Desoxyn Side Effects

Generic name: methamphetamine

Note: This document contains side effect information about methamphetamine. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Desoxyn.

Some side effects of Desoxyn may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to methamphetamine: oral tablet

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking methamphetamine (the active ingredient contained in Desoxyn) hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using methamphetamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure); or

• tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches).

Less serious side effects of methamphetamine may include:

• headache or dizziness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• loss of appetite, weight loss; or

• loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to methamphetamine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular effects have included palpitations, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure. Sudden death, cardiomyopathy, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been reported rarely.

The results of case-controlled study indicate that methamphetamine use among young patients (less than 45-years-old) not only increases the risk of developing cardiomyopathy but also of developing a more severe form of cardiomyopathy. However, it has been suggested that myocardial pathology may be reversible with early cessation of use.

Nervous system

Nervous system effects have included overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dyskinesia, dysphoria, tremor, headache, exacerbation of motor and phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome. Long-term neurotoxicity has been associated with methamphetamine (the active ingredient contained in Desoxyn) abuse.

Gastrointestinal

According to one review, xerostomia secondary to chronic methamphetamine (the active ingredient contained in Desoxyn) use can result in significant oral health issues such as dental caries and accelerated tooth wear from bruxism.

Gastrointestinal effects have included dry mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, (undesired) anorexia and weight loss, and other disturbances. One study has reported that recent methamphetamine use was significantly predictive of giant ulcer formation.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic effects have included urticaria.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included impotence and changes in libido.

Other

Children aged 7 to 10 years randomized to received methylphenidate (vs. placebo) were found to experience a temporary slowing in growth rate without evidence of growth rebound during this period. It is unknown whether chronic use of amphetamines cause a similar suppression of growth, but it is anticipated that they will.

Other effects have included a significant elevation (highest in the evening) of the plasma corticosteroid levels and temporary growth suppression associated with long-term use. Amphetamines may interfere with urinary steroid determination.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects including psychotic episodes at recommended doses have been reported rarely.

Persistent psychiatric symptoms in methamphetamine users (including psychotic symptoms) may be attributable to the reduction of dopamine transporter activity.

Ocular

Ocular side effects including visual disturbances such as difficulties with accomodation and blurred vision have been associated with stimulant therapy.

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