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Desoxyn

Generic name: methamphetamineMETH-am-FET-a-meen ]
Brand names: Desoxyn, Desoxyn
Drug classes: Anorexiants, CNS stimulants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 23, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Desoxyn?

Desoxyn is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children at least 6 years old.

Desoxyn may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Desoxyn side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Desoxyn may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Desoxyn can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Desoxyn.

Common side effects of Desoxyn may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Desoxyn may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

Call your doctor right away if you have: signs of heart problems--chest pain, feeling light-headed or short of breath; signs of psychosis--paranoia, aggression, new behavior problems, seeing or hearing things that are not real; signs of circulation problems--unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Desoxyn if you are allergic to stimulant medicines, or if you have:

Do not use Desoxyn if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take this medicine.

Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain people. Tell your doctor if you have:

Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of methamphetamine on the baby.

Taking Desoxyn during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

How should I take Desoxyn?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Avoid taking Desoxyn late in the evening.

Do not start any new medicine while taking Desoxyn without your doctor's advice.

Desoxyn may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away Desoxyn is against the law.

While using this medicine, your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

You may need frequent medical tests before and while using this medicine. Your treatment with Desoxyn may be discontinued.

Do not keep leftover medicine. Just one dose can cause death in someone using it accidentally or improperly. Ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program, or flush the unused medicine down the toilet.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but not late in the day. Skip the missed dose if it is almost evening. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Desoxyn can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, hostility, violence, panic, muscle pain or weakness, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Overdose may also cause seizure or coma.

What should I avoid while taking methamphetamine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Desoxyn will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect Desoxyn?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Desoxyn. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.