Methamphetamine Sexual Side Effects

In studies, some people experienced problems of a sexual nature while taking Desoxyn, the prescription form of methamphetamine. Sexual side effects reported with the drug include impotence and changes in sex drive; however, it's often difficult to tell if such problems result from the Desoxyn, other factors, or a combination of these. Let your healthcare provider know if you develop what may be methamphetamine sexual side effects. Whether or not the problems you experience are caused by Desoxyn, he or she can recommend treatment that may help.

 

Methamphetamine Sexual Side Effects: An Overview

While most people think of methamphetamine as an illegal street drug, it is also a prescription medication used for the treatment of obesity and ADHD. Desoxyn® (methamphetamine hydrochloride) is the prescription version of methamphetamine. As with all medicines, methamphetamine has possible side effects. In studies of Desoxyn, methamphetamine sexual side effects that were reported included:
 
  • Changes in sex drive (libido).
     
  • Impotence, which is usually defined as a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Ultimately, impotence is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ED for short).
     
The specific percentages of people that developed these side effects were not reported.
 

Methamphetamine, Sexual Side Effects, and Suggestions

It is impossible for you to know beforehand whether you will develop any sexual side effects while taking methamphetamine. Also, if a person does develop sexual side effects, such as impotence or a decrease in libido, it is often difficult to know whether these problems are caused by the methamphetamine, other factors, or a combination of both.
 
However, if you develop any sexual side effects while taking Desoxyn (the prescription version of methamphetamine), make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as an erectile dysfunction medication. Depending on how severe your sexual side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Desoxyn dosage or try another medicine to treat your condition.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;