Can you overdose on methamphetamine (meth)?

Yes. Taking a high dose of methamphetamine can lead to a stimulant overdose, also commonly known as overamping.

Overamping can be used to describe several effects, including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, high body temperature, seizures, stroke, or heart attack. This can be damaging to the heart, brain, and other organs. It can be fatal. There is no overdose reversal medication for stimulants.

Taking methamphetamine in combination with other classes of drugs, like opioids or depressants, can increase the risk of an overdose. When methamphetamine is used with other stimulants, it can increase the risk of overamping.

We need a health approach to methamphetamine (meth).

People who use methamphetamine can face risks, including stimulant overdose or overamping. Learn more about how drug decriminalization and investing in health, harm reduction services, overdose prevention centers, and safer supply can keep people safer.

Reviewed and updated by Jules Netherland, PhD, and Dr. Sheila P. Vakharia on 05/26/2023.