not been successful.