Desoxyn Side Effects

Generic name: methamphetamine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 18, 2023.

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

Applies to methamphetamine: oral tablet.

Warning

Oral route (Tablet)

Warning: Abuse, Misuse, and AddictionMethamphetamines have a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methamphetamine, can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing methamphetamine, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout methamphetamine treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Serious side effects of Desoxyn

Along with its needed effects, methamphetamine (the active ingredient contained in Desoxyn) 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 while taking methamphetamine:

Rare

Agitation
false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

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
fever
headache
muscle cramps, spasms, 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

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking methamphetamine:

Symptoms of overdose

Aggressive
agitation
angry
blurred vision
change in consciousness
chest pain or discomfort
confusion
dark urine
diarrhea
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fainting
fast breathing
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
fever
headache
inability to speak
loss of consciousness
muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness
nausea
nervousness
overactive reflexes
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
pale, clammy skin
palpitations
pounding in the ears
restlessness
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
seizures
shivering
slow or fast heartbeat
slurred speech
stomach cramps
sweating
talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
temporary blindness
thirst
tremor
trouble breathing
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

Other side effects of Desoxyn

Some side effects of methamphetamine 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:

Incidence not known

Bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste
change in taste
constipation
decreased interest in sexual intercourse
dry mouth
hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
inability to have or keep an erection
indigestion
loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
passing of gas
redness of the skin
weight loss

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to methamphetamine: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, palpitation, fatal cardiorespiratory arrest

Postmarketing reports: Peripheral vasculopathy

Fatal cardiorespiratory arrest has been reported, mostly in the context of abuse/misuse.

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Urticaria, alopecia

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, intestinal ischemia, other gastrointestinal disturbances

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Impotence, frequent/prolonged erections

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis, suppression of growth

Suppression of growth has been reported with long-term use of stimulants in children.

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Dizziness, tremor, headache, exacerbation of Tourette's syndrome, unpleasant taste

Psychiatric

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Psychotic episodes

Frequency not reported: Dysphoria, overstimulation, euphoria, insomnia, restlessness, exacerbation of motor tics, exacerbation of verbal tics, changes in libido

Psychotic episodes have been rarely reported at recommended doses.