In order to prevent the illegal production of the highly addictive drug, crystal meth, authorities in Britain are considering making some cold medicines available on a prescription-only basis.
There has been increasing concern from police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency that criminals are using the ingredients pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, contained in certain flu remedies to manufacture methylamphetamine -- crystal meth -- in illegal laboratories.
The crack-like drug, crystal meth was reclassified last January as a Class A drug; it is a highly addictive substance which affects the central nervous system and can cause serious physical and psychological harm.
Crystal meth, also known as ice, Nazi crank and yabba, when it is smoked in its crystalline form, produces effects similar to, but more intense than cocaine and research has found that sustained use can lead to psychosis, including paranoia and violent behaviour.
The white odourless and bitter-tasting powder is smoked, injected, snorted or taken orally and withdrawal symptoms can include depression, anxiety and a craving for the drug.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is now considering restricting the pack size of medicines and making those which contain pseudoephedrine and ephedrine prescription-only.
However drugs manufacturers have viewed the proposed restrictions as an over-reaction saying they are not justified as there was little evidence that the drug is illegally manufactured in Britain.