Methamphetamine Dosing

One of the factors affecting methamphetamine dosing involves the condition being treated. For example, when treating ADHD with methamphetamine, dosing guidelines usually call for a starting daily dose of 5 mg or 10 mg; when the drug is used for the short-term treatment of obesity, the recommended dose of methamphetamine is usually 5 mg taken 30 minutes before each meal.

 

Methamphetamine Dosing: An Introduction

The dose of methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn®) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The condition being treated (ADHD or obesity)
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Methamphetamine Dosing for ADHD

For most children age six years and older with ADHD, methamphetamine should be started at 5 mg once or twice daily. The healthcare provider may increase the methamphetamine dose by 5 mg per week if necessary. Typically, children being treated for ADHD take a total of 20 to 25 mg of methamphetamine daily.
 

Methamphetamine Dosing for Obesity

The recommended methamphetamine dose for weight loss is 5 mg taken half an hour before each meal. Methamphetamine should not be used for weight loss for more than a few weeks. Children under the age of 12 should not use methamphetamine for weight loss.
 

General Methamphetamine Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking methamphetamine include the following:
 
  • Take your dose of methamphetamine at the same time(s) each day.
     
  • If you do not take your methamphetamine as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose at one time.
     
  • You may take your methamphetamine dosage with or without food.
     
  • For methamphetamine to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Methamphetamine will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribes.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to methamphetamine or your methamphetamine dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking methamphetamine without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;