Desoxyn

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Desoxyn

If Desoxyn is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or changed. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Desoxyn with the following:

• Antidepressants classified as tricyclics, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline
• Drugs classified as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as the antidepressants phenelzine or tranylcypromine
• Drugs classified as phenothiazines, such as the antipsychotic medications chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine
• Guanethidine
• Insulin

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Infants born to women taking this type of drug have a risk of prematurity and low birth weight. Drug dependence may occur in newborns when the mother has taken this drug prior to delivery. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

Desoxyn makes its way into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.

Recommended dosage for Desoxyn

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

For children 6 years and older, the usual starting dose is 5 milligrams of Desoxyn taken once or twice a day. Your doctor may increase the dose by 5 milligrams a week until the child responds to the medication. The typical effective dose is 20 to 25 milligrams a day, usually divided into two doses.

Your doctor may periodically discontinue this drug in order to reassess the child's condition and see whether therapy is still needed.

Desoxyn should not be given to children under 6 years of age to treat attention deficit disorder; the safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been established.

WEIGHT LOSS

For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual starting dose is 5 milligrams taken one-half hour before each meal. Treatment should not continue for longer than a few weeks. The safety and effectiveness of Desoxyn for weight loss have not been established in children under age 12.