Desoxyn Addiction | Abuse, Effects, Signs, & Treatment

Methamphetamine is a highly potent, long-acting stimulant drug produced, sold, and misused under street names such as crystal meth, crank, speed, ice, and glass.

However, methamphetamine is also produced in small amounts as a legal pharmaceutical product under the brand name Desoxyn.

Like other prescription stimulants, including amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), Desoxyn is prescribed by healthcare providers to manage the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Desoxyn works by blocking reuptake molecules in the central nervous system, increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin neurotransmitter activity.

However, unlike more common prescription drugs, Desoxyn is reserved as a second-line treatment for severe, treatment-resistant cases as well as rarely prescribed in a limited fashion to treat severe obesity.

Desoxyn Abuse

While Desoxyn abuse is less common than Adderall or Ritalin abuse, simply because Desoxyn prescriptions are so much less common, the drug also shares a Schedule II controlled substance classification.

Schedule II drugs indicate a high potential for diversion, abuse, and the development of drug dependence or addiction.

These risks are enhanced for Desoxyn in particular as methamphetamine hydrochloride is a potent and long-acting stimulant known to produce an extremely habit-forming and addictive euphoria when misused, particularly in higher doses.

Unfortunately, abuse of prescription stimulant medications is widespread, as many people (primarily adolescents and young adults) abuse these commonly diverted drugs for a variety of reasons.

Desoxyn may be taken as a study or cramming aid to increase wakefulness as well as be misused to curb appetite, increase social confidence and drive, or generate a dangerous stimulant high.

Effects Of Desoxyn Abuse

When a person takes Desoxyn that was not prescribed to them or uses the drug at a higher dose or more frequently than their prescription directs, the drug’s potential for serious physical and psychological side effects increases dramatically.

These short-term and long-term symptoms all relate to methamphetamine’s action as a potent central nervous system stimulant, increasing mental and physical stimulation while active in the body. Physiological and psychological effects of Desoxyn may include:

• hyperactivity
• elevated heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing
• sweating
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• tremors
• insomnia
• decreased appetite
• headache
• dizziness
• upset stomach
• dry mouth
• irritability
• anxiety
• euphoria
• a false sense of wellbeing
• agitation
• delusions
• hallucinations

Long-term abuse of Desoxyn may also produce severe weight loss and malnourishment, delusional behavior, sleep dysfunction, dental decay (“meth mouth”), compromised immune function and more frequent illness, premature aging, drug dependence, and addiction (substance use disorder).

Desoxyn Overdose

Methamphetamine overdose is a serious and oftentimes life-threatening medical emergency, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions ranging from heart conditions to mental disorders.

Some of the potential signs and symptoms of a Desoxyn/methamphetamine overdose include:

• agitation
• chest pain
• irregular heart rhythms or palpitations
• difficulty breathing
• severe stomach pain
• fever
• seizures
• symptoms of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia)

In some cases, sudden death may occur due to heart attack, stroke, seizures, cardiovascular collapse, or kidney failure.

A person’s risk of death or serious injury can increase significantly if they abuse Desoxyn in combination with other substances such as alcohol, opioid painkillers, inhalants, and other drugs of abuse.

Signs Of Desoxyn Abuse & Addiction

Recognizing that a friend, loved one, or family member is struggling with substance abuse can be difficult. However, there are some common signs and signals to watch for, including:

• mood swings, ranging from high talkativeness and sociability to a depressed or fatigued low
• unexplained bottles, baggies, pills, or powder from crushed pills (used for snorting or injection)
• running out of one’s prescription early
• missing/stolen prescriptions or missing funds used to purchase Desoxyn
• attempting to purchase Desoxyn online or on the street
• becoming defensive, evasive, or withdrawn when questioned
• disengaging from one’s interests, responsibilities, and relationships
• signs of concern, panic, or preoccupation when Desoxyn is not available

Desoxyn Addiction Treatment Options

As methamphetamine is a powerful and habit-forming stimulant drug, Desoxyn addiction treatment is best handled by professionals in a controlled, safe, and comfortable environment.

Some of the most common, evidence-based drug addiction treatment services used to address Desoxyn abuse and addiction include:

• medical detox to professionally manage Desoxyn discontinuation and withdrawal symptoms in a safe and welcoming environment
• inpatient treatment programs in which participants are brought into a comfortable residential treatment facility and guided through an intensive, personalized recovery program
• dual diagnosis treatment to address both Desoxyn use disorder and common co-occurring mental health conditions
• psychotherapy/behavioral therapy, often including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, contingency management, and more
• peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• aftercare support/case management

If you or your loved one struggle with drug cravings and any form of prescription medication abuse, please contact Bedrock Recovery Center.

Our professional treatment facility offers comprehensive inpatient substance abuse treatment and primary mental health services in a clinical yet comfortable setting.