Find out which vapor inhaler in the U.S. is structurally almost identical to crystal meth! It might do more than unblock your nose...

In certain countries Vicks Vapor inhalers are innocent and helpful over-the-counter aids for blocked noses. In India and Canada, for instance, the only ingredients you will find in the inhaler are menthol and camphor. Harmless, really.

But if you happen to live in the USA, you would want to take it very slowly on your Vicks Vapor inhaler, because there it is structurally almost identical to crystal meth!

The active ingredient in the inhaler in the US is Levomethamphetamine which, besides unblocking your nose, also has an effect on your central nervous system. The effects are weaker and do not last as long as that of methamphetamine and that is why it is thought (note: thought, not known) not to have the same addiction potential.

Oh, but wait a minute! In a study of the psychoactive effects, 0.5mg of Levomethamphetamine was injected into experienced methamphetamine users and it produced "drug liking" similar to that of crystal meth! The effects were thankfully just short lived. Does that make it safe?

The side effects of Levomethamphetamine (and therefore your Vicks Vapor inhaler) are: elevated blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, tremors, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness and headaches.

The physical side effects of crystal meth include elevated blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, tremors and eventually it could lead to death.

(Source)