Methamphetamine (By mouth)
meth-am-FET-a-meen
Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and helps with weight loss in obese patients.
Drug classes
CNS Stimulant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Methamphetamine is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.
Methamphetamine is also used for weight reduction in obese patients.
Methamphetamine works in the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive. This medicine is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment.
This medicine is available only with a doctor’s prescription. Prescriptions cannot be refilled. A new prescription must be obtained each time you or your child need this medicine.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Do not take this medicine late at night. It may cause trouble sleeping.
Weight loss treatment: Take this medicine 30 minutes before each meal.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) in the past 14 days.
Some medicines can affect how methamphetamine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using:
Guanethidine Insulin Blood pressure medicine Medicine for depression Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, promethazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine)When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to methamphetamine or similar medicines, or if you have glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, or a history of drug abuse.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel problems, including high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, a heart defect, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have Tourette syndrome or a history of seizures, depression, bipolar disorder, or mental health problems.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Sudden death in people who have heart defects Serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke Unusual changes in behavior or moods Slow growth in children Peripheral vasculopathy (blood circulation problems)This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
Weight loss treatment: This medicine often stops working after you have been taking it for a few weeks. Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed, even if this happens. This medicine is only for short-term use.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blurred vision, changes in vision
Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting
Extreme energy or restlessness, confusion, agitation, unusual moods or behavior
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
Sores, coldness, numbness, or color changes on your fingers or toes
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Desoxyn
There may be other brand names for this medicine.