[Current data on methamphetamine].

Methamphetamine is an illicit drug used in North America, Asia, and East European countries. Methamphetamine addiction is a serious public health problem in those countries. it is a very powerful psychostimulant drug. It is derived from amphetamine and illegally manufactured from ephedrine. Cause of abuse and dependence it causes significant somatic, psychiatric and cognitive complications. Because of its vasoconstrictor properties, methamphetamine is the cause of cardiovascular diseases but also pulmonary, neurological, dental diseases... Its neurotoxicity is responsible for significant cognitive impairment. It also causes acute psychotic disorders, depressive disorders and suicidal behavior. Treatment of somatic or psychiatric complications should be integrated within a global addiction treatment. To date, no pharmacological therapeutic is specific. However, recent studies with naltrexone, modafinil and bupropion show promising leads. More, dopamine agonist drugs (dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate) are proposed as possible replacement medications. Despite those pharmacological treatments, psychotherapy has to be associated to offer a combined approach with pharmacological treatments.