Desoxyn
DESOXYN®
(methamphetamine hydrochloride) Tablets, USP
METHAMPHETAMINE HAS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE. IT SHOULD THUS BE TRIED ONLY IN WEIGHT REDUCTION PROGRAMS FOR PATIENTS IN WHOM ALTERNATIVE THERAPY HAS BEEN INEFFECTIVE. ADMINISTRATION OF METHAMPHETAMINE FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME IN OBESITY MAY LEAD TO DRUG DEPENDENCE AND MUST BE AVOIDED. PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SUBJECTS OBTAINING METHAMPHETAMINE FOR NON-THERAPEUTIC USE OR DISTRIBUTION TO OTHERS, AND THE DRUG SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED SPARINGLY. MISUSE OF METHAMPHETAMINE MAY CAUSE SUDDEN DEATH AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR ADVERSE EVENTS.
DRUG DESCRIPTION
DESOXYN® (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets, USP), chemically known as (S)-N,α-dimethylbenzeneethanamine hydrochloride, is a member of the amphetamine group of sympathomimetic amines. It has the following structural formula:
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DESOXYN tablets contain 5 mg of methamphetamine hydrochloride for oral administration.
Inactive Ingredients
Corn starch, lactose, sodium paraminobenzoate, stearic acid and talc.
Last updated on RxList: 1/14/2008
INDICATIONS
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity: DESOXYN tablets are indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program which typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children over 6 years of age with a behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity. The diagnosis of this syndrome should not be made with finality when these symptoms are only of comparatively recent origin. Nonlocalizing (soft) neurological signs, learning disability, and abnormal EEG may or may not be present, and a diagnosis of central nervous system dysfunction may or may not be warranted.
Exogenous Obesity: as a short-term (i.e., a few weeks) adjunct in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction, for patients in whom obesity is refractory to alternative therapy, e.g., repeated diets, group programs, and other drugs.
The limited usefulness of DESOXYN tablets (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY) should be weighed against possible risks inherent in use of the drug, such as those described below.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
DESOXYN tablets are given orally.
Methamphetamine should be administered at the lowest effective dosage, and dosage should be individually adjusted. Late evening medication should be avoided because of the resulting insomnia.
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity: For treatment of children 6 years or older with a behavioral syndrome characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability and impulsivity: an initial dose of 5 mg DESOXYN once or twice a day is recommended. Daily dosage may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until an optimum clinical response is achieved. The usual effective dose is 20 to 25 mg daily. The total daily dose may be given in two divided doses daily.
Where possible, drug administration should be interrupted occasionally to determine if there is a recurrence of behavioral symptoms sufficient to require continued therapy.
For Obesity:One 5 mg tablet should be taken one-half hour before each meal. Treatment should not exceed a few weeks in duration. Methamphetamine is not recommended for use as an anorectic agent in children under 12 years of age.
HOW SUPPLIED
DESOXYN (methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets, USP) is supplied as white tablets imprinted with the letters OV on one side and the number 12 on the opposite side, containing 5 mg methamphetamine hydrochloride in bottles of 100 (NDC67386-102-01).
Recommended Storage: Store below 86°F (30°C).
Dispense in a USP tight, light resistant container.
Manufactured by: Abbott Pharmaceuticals PR Ltd. Barceloneta, PR 00617. For: Ovation Pharmaceuticals Inc., Deerfield, IL 60015, U.S.A. Revised: March 2007. FDA revision date: 5/11/2007
Last updated on RxList: 1/14/2008
SIDE EFFECTS
The following are adverse reactions in decreasing order of severity within each category that have been reported:
Cardiovascular: Elevation of blood pressure, tachycardia and palpitation. Fatal cardiorespiratory arrest has been reported, mostly in the context of abuse/misuse.
Central Nervous System: Psychotic episodes have been rarely reported at recommended doses. Dizziness, dysphoria, overstimulation, euphoria, insomnia, tremor, restlessness and headache. Exacerbation of motor and phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome.
