Desoxyn, containing methamphetamine hydrochloride, is a central nervous system stimulant. While primarily prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it has also been used, albeit with significant caution, for short-term weight management in obese individuals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Desoxyn, covering its uses, potential benefits, risks, side effects, and important considerations for both ADHD and weight loss purposes.
Introduction to Desoxyn
Desoxyn is a prescription medication containing methamphetamine, a potent stimulant. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence. While it can be effective in treating certain conditions, its use requires careful consideration and monitoring due to the associated risks.
Clinical Uses of Desoxyn
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Desoxyn is primarily used to treat ADHD in children (6 years and older) and adults. It works by altering the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. As a stimulant, methamphetamine can improve focus, attention span, and the ability to control behavior problems. It may also aid in organizing tasks and improving listening skills.
The typical starting dosage for pediatric patients (6 years and older) is 5 mg once or twice daily. The dosage may be gradually increased by 5 mg at weekly intervals, depending on the patient's response.
Weight Loss
Desoxyn has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for short-term weight management in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. However, its use for weight loss is highly restricted and only considered when alternative therapies have proven ineffective. Methamphetamine acts as an appetite suppressant, which can lead to weight loss.
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For treating obesity in adults, the typical dosage is one 5 mg tablet taken one-half hour before each meal. However, due to the high potential for abuse and dependence, Desoxyn should not be administered for prolonged periods for weight loss.
How Desoxyn Works
Methamphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates the central nervous system. It affects neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, Desoxyn can improve concentration, reduce fatigue, and suppress appetite.
Dosage and Administration
Desoxyn is available in tablet form, with each tablet containing 5 mg of methamphetamine hydrochloride. The medication should be taken orally with a glass of water, following the directions on the prescription label. It is crucial to take Desoxyn at regular intervals and not more often than directed.
Precautions and Warnings
Risk/Benefit Assessment
The use of Desoxyn requires a careful risk/benefit assessment due to its potential for adverse effects and dependence. This is especially important for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as insomnia, coronary insufficiency, or peripheral vasculopathy.
Neuro/Psychiatric Effects
Desoxyn may exacerbate pre-existing insomnia and can precipitate mixed or manic episodes in patients with comorbid bipolar disorder. Stimulants may also worsen symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder. Prior to initiating Desoxyn therapy, patients should be carefully screened for psychiatric risks, including a detailed psychiatric history and family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression.
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Cardiovascular Effects
Desoxyn can exacerbate pre-existing coronary insufficiency and cause or exacerbate peripheral vasculopathy. It is essential to monitor patients for cardiovascular adverse reactions, such as increased blood pressure, tachycardia, and palpitation.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Anorexia, a common side effect of Desoxyn, may cause significant weight loss. This is particularly relevant when Desoxyn is used for weight management, as excessive weight loss can lead to other health complications.
Pediatric Use
Desoxyn is not indicated for children under 6 years of age. Caution is advised when using Desoxyn in children with cardiac structural defects, as it may affect growth rate and behavior. Regular monitoring of growth and behavior is necessary in pediatric patients.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Available human data do not suggest a clear association for developmental toxicity. However, amphetamines cause vasoconstriction and may reduce placental perfusion and cause premature delivery. Infants born to pregnant patients taking amphetamines should be monitored for withdrawal symptoms. Animal data suggest developmental toxicity.
Methamphetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Desoxyn.
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Potential for Abuse and Dependence
Methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Before prescribing Desoxyn, healthcare providers should assess each patient's risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Patients and their families should be educated about these risks and the proper disposal of any unused drug.
Drug Interactions
Desoxyn may interact with several other medications, potentially leading to serious side effects. It is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
MAO Inhibitors
Taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) with Desoxyn may cause a serious, possibly fatal, drug interaction. MAO inhibitors should be avoided during Desoxyn treatment and for two weeks before starting Desoxyn.
Serotonergic Drugs
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if Desoxyn is taken with other drugs that increase serotonin, such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine), SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), St. John's wort, and certain street drugs like MDMA/"ecstasy."
Other Interactions
- Some products, especially cough-and-cold medications, diet aids, and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), may raise heart rate or blood pressure.
- Agents that alter urinary pH can impact excretion and alter blood levels of amphetamine. Acidifying agents (e.g., ascorbic acid) decrease blood levels, while alkalinizing agents (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) increase blood levels.
- Desoxyn may interact with insulin, cold medicines (decongestants), phenothiazines, or antidepressants.
Adverse Reactions and Side Effects
The following adverse reactions have been associated with Desoxyn use:
Cardiovascular
Elevation of blood pressure, tachycardia, palpitation, dyspnea, sudden death, myocardial infarction. CNS stimulants cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
Central Nervous System
Psychotic episodes, dizziness, dysphoria, overstimulation, euphoria, insomnia, tremor, restlessness, headache, aggressive behavior, hallucinations, mania. CNS stimulants may induce a mixed or manic episode in patients with bipolar disorder.
Allergic
Rash, hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema and anaphylaxis.
Gastrointestinal
Dry mouth, unpleasant taste in the mouth, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, nausea.
Other Side Effects
Restlessness, upset stomach, constipation, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, headache, weight loss, loss of appetite, itching, changes in sex drive or ability, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, fast or pounding heartbeat, uncontrollable shaking, excessive tiredness, slow or difficult speech, seizures, motor or verbal tics, believing things that are not true, feeling unusually suspicious, hallucinations, agitation, fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, aggressive or hostile behavior, changes in vision, paleness or blue color of fingers or toes, pain, burning, or tingling in hands or feet, unexplained wounds on fingers or toes.
Management and Monitoring
Regular Monitoring
Regular monitoring is essential during Desoxyn treatment to assess its effectiveness and detect any potential adverse effects. This includes monitoring:
- Growth and behavior in pediatric patients
- Cardiovascular function (blood pressure, heart rate)
- Mental health (mood changes, psychotic symptoms)
- Appetite and weight
- Signs of peripheral vasculopathy (numbness, pain, skin color changes in fingers or toes)
Discontinuation of Therapy
Discontinuation of Desoxyn therapy should be considered if psychotic or manic symptoms occur, or if there is evidence of peripheral vasculopathy. When discontinuing Desoxyn after prolonged use, the dosage should be gradually lowered to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Overdose
Symptoms of a Desoxyn overdose may include agitation, aggression, blurred vision, change in consciousness, chest pain or discomfort, confusion, dark urine, diarrhea, dizziness, faintness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, headache, loss of consciousness, muscle pains, nausea, nervousness, palpitations, panic state, restlessness, seizures, shakiness, slurred speech, sweating, talking or acting with excitement, temporary blindness, thirst, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or weakness in the arm or leg. In case of an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Long-Term Effects of Desoxyn Abuse
Long-term Desoxyn abuse can have significant and lasting effects on the brain, causing forced surges of dopamine to be released. This can lead to dependence and addiction. Following a medically monitored detox, a comprehensive treatment plan should be put into place to address the patient's individual needs. Education is critical in preventing future addiction and may require long-term individual therapy.
Desoxyn Addiction
The signs of Desoxyn addiction can appear when the desire for a higher level of euphoria leads to mixing Desoxyn with other stimulants. Symptoms of Desoxyn addiction include changes in character, physical and mental signs, and long-term effects on the brain. If you recognize the signs of Desoxyn addiction in yourself or a loved one, seek professional help immediately.
Additional Information
- Store Desoxyn at room temperature away from light and moisture.
- Keep all medications away from children and pets.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
- Properly discard expired or unneeded medication.