Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine Drug Info

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn^®) is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used for short-term obesity treatment. Because it is a type of amphetamine and is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing it (see Methamphetamine: A Controlled Substance for more information).

Who Makes Methamphetamine?

Pharmaceutical methamphetamine is manufactured by Ovation Pharmaceuticals and sold under the brand name Desoxyn.

What Is It Used For?

As mentioned above, it is licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short.

In addition to being hyperactive (having trouble sitting still), people with ADHD have problems paying attention, focusing, and controlling their behavior. While most people think of ADHD as a problem in children, it can also occur in adults (see Adult ADHD). Although methamphetamine has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating ADHD in adults, healthcare providers may prescribe it "off-label" for adults with ADHD.

Methamphetamine is also licensed for obesity treatment. For this use, it is recommended only for short-term use (for a few weeks) and should be combined with calorie reduction and exercise.

(Click What Is Methamphetamine Used For? for more information on the uses of this drug, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does It 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 it 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 this medication include the following:

It comes in tablet form. For ADHD, it is usually taken once or twice a day. For weight loss, the medication is usually taken half an hour before each meal.
You can take it with or without food.
For it to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Methamphetamine will not work if you stop taking it.

Dosing

The dosage 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 this topic.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with methamphetamine. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When methamphetamine side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

The most common side effects of methamphetamine include:

Restlessness
Headache
Insomnia
Dry mouth
High blood pressure (hypertension).

(Click Methamphetamine Side Effects to learn more about specific side effects of this drug, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to Methamphetamine Sexual Side Effects.)

Drug Interactions With Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine can potentially interact with a number of medicines.

(Click Drug Interactions With Methamphetamine for more information about these possible interactions.)

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Before taking methamphetamine, let your healthcare provider know if you have:

Heart problems of any kind, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or a recent heart attack
Agitation
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Tourette syndrome
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
Diabetes
A history of drug abuse or alcohol abuse
Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Methamphetamine and Pregnancy)
Are breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Click Precautions and Warnings With Methamphetamine for more information on this topic, including information on who should not this medication.)

Overdose

People who take too much methamphetamine may have overdose symptoms that could include:

Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
Fast breathing
High blood pressure or low blood pressure
Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Confusion
Fever
Muscle pains
Shakiness
Aggressiveness
Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there)
Seizures
Loss of life.

If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

(Click Methamphetamine Overdose for more information.)

Storage Methods

The tablets should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Keep the tablets in an airtight container.

As with all medications, keep methamphetamine out of the reach of children.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your methamphetamine as scheduled, take your missed 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.

Strengths of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine tablets are available in one strength -- methamphetamine 5 mg tablets.

Generic Methamphetamine

Currently, only brand-name methamphetamine is licensed for sale. It is illegal to buy methamphetamine without a prescription.

(Click Generic Desoxyn for more information.)