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea, constipation, dryness of mouth, unpleasant taste and other gastrointestinal disturbances.
Hypersensitivity: Urticaria.
Endocrine: Impotence and changes in libido.
Miscellaneous: Suppression of growth has been reported with the long-term use of stimulants in children (see WARNINGS).
Drug Abuse And Dependence
Controlled Substance: DESOXYN tablets are subject to control under DEA schedule II.
Abuse:Methamphetamine has been extensively abused. Tolerance, extreme psychological dependence, and severe social disability have occurred. There are reports of patients who have increased the dosage to many times that recommended. Abrupt cessation following prolonged high dosage administration results in extreme fatigue and mental depression; changes are also noted on the sleep EEG. Manifestations of chronic intoxication with methamphetamine include severe dermatoses, marked insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity, and personality changes. The most severe manifestation of chronic intoxication is psychosis often clinically indistinguishable from schizophrenia. Abuse and/or misuse of methamphetamine have resulted in death. Fatal cardiorespiratory arrest has been reported in the context of abuse and/or misuse of methamphetamine.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Insulin requirements in diabetes mellitus may be altered in association with the use of methamphetamine and the concomitant dietary regimen.
Methamphetamine may decrease the hypotensive effect of guanethidine.
DESOXYN should not be used concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
Concurrent administration of tricyclic antidepressants and indirect-acting sympathomimetic amines such as the amphetamines, should be closely supervised and dosage carefully adjusted.
Phenothiazines are reported in the literature to antagonize the CNS stimulant action of the amphetamines.
Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions: Literature reports suggest that amphetamines may be associated with significant elevation of plasma corticosteroids. This should be considered if determination of plasma corticosteroid levels is desired in a person receiving amphetamines.
Last updated on RxList: 1/14/2008
WARNINGS
Tolerance to the anorectic effect usually develops within a few weeks. When this occurs, the recommended dose should not be exceeded in an attempt to increase the effect; rather, the drug should be discontinued (see DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE).
Serious Cardiovascular Events
Sudden Death and Pre-existing Structural Cardiac Abnormalities or Other Serious Heart Problems:
- Children and Adolescents: Sudden death has been reported in association with CNS stimulant treatment at usual doses in children and adolescents with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart problems. Although some serious heart problems alone carry an increased risk of sudden death, stimulant products generally should not be used in children or adolescents with known serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, or other serious cardiac problems that may place them at increased vulnerability to the sympathomimetic effects of a stimulant drug.
- Adults: Sudden deaths, stroke, and myocardial infarction have been reported in adults taking stimulant drugs at usual doses for ADHD. Although the role of stimulants in these adult cases is also unknown, adults have a greater likelihood than children of having serious structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac problems. Adults with such abnormalities should also generally not be treated with stimulant drugs.
Hypertension and other Cardiovascular Conditions: Stimulant medications cause a modest increase in average blood pressure (about 2-4 mmHg) and average heart rate (about 3-6 bpm), and individuals may have larger increases. While the mean changes alone would not be expected to have short-term consequences, all patients should be monitored for larger changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Caution is indicated in treating patients whose underlying medical conditions might be compromised by increases in blood pressure or heart rate, e.g., those with pre-existing hypertension, heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, or ventricular arrhythmia.
Assessing Cardiovascular Status in Patients being Treated with Stimulant Medications: Children, adolescents, or adults who are being considered for treatment with stimulant medications should have a careful history (including assessment for a family history of sudden death or ventricular arrhythmia) and physical exam to assess for the presence of cardiac disease, and should receive further cardiac evaluation if findings suggest such disease (e.g., electrocardiogram and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms such as exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease during stimulant treatment should undergo a prompt cardiac evaluation.
Psychiatric Adverse Events
Pre-existing Psychosis
Administration of stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
Bipolar Illness
Particular care should be taken in using stimulants to treat ADHD in patients with comorbid bipolar disorder because of concern for possible induction of a mixed/manic episode in such patients. Prior to initiating treatment with a stimulant, patients with comorbid depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression.
