methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a stimulant medication. It's FDA-approved to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it's not commonly prescribed because other options are preferred. Some side effects of methamphetamine (Desoxyn) include restlessness, high blood pressure, and low appetite. Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a controlled substance with a risk of addiction and dependence.
What is Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)?
What is Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) used for?
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 years and older
How Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) works
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a stimulant medication. It's thought to treat ADHD by raising the levels of chemicals in your brain called norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. As a result, this can improve attention, focus, and wakefulness.
Drug facts
Risks and warnings for Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Addiction, misuse, and dependence
- Risk factors: History of substance or alcohol use disorder | Taking more methamphetamine (Desoxyn) than prescribed | Suddenly stopping methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) has a risk of addiction, misuse, and dependence. Only take methamphetamine (Desoxyn) as directed by a provider. Taking methamphetamine (Desoxyn) not as prescribed can raise the risk for overdose and life-threatening side effects. Suddenly stopping methamphetamine (Desoxyn) without first consulting a provider can result in withdrawal symptoms like irritability, nightmares, and sleep problems.
Serious heart problems
- Risk factors: History of heart problems
There have been reports of sudden death, stroke, and heart attack in people who took methamphetamine (Desoxyn) at usual doses. Tell your provider if you have a history of heart problems before starting methamphetamine (Desoxyn) because there might be safer options for you. Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) can also raise blood pressure and heart rate, so people who take this medication should check their blood pressure and heart rate regularly. Contact your provider if you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while you're taking methamphetamine (Desoxyn).
Changes in behavior or thoughts
- Risk factors: History of psychotic episodes, bipolar disorder, or other mental health or mood-related conditions | Depression
Taking a stimulant like methamphetamine (Desoxyn) can cause mental health problems such as hallucinations (seeing things that aren't really there), abnormal or unclear thinking, and mania. This medication can worsen mood-related problems that you already have. But these changes in mood or behavior can also happen even if you haven't had these problems before. Talk to your provider right away if you have these mood- and behavior-related symptoms while you're taking methamphetamine (Desoxyn) because you might have to stop taking it.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | High risk of seizures
Although rare, methamphetamine (Desoxyn) might raise the risk for seizures. If this happens, get medical help right away. You'll likely have to stop taking methamphetamine (Desoxyn).
Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) might be linked to poor blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon. People with Raynaud's phenomenon can experience episodes of poor blood flow to the fingers and toes, which can cause the skin to turn pale and to feel cold, numb, or painful. If this happens, symptoms are typically mild. But rarely, it can cause sores or ulcers in more serious cases. Let your healthcare provider know if you notice symptoms of circulation problems, such as bouts of numbness or pain in your fingers or toes. Your provider might need to lower your dose of methamphetamine (Desoxyn) or ask you to consider a different medication.
Slowed growth in children
There's a risk that stimulants, like methamphetamine (Desoxyn), can slow growth and cause weight loss in children. Your child's provider will track your child's growth progress closely. If they suspect slowed growth, they might pause or stop your child's methamphetamine (Desoxyn) treatment. Talk to your child's provider if you have concerns.
Serotonin syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) 14 days before starting methamphetamine (Desoxyn) | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain
Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk for this condition goes up if you use methamphetamine (Desoxyn) with other medications that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants, MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine (Nardil)), linezolid (Zyvox), and migraine medications like sumatriptan (Imitrex). Tell your provider about all the medications you take or plan to take before starting methamphetamine (Desoxyn). Be aware of symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.
Worsening of motor and verbal tics
Taking stimulants, like methamphetamine (Desoxyn), can lead to or worsen motor and verbal tics (including Tourette’s syndrome). If you start notice things like uncontrolled muscle twitches, let your provider know. If needed, they might switch you to a different medication.
Side effects of Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- High blood pressure
- Fast heartbeat
- Tremors
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Low appetite
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
Less Common Side Effects
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Stomach upset
- Changes in libido
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions: rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart problems: heart attack, fast heart rate, high blood pressure
- Brain-related problems: seizures, stroke
- Mental health-related problems: manic episodes, changes in thoughts or behavior, hallucinations
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, confusion
- Seizures
The following Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Agitation
delusions
hallucinations
Incidence not known
Blurred vision
chest discomfort or pain
dark-colored urine
difficulty breathing
dizziness
faintness
false or unusual sense of wellbeing
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
headache
muscle cramps or spasms
muscle pain or stiffness
pounding in the ears
restlessness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
swelling of the feet or lower legs
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
trouble sleeping
twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
uncontrolled vocal outbursts and tics
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
Pros
- Possible option for ADHD when other medications haven't worked
- Taken by mouth
- Available as a generic medication
Cons
- Only available as a tablet
- Might need to take twice daily
- Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
- You can take methamphetamine (Desoxyn) with or without food. But since stimulants like methamphetamine (Desoxyn) tend to lower appetite (and potentially lead to weight loss), make sure to follow a healthy and balanced diet. Let a provider know if you or your child have a loss of appetite or have had concerning weight changes while taking methamphetamine (Desoxyn).
