Using crystal methamphetamine with other drugs

It is not possible to predict the different effects ice will have from person to person, or from using one time to another. Being under the influence of more than one drug at a time makes the effects even more unpredictable. Factors that cause the effects of ice to vary include:

Ice itself (e.g. its the amount used, frequency of use, how the drug is used, whether the drug has been cut (mixed) with another substance).

The person taking ice (e.g. their mood, expectations, personality and individual characteristics).

The setting (e.g. where the person is and the people they are with).

Find out more about how ice works and how it affects the body.

Stimulant drugs, such as ice, increase activity in the central nervous system (made up of the brain and spinal cord; the system that controls the activities of the body). Combining different (e.g. ice and cocaine) can increase the risk of cardiovascular (heart) problems and substance-induced Combining stimulants can also increase a person's risk of experiencing or

Using ice with places enormous strain on the body. Common used with include alcohol, cannabis, opioids (e.g. heroin), and amyl nitrate. sing ice with these drugs places extra strain on the heart, which may lead to serious complications, especially among people with pre-existing heart problems. 

Using ice with cannabis can increase a person's risk of experiencing mental health problems, including psychotic symptoms, especially in those who have existing mental health problems.

The effects of ice can mask the effects of depressant drugs like alcohol, opioids and benzodiazepines. This can make people feel that they are less affected by those drugs, increasing the risk of overdose.

Using ice with medications can also increase the risk of adverse effects. Below are some common medications and what can happen when they are mixed with crystal methamphetamine:

• Ritalin and other medications: There is an increased risk of and as well as other problems associated with stimulant use, such as heart problems and substance-induced  
• Antidepressant medications (e.g., SSRI's): Using ice with some types of anti-depressants can increase the risk of especially for people that take Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) anti-depressants.
• Viagra: The combination of crystal methamphetamine and Viagra can result in an increased risk of heart problems and very low blood pressure. As drugs like crystal methamphetamine can lower a person’s inhibitions during sex, it is important to use contraceptive methods and get regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections due to an increased risk of these.

Health workers: For more information on the effects of combining stimulants and prescription medications, check out QNADA's factsheets here.

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If you need emergency support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (a free and confidential 24-hour crisis helpline) or dial '000' for an ambulance. 

For other support options, refer to our list of support services available in Australia. 

Black, E. (2014). Polydrug use: What you need to know about mixing drugs. National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales. Retrieved from: Polydrug use, What you need to know about mixing drugs, opens a PDF document in a new windowhttps://positivechoices.org.au/documents/MYeiYGozx3/polydrug-use-detailed-resource-for-parentsteachers/

Jenner L, Lee N. (2008). Treatment Approaches for Users of Methamphetamine: A Practical Guide for Frontline Workers. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, Canberra. Retrieved from: Treatment Approaches for Users of A Practical Guide for Frontline Workers, opens in a new windowhttps://insight.qld.edu.au/shop/treatment-approaches-for-users-of-methamphetamine-a-practical-guide-for-frontline-workers-nds-released-2008