Methamphetamine (Cont.)

How Does Methamphetamine Work?

Methamphetamine is a stimulant, although it can have effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, methamphetamine has a calming effect when it is taken in doses intended for ADHD treatment. While it is not known exactly how methamphetamine produces a calming effect, it is known that the medication affects chemicals in the brain.
 
Methamphetamine works in at least two ways to help people lose weight. It works as an appetite suppressant and also helps to increase the metabolism.
 

When and How to Take Methamphetamine

Some general considerations for when and how to take methamphetamine include the following:
 
  • Methamphetamine comes in tablet form. For ADHD, methamphetamine is usually taken once or twice a day. For weight loss, the medication is usually taken half an hour before each meal.
     
  • It does not matter if you take methamphetamine with or without food.
     
  • For methamphetamine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Methamphetamine will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing With Methamphetamine

The dose of methamphetamine that your healthcare provider recommends 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 with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Methamphetamine Dosing for more information about dosing for methamphetamine.)
 
(Methamphetamine Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;