Desoxyn Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayDesoxyn is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Ovation Pharmaceuticals. Inc. Desoxyn is the brand name for methamphetamine hydrochloride. It is a member of the amphetamine group of sympathomimetic amines. Desoxyn is a central nervous system stimulant medication. It affects the chemicals in your brain and the nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Desoxyn is used for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is also used for the treatment of obesity in people who have been unable to lose weight through diets or other treatments. Desoxyn tablets are subject to control under DEA schedule II.
Desoxyn dosage forms and strengths
Desoxyn is available as a 5 mg tablet. Your recommended dosage will depend on the condition you are being treated for, your age, weight, and your renal function.
You should read the full prescribing information and the medication guide for all of the patient safety information. You are also recommended to always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.
Desoxyn dosage chart
| Indication | Initial dose | Maintenance dose |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 5 mg once or twice a day | 20 mg to 25 mg daily |
| Obesity | 5 mg daily 30 minutes before food | 5 mg daily 30 minutes before food |
Desoxyn dosage for ADHD
For the treatment of children 6 years of age or older with moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity a starting dose of 5 mg once or twice a day is recommended. Your daily dose may be increased in steps of 5 mg each week until an optimum clinical response is achieved. The most effective daily dose is 20 to 25 mg.
Your total daily dose may be taken in two divided doses. Occasionally drug administration should be stopped to check if continued therapy is required due to recurrence of symptoms.
Desoxyn dosage for Obesity
One 5 mg tablet should be taken one-half hour before each meal. Treatment should be for short-term use only (a few weeks). Methamphetamine is not recommended for use as an anorectic agent in children under 12 years of age.
Desoxyn dosage restrictions and contraindications
Desoxyn may cause problems if you have certain medical conditions such as hypersensitivity to any of the other ingredients in Desoxyn, glaucoma, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, serious heart problems, coronary artery disease, a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or a history of drug abuse.
Other medical conditions may require closer monitoring for side effects such as, if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, have depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions, Tourette’s syndrome, a history of seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, blood circulation problems, are younger than 6 years old (the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends treatment with behavioral therapy before medication for children under the age of 6), are an adolescent younger than 12 years old being treated for obesity, are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed, or are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
How to take Desoxyn
Take Desoxyn as prescribed by your doctor. Occasionally drug administration should be stopped to check if continued therapy is required due to recurrence of symptoms.
You may have regular checks of your blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking Desoxyn. Children should have their height and weight checked regularly while taking Desoxyn.
Desoxyn dosage FAQs
What happens if I miss a dose of Desoxyn
If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost evening. Do not take extra doses to make up for the missed dose.
How long can I take Desoxyn?
Methylamphetamine has a high potential for drug abuse. Treatment should be for short-term use only (a few weeks) when used for obesity as overuse may lead to drug dependence. Misuse and abuse of methylamphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse reactions.
How do I stop taking Desoxyn?
Desoxyn withdrawal symptoms are the same as other methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms. These include agitation, violence, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Consult a medical or addiction professional if you want to end or reduce your Desoxyn use.
What is the maximum dosage for Desoxyn?
The usual effective dose is 20 to 25 mg daily. The total daily dose may be given in two divided doses daily.
Can I overdose on Desoxyn?
Yes, if you or your child takes too much Desoxyn call your doctor or poison control center right away to get emergency treatment. An overdose of Desoxyn can be fatal.
Symptoms include restlessness, shaking, muscle spasms, 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 seizures or coma.
What interacts with Desoxyn?
Desoxyn can interact with other medications. These include:
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – ibuprofen, naproxen
- There is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, such as MDMA, “ecstasy,” St. John’s wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine and venlafaxine)
- Insulin requirements in diabetes mellitus may be altered
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Phenothiazines antagonize the CNS stimulant action of amphetamines
This list is not exhaustive and other drug interactions may occur with Desoxyn. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements.
What are the side effects of Desoxyn
Common side effects of Desoxyn include dry mouth, nausea, headaches or dizziness, fast heartbeats, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, constipation, tremors, loss of appetite, and weight loss
Serious side effects include stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, or a heart defect, new or worsening psychosis especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder, circulation problems that can cause numbness, pain, or discoloration in your fingers or toes, seizures, muscle spasms (tics), treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms, eg, hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania in children and adolescents, and symptoms of serotonin syndrome (such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Your doctor will assess the benefits of using Desoxyn against your risk of side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects or adverse reactions of Desoxyn to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
What happens when you mix Desoxyn and alcohol?
Both alcohol and amphetamines can become addictive when abused, but when taken together the potential for dependence, addiction, and overdose increases dramatically.
Possible side effects of amphetamine and alcohol abuse include extreme tiredness, heart and liver damage, muscle necrosis, seizures, suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or psychotic symptoms, and stroke.
Is it safe to take Desoxyn during pregnancy or when breastfeeding?
Desoxyn use during pregnancy can cause premature birth, a low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Methamphetamine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.