- Avoid taking methamphetamine (Desoxyn) too late in the day because doing so can make it difficult to sleep at night.
- Take methamphetamine (Desoxyn) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your provider first. Doing so can lead to bothersome withdrawal symptoms, such as tiredness, poor sleep quality, and irritation.
- Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) interacts with other medications. These interactions can lead to more side effects. Make sure your provider knows all the medications you're taking before starting methamphetamine (Desoxyn). Don't start any new medications while taking methamphetamine (Desoxyn) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first.
- Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) shouldn't be used while pregnant or breastfeeding because it can cause severe harm to babies. Talk to your provider about safer treatment options for ADHD if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) can cause dizziness and blurry vision. Avoid driving the first few days after you start methamphetamine (Desoxyn) and after dose changes until you know how this medication affects you.
Common questions about Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
No, methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a stimulant used for treating ADHD; it's not an opioid pain medication.
If a person takes more methamphetamine (Desoxyn) than recommended by a provider, they can experience an overdose. Signs and symptoms of an overdose include rapid breathing, aggression, confusion, panic, and restlessness. If you or a loved one noticed signs and symptoms of an overdose, seek medical help right away.
The main difference between amphetamines (e.g., Adderall) and methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is that methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is rarely prescribed for ADHD, compared to amphetamines. This is because methamphetamine (Desoxyn) has higher risk for addiction and dependance, as well as serious side effects. Talk with your provider if you've questions about medication options for ADHD.
Reports show that methamphetamine (Desoxyn) can raise the risk for serious birth defects. In addition, babies born to mothers who took amphetamines during pregnancy have experienced withdrawal symptoms, such as agitation and restlessness, after birth. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about options for treating ADHD.
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Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 60 tablets | $146.94 | $2.45 |
Typical dosage for Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
- Adults and children (ages 6 years and older): The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once or twice a day.
Interactions between Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Safinamide
- Selegiline
- Sibutramine
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abiraterone Acetate
- Acetazolamide
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Aluminum
- Amifampridine
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Anileridine
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzthiazide
- Brompheniramine
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Butorphanol
- Calcium Carbonate
- Carbamazepine
- Chlorothiazide
- Chlorpheniramine
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Desipramine
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexlansoprazole
- Dextromethorphan
- Diazoxide
- Dibenzepin
- Difenoxin
- Dihydrocodeine
- Dihydroxyaluminum Aminoacetate
- Diphenoxylate
- Dolasetron
- Donepezil
- Doxepin
- Duloxetine
- Eletriptan
- Escitalopram
- Esomeprazole
- Ethylmorphine
- Fenfluramine
- Fentanyl
- Fluoxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Frovatriptan
- Granisetron
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Hydrocodone
- Hydroflumethiazide
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Imipramine
- Iobenguane I 131
- Ketobemidone
- Lansoprazole
- Lasmiditan
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lorcaserin
- Magaldrate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Melitracen
- Meperidine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nalbuphine
- Naratriptan
- Nefazodone
- Nicomorphine
- Nortriptyline
- Omeprazole
- Ondansetron
- Opipramol
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Palonosetron
- Pantoprazole
- Papaveretum
- Paregoric
- Paroxetine
- Pentazocine
- Piritramide
- Polythiazide
- Protriptyline
- Quinidine
- Rabeprazole
- Remifentanil
- Ritonavir
- Rizatriptan
- Sertraline
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- St John's Wort
- Sufentanil
- Sumatriptan
- Tapentadol
- Terbinafine
- Tianeptine
- Tilidine
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Trichlormethiazide
- Trimipramine
- Tryptophan
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vortioxetine
- Xipamide
- Ziprasidone
- Zolmitriptan
How much does Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) cost?
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) will not be safe for you to take.
- Severe allergy to amphetamine-containing products
- Currently take or have taken an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days
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