Is Desoxyn Meth?

Desoxyn is a seldom-prescribed, brand name prescription medication containing a pure, pharmaceutical version of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is also produced and used illegally as the dangerous street drug crystal meth.

Desoxyn Vs. Crystal Meth

Crystal meth is illegally produced in small laboratories using pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, along with a wide variety of other highly toxic ingredients, potentially including gasoline, paint thinner, freon, or others.

This process produces fine transparent crystals which may then be diluted with filler materials, crushed into a white powder, or pressed into tablets, pills, or capsules. Crystal meth can be smoked, injected, snorted, or taken by swallowing.

The prescription drug Desoxyn, on the other hand, contains a 100% purified or clean version of methamphetamine hydrochloride in oral tablets. These tablets contain a much smaller dose of the drug that, when used as prescribed, should not cause a person to get high.

The medication uses meth’s potent, long-acting stimulant effects to manage a variety of medical conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), exogenous obesity, and conditions related to sleep or lethargy.

Desoxyn Abuse Potential

Desoxyn is typically prescribed in cases where a patient has tried other stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta), amphetamines (Adderall), or dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine/Vyvanse), but these weaker stimulant drugs haven’t been effective or have caused intolerable side-effects.

However, Desoxyn is considered to have an even higher potential for substance abuse, dependence, and addiction than many prescription stimulants.

This high abuse potential is reflected in the drug’s schedule II controlled substance classification, indicating that it has a high potential for abuse and is also considered dangerous.

This high risk is also explicitly outlined in Dexedrine’s prescribing information, where healthcare providers are advised to:

• only prescribe it to patients for whom alternative therapies have been ineffective
• avoid its administration for prolonged periods of time (when used for weight loss treatment)
• pay particular attention to the possibility of patients obtaining Desoxyn/methamphetamine for non-therapeutic use, or illegally distributing the medication
• only prescribe and distribute Desoxyn sparingly
• advise patients that misuse of Desoxyn may cause sudden death or other serious cardiovascular events

Effects Of Desoxyn Abuse

Desoxyn abuse includes:

• using higher doses of Desoxyn than prescribed
• using it more often prescribed
• using it in any way other than prescribed, including
• crushing/snorting it
• using it in combination with other substances

As a central nervous system stimulant, or upper, methamphetamine works to increase neurological activity in the body. It boosts neurotransmitter levels in the brain, specifically serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which can help improve symptoms of ADHD.

However, in high doses these effects will likely trigger a potent, long-lasting, and extremely addictive euphoria, or stimulant high, along with a variety of other potential side effects.

These short-term effects may include:

• increased attention and decreased fatigue
• increased energy and wakefulness
• decreased appetite
• increased breathing rate
• rapid heart rate or irregular heartbeats
• high blood pressure
• increased body temperature
• disinhibition
• erratic or violent behavior

Dangers Of Methamphetamine Abuse

No matter its form, methamphetamine is extremely hazardous if abused. Potential short- and long-term health and behavioral effects may include:

Dependence & Withdrawal

Dependence can form with long-term therapeutic use of many different substances, including Desoxyn, but generally develops more severely when a drug is habitually abused.

After this occurs, any attempt to stop taking methamphetamine will likely trigger uncomfortable or severe withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction

Desoxyn addiction is rare, as Desoxyn prescriptions are also rare. But, if abused for its euphoric effects, Desoxyn will likely act like methamphetamine in any other form, rewiring the brain through over-activation of its dopamine “reward circuit.”

This can result in predictable changes to a person’s behavior and mindset, which may include:

• drug cravings
• drug-seeking behavior
• compulsive drug use
• withdraw from personal relationships, passions, and/or
• responsibilities
• increasing drug use over time
• deteriorating mental health
• spending large amounts of time or money on drug use

Overdose

Abusing Desoxyn can lead to serious or fatal medical emergencies, including:

• heart attack
• stroke
• psychosis
• seizures
• overheating
• sudden death

If you suspect an overdose has occurred, immediately seek emergency medical assistance.

Long-Term Health Effects

Long-term, meth addiction is associated with serious health effects that may include:

• heart, brain, and/or other organ damage
• osteoporosis
• sleep disorders
• numerous mental health disorders
• severe skin and teeth problems and infections
• premature aging

Desoxyn Addiction Treatment

Because methamphetamine addiction can be an especially difficult condition to treat effectively, individuals are advised to participate in medical detox followed by a personalized treatment program.

Methamphetamine addiction treatment programs include intensive inpatient or outpatient care, behavioral therapy, contingency management, group therapy, and aftercare support.

To learn about our outpatient treatment options for prescription drug abuse, please contact us today.