Ya ba  Ya ba (, , literally 'mad drug'), formerly known as "yama" (; literally 'horse drug'), are tablets containing a mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine. The illicit use of this drug combination has been widespread, particularly in South and Southeast Asian countries. From "ya khayan" ('hard-working pill') in its early days to "ya maa" ('horse medicine'), the drug was named "ya ba" ('crazy pill') in 1996. It was given to horses when pulling carts up steep hills and for other strenuous work in Shan State in Burma. The slang terms for "ya ba" in Burma are "kyethi" (literally, 'button'), "athi", and "palarkar". In Malaysia, "ya ba" is known in Malay as "pil kuda" (literally, 'horse pill'). It is commonly found in the state of Kelantan, on the border with Thailand. The name commonly used for it in the Philippines and Indonesia is "shabú". In north Thailand it is often referred to as "chocalee" due to the somewhat sweet taste "ya ba" leaves in the mouth and its strong chocolate smell. The name commonly used for it in China is "ma-goo" or "ma-guo". In Bangladesh, it's colloquially known as "baba", "guti", "laal", "khawon", "loppy", or "bichi". "Ya ba" is sometimes called "bhul bhuliya" in India. "Ya ba" is typically produced in a round pill form. There are many different versions of "ya ba", and the most common are red, pink, orange, or lime green in color and carry logos such as "R" or "WY". They are small and round, roughly in diameter, which means they can be packed inside a plastic soda straw for easy transportation or in a reusable "mint" container. "Ya ba" tablets typically are consumed orally. Users also place the "ya ba" tablet on aluminum foil and heat it from below. As the tablet melts, vapors rise and are inhaled ("chasing the dragon"). The drug also may be administered by crushing the tablets into powder, which is then snorted or mixed with a solvent and injected. When swallowed in pill form the duration of the drug's effect is between 8–16 hours, as compared to 1–3 hours when smoked, while the intensity is considerably reduced.