Desoxyn

Generic name: Methamphetamine hydrochloride

What is Desoxyn?

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.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about Desoxyn?

Inform your doctor of any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or of a family history of these problems. Your doctor may check for any heart problems before prescribing Desoxyn and should monitor blood pressure and heart rate regularly while the medication is being used.

Call your doctor right away if symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting occur.

Inform your doctor of any mental health problems or a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression. Call your doctor right away in the event of any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems while taking Desoxyn, especially psychotic symptoms such as visual or audible hallucinations or paranoia.

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 fatigue, depression, and sleep disorders. Signs of excessive use of Desoxyn include severe skin inflammation, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hyperactivity, personality changes, and psychiatric problems.

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 monitor 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 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.

Who should not take Desoxyn?

Do not take Desoxyn if you are also taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine. Allow 14 days between stopping an MAOI and beginning therapy with Desoxyn.

Do not take Desoxyn if there is pre-existing glaucoma, advanced hardening of the arteries, heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure, thyroid problems, or allergy 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.

Desoxyn is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years old in the treatment of ADHD.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Desoxyn?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have mild high blood pressure.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Weight Loss

Adults and children 12 years and older: The usual starting dose for weight loss is 5 milligrams (mg) 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.

ADHD

Children older than 6 years: The usual starting dose for ADHD is 5 mg taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may increase the dose by 5 mg a week until the desired response to the medication is achieved. The typical effective dose is 20 to 25 mg 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.

How should I 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 as it can cause difficulty sleeping.

What should I avoid while taking Desoxyn?

Desoxyn may affect your ability to perform potentially hazardous activities, such as operating machinery or driving a car. Also be aware that Desoxyn should not be used to combat fatigue or to replace rest.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with 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 amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline) or as MAOIs (such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine); phenothiazines (such as the antipsychotic medications chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine); guanethidine; and insulin.

What are the possible side effects of 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 may include: changes in sex drive, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, euphoria, 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)

Can I receive Desoxyn if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Infants born to women taking this type of drug 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 appears in breast milk. Therefore, do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Desoxyn?

If you miss a dose of this drug, skip it. Do not take an extra dose to make up for missed doses.

How should I store Desoxyn?

Store at room temperature and away from direct light.