Emergence of New Psychotic or Manic Symptoms: Treatment emergent psychotic or manic symptoms, e.g., hallucinations, delusional thinking, or mania in children and adolescents without a prior history of psychotic illness or mania can be caused by stimulants at usual doses. If such symptoms occur, consideration should be given to a possible causal role of the stimulant, and discontinuation of treatment may be appropriate. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies, such symptoms occurred in about 0.1% (4 patients with events out of 3482 exposed to methylphenidate or amphetamine for several weeks at usual doses) of stimulant-treated patients compared to 0 in placebo-treated patients.
Aggression
Aggressive behavior or hostility is often observed in children and adolescents with ADHD, and has been reported in clinical trials and the postmarketing experience of some medications indicated for the treatment of ADHD. Although there is no systematic evidence that stimulants cause aggressive behavior or hostility, patients beginning treatment for ADHD should be monitored for the appearance of or worsening of aggressive behavior or hostility.
Long-Term Suppression of Growth
Careful follow-up of weight and height in children ages 7 to 10 years who were randomized to either methylphenidate or non-medication treatment groups over 14 months, as well as in naturalistic subgroups of newly methylphenidate-treated and non-medication treated children over 36 months (to the ages of 10 to 13 years), suggests that consistently medicated children (i.e., treatment for 7 days per week throughout the year) have a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years), without evidence of growth rebound during this period of development. Published data are inadequate to determine whether chronic use of amphetamines may cause a similar suppression of growth, however, it is anticipated that they likely have this effect as well. Therefore, growth should be monitored during treatment with stimulants, and patients who are not growing or gaining height or weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted.
Seizures
There is some clinical evidence that stimulants may lower the convulsive threshold in patients with prior history of seizures, in patients with prior EEG abnormalities in absence of seizures, and, very rarely, in patients without a history of seizures and no prior EEG evidence of seizures. In the presence of seizures, the drug should be discontinued.
Visual Disturbance
Difficulties with accommodation and blurring of vision have been reported with stimulant treatment.
PRECAUTIONS
General: DESOXYN tablets should be used with caution in patients with even mild hypertension.
Methamphetamine should not be used to combat fatigue or to replace rest in normal persons.
Prescribing and dispensing of methamphetamine should be limited to the smallest amount that is feasible at one time in order to minimize the possibility of overdosage.
Information For Patients: The patient should be informed that methamphetamine may impair the ability to engage in potentially hazardous activities, such as, operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.
The patient should be cautioned not to increase dosage, except on advice of the physician.
Prescribers or other health professionals should inform patients, their families and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with methamphetamine and should counsel them it its appropriate use. A patient Medication Guide is available for DESOXYN. The prescriber or health professional should instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and should assist them in understanding its contents. Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is available at www.ovationpharma.com.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility:Data are not available on long-term potential for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic effects: Pregnancy Category C. Methamphetamine has been shown to have teratogenic and embryocidal effects in mammals given high multiples of the human dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. DESOXYN tablets should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nonteratogenic effects: Infants born to mothers dependent on amphetamines have an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. Also, these infants may experience symptoms of withdrawal as demonstrated by dysphoria, including agitation and significant lassitude.
Usage in Nursing Mothers: Amphetamines are excreted in human milk. Mothers taking amphetamines should be advised to refrain from nursing.
Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness for use as an anorectic agent in children below the age of 12 years have not been established. Long-term effects of methamphetamine in children have not been established (see WARNINGS).
Drug treatment is not indicated in all cases of the behavioral syndrome characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability and impulsivity. It should be considered only in light of the complete history and evaluation of the child. The decision to prescribe DESOXYN tablets should depend on the physician's assessment of the chronicity and severity of the child's symptoms and their appropriateness for his/her age. Prescription should not depend solely on the presence of one or more of the behavioral characteristics.
When these symptoms are associated with acute stress reactions, treatment with DESOXYN tablets is usually not indicated.
