What is a common presentation for a patient who has used methamphetamine?

A common presentation for a patient who has used methamphetamine includes severe agitation. Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that can significantly increase energy levels, leading to heightened activity and restlessness. Users often exhibit behaviors associated with high levels of anxiety and agitation, which can manifest as irritability, hyperactivity, and an inability to remain still.

In addition to severe agitation, other symptoms commonly observed in methamphetamine users may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and decreased appetite. The stimulant effects can also lead to impulsive behaviors and altered mood. This contrasts with other scenarios such as excessive drowsiness or extreme fatigue, which are more associated with depressants or withdrawal symptoms rather than the immediate effects of methamphetamine use. Rapid speech can sometimes be seen, but it is more a consequence of the heightened energy level rather than being a hallmark of methamphetamine use itself.