Desoxyn is a brand pharmaceutical form of methamphetamine hydrochloride (also known as desoxyephedrine, hence the name “Desoxyn”), it is chemically known as (S)-N,α-dimethylbenzeneethanamine hydrochloride, a member of the amphetamine group of sympathomimetic amines.
Desoxyn tablets are FDA approved and indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program which typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children over 6 years of age with a behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity. The diagnosis of this syndrome should not be made with finality when these symptoms are only of comparatively recent origin. Nonlocalizing (soft) neurological signs, learning disability, and abnormal EEG may or may not be present, and a diagnosis of central nervous system dysfunction may or may not be warranted.
Desoxyn is a Schedule II controlled medication under the U.S. DEA Schedule system because it has a high potential for abuse. Particular attention is paid to the possibility of subjects obtaining Desoxyn tablets for non-therapeutic use or distribution to others, as a result, the drug is prescribed or dispensed sparingly. Misuse of Desoxyn tablets may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events.
Tolerance, extreme psychological dependence, and severe social disability have occurred. There are reports of patients who have increased the dosage to many times than recommended. Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage administration results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are also noted on the sleep EEG. Manifestations of chronic intoxication with methamphetamine include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes. The most severe manifestation of chronic intoxication is psychosis often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia. Abuse and/or misuse of methamphetamine have resulted in death. A fatal cardiorespiratory arrest has been reported in the context of abuse and/or misuse of methamphetamine.
What are the ingredients in Desoxyn tablets?
Desoxyn contains the active Ingredient methamphetamine hydrochloride. Inactive Ingredients include: corn starch, lactose, sodium paraminobenzoate, stearic acid, and talc.
Is Desoxyn still prescribed?
Yes, Desoxyn is a legal, FDA-approved drug. In rare cases, doctors prescribe it for treatment of children 6 years or older with a behavioral syndrome characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity, an initial dose of 5 mg Desoxyn once or twice a day is recommended.
Desoxyn has retained a degree of controversy because of concerns about abuse. Despite the potential benefits Desoxyn has over other stimulants in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, there is an enormous stigma attached to the drug due to the high potential for abuse and dependency. For this reason, many doctors are either unwilling or unable to prescribe it. However, research has indicated that ADD/ADHD patients treated with stimulants are in fact less likely to use substances problematically than patients who are not treated with these drugs, and there is little evidence that prescription stimulant use under a medical program administered by a doctor leads to problematic use.
What are the side effects of Desoxyn?
Side effects of Desoxyn include:
• headache,
• dizziness,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• dry mouth,
• unpleasant taste in your mouth,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• loss of appetite,
• weight loss,
• loss of interest in sex,
• impotence, or
• difficulty having an orgasm.
