Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)

Category:

  • Miscellaneous

Description:

  • Anorexiant, CNS stimulant: DEA Schedule II

Indications:

  • Short term adjunct to caloric restriction in exogenous obesity (high abuse potential)

  • Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

Contraindications:

  • Hyperthyroidism, moderate to severe hypertension, glaucoma, sever arteriosclerosis

  • History of drug abuse, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, agitated states, within 14 days of MAOI administration

Precautions:

  • Pregnancy category C; use for medical conditions does not pose significant risk to the fetus for congenital anomalies, but mild withdrawal symptoms may be observed in newborn children ; contraindicated during breast feeding

  • Mild hypertension, child <3 years, Tourette’s disorder

  • Motor and phonic tics

  • Tartrazine sensitivity (15mg sustained release preparation)

Adverse Reactions (Side Effects):

  • CNS: addiction, aggressiveness, changes in libido, chills, dependence, dizziness, dyskinesia, dysphoria, euphoria, headache, hyperactivity, insomnia, irritability, over- stimulation, psychotic episodes, restlessness, talkativeness, tremor

  • CV: arrhythmias (at large doses), dysrhythmias, hypertension, palpitations, reflex decrease in heart rate, tachycardia

  • GI: anorexia, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, weight loss

  • GU: impotence

  • METAB: reversible elevations in serum thyroxine with heavy use

  • SKIN: urticaria

Dosage:

Administered orally

  • Adult:            

    • Obesity: PO 5mg 30 minutes before each meal; SUS REL PO 10-15mg every morning; treatment should not exceed a few weeks

  • Child:            

    • Attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity: PO 5mg 1-2 times daily initially, increase in increments of 5 mg/day at weekly intervals until an optimum response is achieved; usual effective dose 20-25mg daily (divided twice daily with conventional tablets or once daily with sustained release formulations)

Drug interactions:

  • MAOIs: severe hypertensive reactions possible

  • Selegiline: Potential for enhanced pressor effect if used in combination

  • Sodium bicarbonate (large doses): inhibit elimination and increase the effect of amphetamines

 

Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300 

Gynecology and Obstetrics CD-ROM
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