Clinical experience suggests that in psychotic children, administration of DESOXYN tablets may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder.
Amphetamines have been reported to exacerbate motor and phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome. Therefore, clinical evaluation for tics and Tourette's syndrome in children and their families should precede use of stimulant medications.
Geriatric Use: Clinical Studies of DESOXYN did not include sufficient numbers of subjects age 65 years and over to determine whether elderly subjects respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy observed in this population.
Last updated on RxList: 1/14/2008
OVERDOSE
Manifestations of acute overdosage with methamphetamine include restlessness, tremor, hyperreflexia, rapid respiration, confusion, assaultiveness, hallucinations, panic states, hyperpyrexia, and rhabdomyolysis. Fatigue and depression usually follow the central stimulation. Cardiovascular effects include arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension, and circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Fatal poisoning usually terminates in convulsions and coma.
Consult with a Certified Poison Control Center regarding treatment for up to date guidance and advice. Management of acute methamphetamine intoxication is largely symptomatic and includes gastric evacuation, administration of activated charcoal, and sedation. Experience with hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is inadequate to permit recommendations in this regard.
Acidification of urine increases methamphetamine excretion, but is believed to increase risk of acute renal failure if myoglobinuria is present. Intravenous phentolamine (Regitine®) has been suggested for possible acute, severe hypertension, if this complicates methamphetamine overdosage. Usually a gradual drop in blood pressure will result when sufficient sedation has been achieved. Chlorpromazine has been reported to be useful in decreasing CNS stimulation and sympathomimetic effects.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
DESOXYN tablets are contraindicated during or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors; hypertensive crisis may result. It is also contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism or known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to sympathomimetic amines. Methamphetamine should not be given to patients who are in an agitated state or who have a history of drug abuse.
Last updated on RxList: 1/14/2008
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Methamphetamine is a sympathomimetic amine with CNS stimulant activity. Peripheral actions include elevation of systolic and diastolic blood pressures and weak bronchodilator and respiratory stimulant action. Drugs of this class used in obesity are commonly known as “anorectics” or “anorexigenics”. It has not been established, however, that the action of such drugs in treating obesity is primarily one of appetite suppression. Other central nervous system actions, or metabolic effects, may be involved, for example.
Adult obese subjects instructed in dietary management and treated with “anorectic” drugs, lose more weight on the average than those treated with placebo and diet, as determined in relatively short-term clinical trials.
The magnitude of increased weight loss of drug-treated patients over placebo-treated patients is only a fraction of a pound a week. The rate of weight loss is greatest in the first weeks of therapy for both drug and placebo subjects and tends to decrease in succeeding weeks. The origins of the increased weight loss due to the various possible drug effects are not established. The amount of weight loss associated with the use of an “anorectic” drug varies from trial to trial, and the increased weight loss appears to be related in part to variables other than the drug prescribed, such as the physician-investigator, the population treated, and the diet prescribed. Studies do not permit conclusions as to the relative importance of the drug and non-drug factors on weight loss.
The natural history of obesity is measured in years, whereas the studies cited are restricted to a few weeks duration; thus, the total impact of drug-induced weight loss over that of diet alone must be considered clinically limited.
The mechanism of action involved in producing the beneficial behavioral changes seen in hyperkinetic children receiving methamphetamine is unknown.
In humans, methamphetamine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The primary site of metabolism is in the liver by aromatic hydroxylation, N-dealkylation and deamination. At least seven metabolites have been identified in the urine. The biological half-life has been reported in the range of 4 to 5 hours. Excretion occurs primarily in the urine and is dependent on urine pH. Alkaline urine will significantly increase the drug half-life. Approximately 62% of an oral dose is eliminated in the urine within the first 24 hours with about one-third as intact drug and the remainder as metabolites.
Last updated on RxList: 1/14/2008
PATIENT INFORMATION
MEDICATION GUIDE
DESOXYN®
(Pronounced D -s ks- n)
(methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets, USP)
Read the Medication Guide that comes with DESOXYN® before you or your child starts taking it and each time you get a refill.
