Desoxyn (Methamphetamine) Patient Information

Find out why Desoxyn is prescribed, side effects of Desoxyn, Desoxyn warnings, effects of Desoxyn during pregnancy, more - in plain English.

Generic name: Methamphetamine hydrochloride
Brand name: Desoxyn

Pronounced: des-OK-sin

Desoxyn (methamphetamine) Full Prescribing Information

Why is Desoxyn prescribed?

Desoxyn is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This drug is given as part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational, and social measures. Symptoms of ADHD include continual problems with moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional instability, and impulsiveness.

Desoxyn also may be used for a short time as part of an overall diet plan for weight reduction. Desoxyn is given only when other weight loss drugs and weight loss programs have been unsuccessful.

Most important fact about Desoxyn

Excessive doses of this medication can produce addiction. Individuals who stop taking this medication after taking high doses for a long time may suffer withdrawal symptoms, including extreme tiredness, depression, and sleep disorders. Signs of excessive use of Desoxyn include severe skin inflammation, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hyperactivity, personality changes, and psychiatric problems.

Desoxyn can lose its effectiveness in decreasing the appetite after a few weeks. If this happens, you should stop taking the medication. Do not take more than the recommended dose in an attempt to increase its effect.

How should you take Desoxyn?

Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest effective dose of Desoxyn; never increase it without approval Do not take this medication late in the evening; it can cause difficulty sleeping.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one that you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

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What side effects may occur when taking Desoxyn?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue taking Desoxyn.

• Side effects of Desoxyn may include: Changes in sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, exaggerated feeling of well-being, feeling of unwellness or unhappiness, headache, hives, impaired growth, impotence, increased blood pressure, overstimulation, rapid or irregular heartbeat, restlessness, sleeplessness, stomach or intestinal problems, tremor, unpleasant taste, worsening of tics and Tourette's syndrome (severe twitching)

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

You should not take Desoxyn if you are also taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drug such as Nardil or Parnate. Allow 14 days between stopping an MAO inhibitor and beginning therapy with Desoxyn.

You should not take Desoxyn if you have glaucoma, advanced hardening of the arteries, heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or sensitivity to this type of drug. This medication should not be taken by anyone who suffers from tics (repeated, involuntary twitches) or Tourette's syndrome or who has a family history of these conditions.

People who are in an agitated state or who have a history of drug abuse should not take this medication.

Desoxyn should not be used to treat children whose symptoms may be caused by stress or a psychiatric disorder.

Special warnings about Desoxyn

Desoxyn is not appropriate for all children with symptoms of ADHD. Your doctor will do a complete history and evaluation before prescribing this medication. The doctor will take into account the duration and severity of the symptoms as well as your child's age.

This type of medication can affect the growth of children, so your doctor will watch your child carefully while he or she is taking this drug. The long-term effects of this type of medication in children have not been established.

Desoxyn should be used with caution if you have mild high blood pressure.

Desoxyn may affect your ability to perform potentially hazardous activities, such as operating machinery or driving a car.

Desoxyn should not be used to combat fatigue or to replace rest.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Desoxyn

If Desoxyn is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or changed. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Desoxyn with the following:

Antidepressants classified as "tricyclics," such as Elavil, Pamelor, and Tofranil
Drugs classified as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Drugs classified as phenothiazines, such as the antipsychotic medications Compazine and Thorazine
Guanethidine
Insulin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Infants born to women taking this Desoxyn have a risk of prematurity and low birth weight. Drug dependence may occur in newborns when the mother has taken this drug prior to delivery. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Desoxyn makes its way into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Recommended dosage for Desoxyn

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

For children 6 years and older, the usual starting dose is 5 milligrams of Desoxyn taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may increase the dose by 5 milligrams a week until the child responds to the medication. The typical effective dose is 20 to 25 milligrams a day, usually divided into two doses. Your doctor may periodically discontinue this drug in order to reassess the child's condition and see whether therapy is still needed.

Desoxyn should not be given to children under 6 years of age to treat attention deficit disorder; the safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

WEIGHT LOSS

For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual starting dose is 5 milligrams taken one-half hour before each meal. Treatment should not continue for longer than a few weeks. The safety and effectiveness of Desoxyn for weight loss have not been established in children under age 12.

Overdosage

Any drug taken in excess can have dangerous consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Desoxyn overdose may include: Abdominal cramps, agitation, blood pressure changes, confusion, convulsions (may be followed by coma), depression, diarrhea, exaggerated reflexes, fatigue, hallucinations, high fever, irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, muscle aches and weakness, nausea, panic attacks, rapid breathing, restlessness, shock, tremor, vomiting

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