Desoxyn: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More

What Is Desoxyn?

Desoxyn, with the active ingredient methamphetamine, is a Schedule II controlled substance prescription medication. It has been FDA-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 years and older. Desoxyn is used to control symptoms of ADHD along with other measures like psychological, social, and educational treatments. It is usually not the first choice for treatment but is used as an alternative when other ADHD treatments are not successful.¹

Desoxyn is a stimulant medication that works in the central nervous system. It is related chemically to other prescription stimulant medications like Adderall, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse. With any prescription drug or controlled substance, follow the prescriber’s directions exactly. These medications should never be shared or used for other purposes.²

Is Adderall & Desoxyn the Same Thing?

Desoxyn and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are not the same thing and should not be used interchangeably. One key difference between the two is that Adderall is available as an immediate-release tablet and extended-release capsule, while Desoxyn is only available as an immediate-release tablet. Adderall also has an alternate FDA-approved use besides the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.³

Both medications are different chemical versions of amphetamine, and both work in the central nervous system as a stimulant once absorbed. Both also have a significant risk for abuse. If you have been prescribed either, speak with your healthcare team before attempting to switch to the other if desired.^{1, 2}

How Does Desoxyn Work?

Desoxyn works in the central nervous system to improve symptoms associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  While not entirely understood, it is thought that Desoxyn works by increasing the amount of active norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.  Desoxyn can also affect other areas of the body and cause an increase in blood pressure and opening of the airways.¹

What Is Desoxyn Used to Treat?

Desoxyn is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients aged 6 years and older. It is not considered first-line treatment, but used after attempts with other FDA-approved ADHD medications. FDA approval means that a medication has been studied and approved to be a safe and effective treatment when used as directed.¹

Desoxyn has also been used off-label for the treatment of obesity, which has not been FDA-approved. An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone. Any prescriber using Desoxyn in this way should spend significant time explaining the risks and potential benefits of its use. ²

Common Side Effects of Desoxyn

When taking Desoxyn, you are at risk for experiencing many different side effects in addition to the intended effect of controlling ADHD symptoms. Certain side effects are felt by many people and have been accepted as common side effects.

Most of these potential side effects do not require immediate medical attention. Additionally, many of these side effects will resolve on their own after some time. If a certain side effect does not go away, gets worse, or causes concern, contact your healthcare team immediately or call 911.

Common side effects of Desoxyn include:*¹

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Dryness of the mouth

*All medications, including Desoxyn, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Desoxyn

There are many serious risks that come along with taking Desoxyn. These risks can develop even at recommended doses. Understanding these risks and being able to identify them quickly is crucial. If you experience any of these side effects, get help immediately. Not addressing any of these side effects in a timely manner can lead to serious harm or death.

Serious side effects of Desoxyn include:*¹

• Cardiac arrest leading to sudden death
• Serotonin syndrome
• Manin episodes or psychosis
• Seizures
• Hypertension
• Long-term suppression of growth
• Abuse and misuse

*All medications, including Desoxyn, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Desoxyn Warnings & Precautions

Taking Desoxyn, even exactly as prescribed, can increase your risk of experiencing harmful and potentially life-threatening effects. There are specific warnings that should be understood prior to beginning treatment with Desoxyn.

Spend time reviewing your health history and these precautions with your prescriber. If any warnings apply to you, Desoxyn may not be the best choice of medication. In some cases, you and your prescriber may still choose to use Desoxyn, with adjusted doses or increased monitoring for side effects.

Warnings and precautions for Desoxyn include:¹

• Risk of addiction or misuse: Desoxyn has a high potential for abuse, addiction, and extreme psychological dependence. Always follow your directions exactly and never take more Desoxyn than prescribed.
• Seizures: Stimulant medications, including Desoxyn, can lower the seizure threshold in patients with and without a history of seizures. Special caution should be used in patients with a history of seizures, and Desoxyn should be stopped if a seizure occurs.
• Sudden death due to heart problems: Desoxyn and other stimulant medications can cause serious cardiovascular events leading to death. If you have any cardiac problems, Desoxyn is not recommended. Speak with your doctor about other options.
• Hypertension: Desoxyn increases a person’s blood pressure and heart rate, and the two should be monitored regularly. Desoxyn should be used with extreme caution in patients where an increase in blood pressure can cause harm.
• The emergence of new manic symptoms: Taking Desoxyn can cause psychotic or manic symptoms to emerge. People with bipolar disorder should not take Desoxyn and that all patients be alert for manic symptoms.
• Serotonin syndrome: Desoxyn, when used with other serotonergic drugs, can cause this life-threatening reaction marked by mental status changes, loss of motor function, seizures, and GI distress. Special care should be taken when combined with MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, and other antidepressants.
• Circulation problems (peripheral vasculopathy): Desoxyn can cause severe circulation problems in the fingers and toes. Any symptoms like numbness, color changes, pain, sensitivity, or unexplained wounds should be reported to your prescriber immediately.