There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your or your child's doctor about your or your child's treatment with DESOXYN.
What is the most important information I should know about DESOXYN? The following have been reported with use of methamphetamine hydrochloride and other stimulant medicines.
1. Heart-related problems:
- sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects
- stroke and heart attack in adults
- increased blood pressure and heart rate
Tell your or your child's doctor if you or your child have any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems.
Your or your child's doctor should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting DESOXYN.
Your or your child's doctor should check you or your child's blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment with DESOXYN.
Call your or your child's doctor right away if you or your child has any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking DESOXYN.
2. Mental (Psychiatric) problems: All Patients
- new or worse behavior and thought problems
- new or worse bipolar illness
- new or worse aggressive behavior or hostility
Children and Teenagers
- new psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, believing things that are not true, are suspicious) or new manic symptoms
Tell your or your child's doctor about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
Call your or your child's doctor right away if you or your child have any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems while taking DESOXYN, especially seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not real, or are suspicious.
What is DESOXYN?
DESOXYN is a central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine. It is used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; (ADHD).
DESOXYN may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.
DESOXYN should be used as a part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies.
DESOXYN is also used short-term, along with a low calorie diet, for weight loss in obese patients who have not been able to lose weight on other therapies.
DESOXYN is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep DESOXYN in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away DESOXYN may harm others, and is against the law.
Tell your or your child's doctor if you or your child have (or have a family history of) ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines or street drugs.
Who should not take DESOXYN?
DESOXYN should not be taken if you or your child:
- have heart disease or hardening of the arteries
- have moderate to severe high blood pressure
- have hyperthyroidism
- have an eye problem called glaucoma
- are agitated
- have a history of drug abuse
- are taking or have taken within the past 14 days an antidepression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI.
- are sensitive to, allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines
DESOXYN is not recommended for use in children less than 6 years old in the treatment of ADHD.
DESOXYN may not be right for you or your child. Before starting DESOXYN tell your or your child's doctor about all health conditions (or a family history of) including:
- heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure
- mental problems including psychosis, mania, bipolar illness, or depression
- tics or Tourette's syndrome
- thyroid problems
- diabetes
- seizures or have had an abnormal brain wave test (EEG)
Tell your or your child's doctor if you or your child is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Can DESOXYN be taken with other medicines?
Tell your or your child's doctor about all of the medicines that you or your child take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
DESOXYN and some medicines may interact with each other and cause serious side effects. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking DESOXYN.
Your or your child's doctor will decide whether DESOXYN can be taken with other medicines.
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Especially tell your or your child's doctor if you or your child takes:
- anti-depression medicines including MAOIs
- anti-psychotic medicines
- blood pressure medicines
- insulin
- seizure medicines
Know the medicines that you or your child takes. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.
Do not start any new medicine while taking DESOXYN® without talking to your or your child's doctor first.
How should DESOXYN be taken?
- Take DESOXYN exactly as prescribed.Your or your child's doctor may adjust the dose until it is right for you or your child.
- DESOXYN is usually taken 1 or 2 times each day.
- From time to time, your or your child's doctor may stop DESOXYN treatment for a while to check ADHD symptoms.
- Your or your child's doctor may do regular checks of the blood, heart, and blood pressure while taking DESOXYN. Children should have their height and weight checked often while taking DESOXYN. DESOXYN treatment may be stopped if a problem is found during these check-ups.
- If you or your child takes too much DESOXYN or overdoses, call your or your child's doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.
What are possible side effects of DESOXYN?
See “What is the most important information I should know about DESOXYN?”for information on reported heart and mental problems.
Other serious side effects include:
- slowing of growth (height and weight) in children
- seizures, mainly in patients with a history of seizures
- eyesight changes or blurred vision
Common side effects include
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DESOXYN may affect your or your child's ability to drive or do other dangerous activities. Talk to your or your child's doctor if you or your child has side effects that are bothersome or do not go away. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Ask your or your child's doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should I store DESOXYN?
