Brand Name: Desoxyn
Generic Name: methamphetamine
Usage
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved Desoxyn for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity for children over the age of 6. This medication should not be given to children under the age of six.
Desoxyn is a stimulant medication and is available in tablets with a strength of 5 mg.
Overview
Desoxyn is an amphetamine and has a high potential for abuse. It has been approved for use in both ADHD and in weight loss for obesity. Prolonged use for obesity may cause dependence. Although the FDA has not approved use of Desoxyn for adults with ADHD, it can be prescribed “off label” for adults.
Side Effects
Desoxyn can increase blood pressure and may cause tachycardia and heart palpitations. It is recommended caution be used for patients with even mild hypertension.
Additional side effects can include:
- Dizziness
- Dysphasia
- Euphoria
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Tics
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Dry Mouth
- Stomachache
- Hypersensitivity
- Impotence
Most side effects normally last a few weeks but do not disrupt daily activities. If side effects are severe enough to interfere with daily activities or do not disappear over the first few weeks, contact your doctor.
Studies have also shown there is a temporary slowing of growth in children that are consistently on stimulant medications. Monitoring to make sure children’s height and weight are increasing at normal rates is recommended. Stimulant medication may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped if a child is not growing within normal ranges.
Interactions and Warnings:Desoxyn should not be taken with a MAOI (monoamino oxidase inhibitor) or within 14 days of taking an MAOI. Severe hypertension or spikes in blood pressure can result from taking Desoxyn while taking an MAOI.
There have been some reports of sudden death caused by cardiac problems associated with stimulant medications. You should talk with your doctor about any heart condition or congenital heart defect. It is not known whether the underlying heart condition caused the sudden death in patients using Desoxyn or if the medication contributed to the cause of death, however, anyone with a serious heart condition should not take Desoxyn.
