What is Desoxyn®? The Ultimate Guide

What you will learn

• Desoxyn® is a central nervous system stimulant and is used as a treatment for severe Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and obesity.
• The stimulant is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA.
• Desoxyn® has a high risk of abuse and addiction, a potential for severe physical and psychological side effects, and serious drug interactions.
• Overdosing on Desoxyn® can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death.
• Medically detoxing from this substance is the safest path to begin your recovery and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Desoxyn® and What is it Used For?

Desoxyn® (pronounced dess-ocks-in) is a brand name for the prescription drug methamphetamine hydrochloride. Desoxyn® is a central nervous system stimulant and is used as a treatment for severe Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and obesity.

Off-label uses for Desoxyn® include the treatment of narcolepsy and depression, however, these uses have not been approved by the FDA, and Desoxyn® is not recommended for long-term use. Current clinical guidelines should be consulted for these indications.

How Desoxyn® Works

Desoxyn® works by increasing the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.[1] This increase in neurotransmitter activity leads to improved attention, focus, and decreased appetite.

Desoxyn® Pros vs. Cons

Desoxyn® (methamphetamine hydrochloride) has potential benefits for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity, but it also has several negative side effects and a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Some of the pros of Desoxyn® include:

• Improves focus, attention, and decrease impulsivity in people with ADHD
• Appetite reduction and promoting weight loss for those with clinical obesity.

The cons of Desoxyn® include:

• High risk of abuse and addiction,
• Potential for severe physical and psychological side effects such as heart problems, increased anxiety, and paranoia.
• Potential for serious drug interactions

Deosxyn is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and is typically only used as a last resort and under close medical supervision.[2]

How Long Does Desoxyn® Take to Work?

Desoxyn® is usually taken orally, and its effects can typically be felt within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption but can vary depending on factors such as metabolism, tolerance, and the dose taken.

How Long Do The Effects of Desoxyn® Last?

The effects of Desoxyn® can last for several hours, with the peak effects occurring about 2 to 3 hours after taking the drug.

What Does Desoxyn® Look Like?

Desoxyn® comes in pill form, but the pills may differ in terms of imprint, depending on the manufacturer. Most commonly, Desoxyn® comes in the following forms:

Desoxyn® Dosages

The recommended dose for ADHD is 5-30 mg per day, in divided doses, with the larger dose being taken in the morning. For obesity, the recommended dose is 5-15 mg taken orally two to three times daily, before meals.

The specific dose and duration of treatment with Desoxyn® will vary based on individual factors such as the patient’s medical history, age, and response to the medication.

Desoxyn® Side Effects

Desoxyn®, like any drug, can produce serious side effects, especially if taken in higher doses or for extended periods of time. Common side effects of Desoxyn® can include:[3]

• Changes in mood and behavior (nervousness, agitation)
• Changes in sleep patterns (trouble sleeping, restlessness)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dizziness and headache
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Increased sweating
• Decreased sexual function

If your doctor has prescribed you Desoxyn® and you are experiencing side effects that do not change or become more intense, it is important to seek medical help right away.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Taking Desoxyn®?

Prior to taking a medication, it is important to be aware of potential health risks. Taking Desoxyn® long-term can result in serious health concerns, including:

• Addiction and dependence
• Cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks, circulation problems, fast heartbeat, and strokes
• Mental health issues, including anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations
• Changes in brain structure and function
• Tooth decay, dry mouth, and gum disease
• Skin sores and infections
• Sudden death

If you are taking Desoxyn® and are experiencing life threatening side effects, contact emergency services right away.

Can You Overdose on Desoxyn®?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Desoxyn®. Overdosing on Desoxyn® can cause serious and potentially life-threatening side effects, including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death.

If you think you or someone you know may have overdosed on Desoxyn®, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

What Happens if You Get Addicted to Desoxyn®?

Desoxyn® is a high-risk drug, meaning that there is a high potential for abuse and dependency.

Signs and symptoms of a Desoxyn® addiction include:

• Changes in behavior or attitude
• Damage to the teeth and gums
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Difficulty controlling usage
• Increased tolerance
• Malnutrition
• Skin sores
• Neglect of responsibilities or personal relationships
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to quit
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from use of Desoxyn®
• Using Desoxyn® in larger amounts or for a longer period than intended

Those suffering from a Desoxyn® addiction may experience signs of withdrawal when attempting to quit. Some of the most common Desoxyn® withdrawal symptoms include;

• Cravings for the drug
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of symptoms of a Desoxyn® addiction, it is important that you seek help as soon as possible to prevent further damage to physical and mental health.

How Do You Detox From Desoxyn®?

Detoxing from Desoxyn® on your own can lead to fatal consequences and must be done under medical supervision. If your doctor has prescribed you Desoxyn®, it is important that you seek medical direction before stopping the medication.

If you’ve become addicted to your Desoxyn® prescription, or you are taking Desoxyn® that you obtained off the street, more complex measures may need to be taken, such as admission to a detox center and subsequent substance abuse treatment.

Medically detoxing from Desoxyn® is the preferred method of detox, as detoxing under a healthcare professional can ensure safety and comfort and reduce the severity of possible withdrawal symptoms.

What Are the Treatment Options Available for Desoxyn® Addiction?

A Desoxyn® addiction can quickly overshadow everything in your life. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

There are several treatment options available for a Desoxyn® addiction, including medical detox, inpatient programs (IP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Outpatient Programs (OP).

An aftercare program is equally important when undergoing treatment for a Desoxyn® addiction.

Adderall® vs. Desoxyn® vs. Vyvanse®

Adderall®, Vyvanse®, and Desoxyn® are all medications that may be prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and other conditions but have key differentiators.

Below is a chart detailing the similarities and differences of the three drugs.

Information curated from www.nlm.nih.gov.[4]

Live a Life Beyond Desoxyn® Addiction

No matter who you are, no matter your background, history, or circumstances, you deserve a life that is whole, fulfilling, and substance-free. Desoxyn® addiction can take over your life. We’re here to help you take it back.

If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to Desoxyn® or other drugs or alcohol, treatment helps, and help begins here at Ascendant NY. Call and speak with a member of our team today to learn more about our lifesaving Desoxyn® addiction treatment programs.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more