why is meth neurotoxic?

[Puss In Boots]

This might be a simple question, but for the life of me I couldn't find any hard facts for what I was looking for.
I was wondering what exactly makes meth neurotoxic? Is it due to the prolong amounts of dopamine in the synapse? and what exact damage does it cause?
From what i understand, meth promotes the release of dopamine while acting as dopamine repeutake inhibitor.
if this is wrong feel free to correct me.
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"...we all know I am a cock sucking asshole who should have a belt sander taken to my nuts..." PhreeX

 

[CuriousCub]

Extreme dopamine release can cause parkinson's disease, regardless of what is releasing it--this is proven.
Neurotoxicity comes from something fucking w/your brain's chemistry and already-set balance, as well as other technicalities.
Dopamine is EXTREMELY important, as it is a main regulator in physical functioning.
In terms of what handles what, dopamine is more important and valuable than seratonin.
Seratonin can be synthesised easier than dopa, i believe.
Meth harms the pancreas and other bodily regions, so it;s not just cerebrally bad.
please correct me if *im* wrong too.

 

[Puss In Boots]

**[Neurotoxicity comes from something fucking w/your brain's chemistry and already-set balance, as well as other technicalities.]
It's all so clear now. =P ~sarcasum~
Actualy FYI, it's a lack of dopamine that causes parkinson's disease
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"...we all know I am a cock sucking asshole who should have a belt sander taken to my nuts..." PhreeX

 

[CuriousCub]

LACK of dopa is EXACTLY what im talking about.
what happens when dopa is released? the dopa is momentarily flooded and YOU LACK DOPA AFTERWARD!

 

[in0mni]

But what happens to the body and mind when you get Dopamine SyndroM? in example if you take a MAOI and then take meth

 

[wikings]

"Neurotoxic Effects of Stimulant Drugs
Sustained high-dose administration of amphetamines (especially methamphetamine) to experimental animals.
Produces a persistent depletion of DA which is associated with terminal degeneration (62, 182, 195)
As well as neuronal chromatolysis in the brain stem, cortex and striatum (42, 182).
In contrast, continuous dosing with extremely high doses of cocaine (100–250 mg/kg/day i.v.) did not induce terminal degeneration in frontal cortex and striatum (62, 183)"
http://www.acnp.org/G4/GN401000166/CH162.htm
This is in reference to IV , high quantity exposure though , I think.
Moderation is the key!

 

[sarsen]

curious cub, i'm not going to say that your entirely wrong, but don't try to simplify a neurochemical system simply by saying that a lack of dopa (umm, dopamine is the neurotransmitter that we are talking about. there is a drug given to parkinsons patients called L-DOPA that effectly floods the synapse with dopamine) is the cause of parkinson's.
at the moment, there is a lot of research being done into the role of serotinin in parkinson's. there was a tv program that recently aired in australia called "agony and extacy" about a man that had discovered the physical side effects of his L-DOPA treatment (uncontrolled gross muscle movement) were greatly reduced when he ingested mdma as a recreational drug. this has triggered an ongoing study into the effects that seratonin may have on the parkinson's symptoms.
wikings, fantastic link. thankyou.

 

[Puss In Boots]

Thanx for the link Wikings!
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"...we all know I am a cock sucking asshole who should have a belt sander taken to my nuts..." PhreeX