Desoxyn Abuse & Addiction | Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, & Treatment Options

Methamphetamine hydrochloride, brand name Desoxyn, is mainly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also treat obesity as a short-term weight loss option. 

Desoxyn is a Schedule II controlled substance per the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It has a high potential for drug abuse, is addictive, and is strictly regulated. Currently, Desoxyn is the only approved (non-illicit) methamphetamine available in the United States.

How Does Desoxyn Work?

Desoxyn is a methamphetamine. Methamphetamines are similar to amphetamines but are generally more powerful. Methamphetamines affect the central nervous system by greatly increasing dopamine production. 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects motivation and pleasure. Dopamine also affects motor control. One possible cause of ADHD is dopamine imbalance in the brain, and Desoxyn tries to fix that imbalance.

Desoxyn is only available in 5mg tablets as a non-refillable prescription. Methamphetamines are powerful substances, making 5mg the ideal dose per tablet.

Desoxyn Side Effects

Desoxyn, like other methamphetamines, increases dopamine output in the brain. This causes increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. It also decreases appetite.

A person with ADHD symptoms may be distracted easily, have a short attention span, and have impulsive tendencies. Desoxyn can treat ADHD by stabilizing these symptoms, allowing a patient to be more functional. 

The appetite loss caused by Desoxyn can also help with short-term weight loss. However, Desoxyn can have other unintended side effects as well.

Short-Term Effects

Desoxyn is strictly a short-term prescription. The power of Desoxyn can cause many health risks and side effects even in the short-term. 

Short-term side effects of Desoxyn include:

• dry mouth
• constipation
• increased aggression (especially in children and adolescents) 
• high blood pressure

Long-Term Effects

Long-term Desoxyn use is highly discouraged due to its potential for addiction and substance abuse. However, if a person does use Desoxyn long-term, its effects can be serious. 

Long-term side effects of Desoxyn use can include:

• severe weight loss
• “meth mouth” (problems with teeth and gums)
• paranoia
• hallucinations

Despite its low dosage and non-refillable status, Desoxyn has a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Desoxyn Abuse

Desoxyn is chemically similar to other methamphetamines, all of which are illegal. Illegal methamphetamines have street names of crystal meth, speed, tweak, and others. These potent illicit drugs see widespread abuse, and Desoxyn can be abused similarly.

Forms of Desoxyn abuse include:

• taking Desoxyn without a doctor prescribing it
• taking Desoxyn above the recommended dosage
• taking Desoxyn improperly (snorting,  injecting)
• mixing Desoxyn with other substances (alcohol, etc.)

Long-term Desoxyn abuse puts you at risk for the health effects mentioned above. It can also lead to addiction.

Desoxyn Addiction

Desoxyn is only available as a non-refillable prescription drug because of its addictive properties. Despite this, the risk of Desoxyn addiction is significant.

The rush of dopamine brought on by methamphetamines may cause you to seek them out repeatedly. After prolonged use, you may feel like you can’t function without it. Your body will adjust to having methamphetamine in the system, and you may develop cravings for it.

Like its illicit counterparts in meth and speed, Desoxyn addiction can lead to severe health effects.

Desoxyn Withdrawal Symptoms

If you have methamphetamine addiction, you likely will be used to having the drug in your body. When you try to stop, you may experience withdrawal symptoms because the body will react to the drug being absent from your system. 

Withdrawal symptoms for Desoxyn and other methamphetamines include:

• depression
• anxiety
• decreased mental health
• psychosis
• intense drug cravings

These symptoms may prevent you from undergoing addiction treatment. You may feel that suffering through these effects is not worth being clean of methamphetamines, but treatment programs can help.

Desoxyn Overdose

People who abuse or are addicted to Desoxyn are at a higher risk of overdose. High doses of Desoxyn can result in a toxic reaction from the body.

Overdose by Desoxyn is dangerous, and potentially fatal. 

Desoxyn overdose can cause:

• heart attack
• cardiovascular failure
• organ failure
• sudden death

If you suspect you or a loved one is overdosing on Desoxyn, call for help immediately.

Desoxyn Addiction Treatment Options

About 15 percent of drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved methamphetamines. Finding effective treatment for methamphetamine abuse and addiction is crucial for preventing overdose and other adverse health effects. 

Many dangers of illicit methamphetamines also apply to Desoxyn because of its addictive qualities and potency.

Treatment methods for methamphetamine addiction are still in development. However, treatments for other types of substance use may work for Desoxyn.

Is Medication An Approved Treatment?

The FDA has not approved any medications to treat methamphetamine abuse or addiction. This includes Desoxyn as well as illicit methamphetamines. However, naltrexone and other medications are currently being researched to aid in methamphetamine addiction recovery.

Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for Desoxyn abuse This type of therapy helps you develop coping mechanisms and identify and avoid situations where you may abuse the drug again. 

Another effective behavioral therapy for methamphetamine addiction is called motivational incentives. This treatment uses small rewards to help people abstain from substance use and focus on recovery.

To learn more about our Desoxyn treatment options, please contact us today.