- Store DESOXYN in a safe place below 86°F (30°C). Protect from light.
- Keep DESOXYN and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about DESOXYN
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use DESOXYN for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DESOXYN to other people, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them and it is against the law.
This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about DESOXYN. If you would like more information, talk with your or your child's doctor. You can ask your or your child's doctor or pharmacist for information about DESOXYN that was written for healthcare professionals.
For more information about DESOXYN, contact OVATION Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-514-5204 or visit www. ovationpharma.com.
What are the ingredients in DESOXYN?
Active Ingredient:methamphetamine hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients:Corn starch, lactose, sodium paraminobenzoate, stearic acid and talc
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Last updated on RxList: 1/14/2008
Consumer
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.
METHAMPHETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE - ORAL
(meth-am-FET-uh-meen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Desoxyn
WARNING: Misuse or abuse of amphetamines may result in serious (possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems. Amphetamine-type medications can be habit-forming. Use only as directed. With long-term use, drug dependence may occur, which may cause withdrawal symptoms after stopping the drug. For weight loss, this medication should not be used long-term (more than a few weeks) and should only be used when other treatments have failed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
USES: Methamphetamine is a stimulant and is used to treat a certain attention disorder (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-ADHD) in children older than 6 years. It is used as part of a total treatment plan, including psychological, educational, and social treatments. It may help increase the ability to pay attention, concentrate, and stop fidgeting.
This medication is also used along with a doctor-approved, reduced-calorie diet as an aid to help significantly overweight (obese) people lose weight. It should only be used for a short time (a few weeks) in patients who have not lost enough weight with other treatments (e.g., dieting, other drugs, group programs). It may work by decreasing your appetite.
This medication should not be used to treat tiredness or to hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using methamphetamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
For ADHD, take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. During treatment, your doctor may occasionally recommend stopping the medication for a short time to see whether there are any changes in your behavior and whether the medication is still needed.
For weight loss, take this medication by mouth, usually half an hour before each meal or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not take this medication late in the evening because it may cause you to have trouble sleeping.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., extreme tiredness, mental/mood changes such as agitation) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing (if taken for ADHD) or stopping the medication (if taken for weight loss). Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, swelling of ankles/feet, rapid/unexplained weight loss, fast/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood/behavior changes (e.g., agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, abnormal thoughts), uncontrolled movements (e.g., muscle twitching/shaking), outbursts of words/sounds, change in sexual ability/interest.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, chest/jaw/left arm pain, fainting, seizures, blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking methamphetamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sympathomimetic amines (e.g., dextroamphetamine); or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma, heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, angina, irregular heartbeat, valve disorders, heart failure, cardiomyopathy), problems with heart structure (e.g., valve problems), history of heart attack or stroke, moderate or severe high blood pressure (hypertension), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., severe agitation, unusual/unrealistic thoughts, psychosis).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, mild high blood pressure (hypertension), personal or family history of uncontrolled movements or outbursts of words/sounds (e.g., due to Tourette's syndrome), family history of sudden death/irregular heartbeat, family/personal history of mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, suicidal thoughts), seizures.
This drug may make you dizzy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or taking part in any other activity that requires alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of side effects.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children because it may affect weight, growth rate, and final height. The doctor may recommend temporarily stopping the medication from time to time to reduce this risk. Monitor your child's weight and height, and consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Infants born to mothers who are dependent on this medication may be born too soon (premature) and have low birth weight. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. They may also have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, or unusual tiredness. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.
This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction may occur.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting methamphetamine.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, SSRIs such as fluoxetine), insulin, medications for high blood pressure (e.g., guanethidine, beta blockers such as atenolol), medications that affect the acid level of the urine (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide), other stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, thioridazine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including corticosteroid levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Also report the use of drugs that might increase seizure risk when combined with this medication such as isoniazid (INH), phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: restlessness, shaking (tremor), fast breathing, mental/mood changes, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain/tenderness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, change in the amount of urine.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, growth monitoring in children) may be performed to check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.
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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