Desoxyn Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Desoxyn is FDA-approved only for the treatment of ADHD with hyperactivity. It is intended to be used only when other treatments have not been successful in managing symptoms of ADHD. Usual doses of Desoxyn start at 5 mg once or twice daily and may be increased weekly up to a total daily dose of 25 mg. Only your prescriber should change your dosage and follow all directions they provide during an adjustment. Do not make dosage adjustments on your own.¹

Many factors can determine your optimal dose, including your age, gender, previous treatments, and other medications you are taking at the same time. Your maintenance dose will be determined by your prescriber based on achieving an optimum clinical response.¹

Desoxyn Forms & Strengths

Desoxyn is the brand name product for methamphetamine hydrochloride. Previously, there were both immediate-release and extended-release formulations available, but the extended-release version has been removed from the market. The medication can be found as a brand or a generic, with the generic form usually being more affordable than the brand name.

Desoxyn is available in the following forms and strengths:¹

• 5 milligrams (mg) oral tablet

How Should I Take Desoxyn?

Desoxyn should be taken by mouth once or twice daily at the lowest effective dose possible. Your prescriber will most likely start you at just 1 tablet once or twice per day. Based on your response to Desoxyn and symptom control, you may be instructed to increase your dose. Never increase the dose on your own, only at the direction of your prescriber.¹

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Desoxyn?

While it is important to take each dose on time and as prescribed, sometimes doses are missed. If you miss a dose of Desoxyn, take the missed dose right away, unless it is near the time of your next dose. If it is closer to the next dose than the missed dose time, skip the missed dose and continue with your next dose as normal. Do not double up on doses in any circumstance. Remember that Desoxyn can cause insomnia, so if it is later in the day, it may be best to skip the missed dose and continue the next morning as prescribed. When in doubt, contact your prescriber or pharmacist.¹

Can You Overdose on Desoxyn?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Desoxyn, and caution should be used to reduce the risk of overdose. Overdose can happen when a person takes more than the prescribed amount and can result in severe harm or death. Symptoms of an overdose from Desoxyn include confusion, panic, hallucinations, fainting, fatigue, convulsions, or coma. Keep Desoxyn in a safe place to avoid unintended overdose by others as well.^{1, 4, 5}

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Desoxyn?

If you take too much Desoxyn at one time, seek medical help right away. You can call your healthcare team, or if they do not respond, call 911. You can also contact poison control at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait to see if any serious side effects happen because doing so can lead to serious harm or death.¹

What to Avoid When Taking Desoxyn

Desoxyn can interact with many different substances, causing potentially harmful reactions or causing the medications to not work as intended. Review all of the medications you take with your prescriber, prior to starting Desoxyn. This should include over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and even things like tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs.

This information can help your prescriber determine the safest dose of Desoxyn for you. Alert any other providers you have that you have been prescribed Desoxyn.  Taking Desoxyn may require changes in other medications you take.

Substances you should avoid while taking Desoxyn include:

• Tricyclic antidepressants: Desoxyn can increase the activity of these types of antidepressants, leading to a risk of cardiovascular effects. You may need to adjust the dose of the antidepressant or change antidepressants altogether.
• Serotonergic drugs: Desoxyn, when used with other serotonergic drugs, can cause life-threatening reactions marked by mental status changes, loss of motor function, seizures, and GI distress. Special care should be taken when combined with MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, and other antidepressants.
• MAO Inhibitors: Taking Desoxyn within two weeks of starting or stopping an MAOI may be unsafe and is not recommended. The two, when combined, can lead to severe harm or death.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): Taking a PPI with Desoxyn can reduce its effectiveness. Your prescriber may determine if an increased dose is necessary or if a PPI can be replaced with an alternative.
• Acidifying or alkalizing agents: These medications can cause the amount of Desoxyn in the body to increase or decrease. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure if you currently take one of these agents. Your dose of Desoxyn may need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Drugs that inhibit liver enzyme CYP2D6: Certain drugs can increase the amount of active Desoxyn in the body, increasing the risk of dangerous side effects. If you take one of these drugs, your doctor will need to keep you at a lower dose than normal of Desoxyn.

How to Get a Prescription for Desoxyn

Desoxyn is a specific kind of prescription medication called a controlled substance. You will need a prescription from a qualified provider, like a psychiatrist, based on your state residence. This prescription will have a more strict set of rules to follow with regards to when, where and how often it can be filled. If you do not have a provider, check with your insurance company for a list of covered providers in your area. If this option is not feasible, remember that online psychiatry services may be available to you.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Desoxyn

If you are prescribed Desoxyn, spend time discussing treatment with your prescriber before you start taking the drug. This can help you understand all the risks associated with taking Desoxyn, and how to recognize side effects should they happen. It is also a good time to review your current medications and health history with your prescriber. This will ensure you are not at increased risk of experiencing dangerous side effects once you have started treatment.

Questions to ask your care team about Desoxyn include:

• How safe is Desoxyn?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Desoxyn?
• Am I at risk for more serious symptoms if I am already taking other medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• What are some side effects I can expect in the first few weeks?
• Can I become addicted to Desoxyn?
• What are the signs of serious side effects?
• Who should I contact if I am experiencing side effects?
• What if I want to stop taking Desoxyn?
• Should I tell my other doctors I am taking Desoxyn?
• Am I allowed to travel with Desoxyn?
• What other medications should I avoid while taking Desoxyn?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking Desoxyn?