GENERIC NAME: METHAMPHETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE - ORAL (meth-am-FET-uh-meen)
BRAND NAME(S): Desoxyn
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Amphetamine-type medications can be habit-forming. Use only as directed. With prolonged use, drug dependence may occur (i.e., withdrawl symptoms may occur after stopping drug). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. When used for weight reduction, this medication should be used only when other therapies have failed.
USES: This medication is used as a short-term aid to weight loss, and to help control certain behavioral problems in children (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication late in the evening because it may affect your ability to sleep. If you are taking the long-acting form of this medication, do not crush, chew or break the tablet; swallow the tablet whole. If you are currently taking an MAO inhibitor (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine), wait at least 14 days between discontinuing the MAO inhibitor and starting therapy with this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for a longer period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. In treating Attention Deficit Disorder, your doctor may recommend "drug holidays" where the medication is stopped temporarily and behavior is evaluated.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: fast or irregular pulse, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, tremors. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: sexual impairment, uncontrolled muscle movements, suppressed growth in children. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects: rash, itching, seizure, chest pain. If you are taking the long-acting form of this drug, an empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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