Desoxyn is a central nervous system stimulant, used mostly to treat severe cases of ADHD or obesity that are non-responsive to other treatments. It is one of the strongest stimulants a doctor can prescribe, and because of its potency, it’s frequently subject to abuse. When used above prescribed doses, it can cause extreme physiological and psychological changes – some of which users find enjoyable.
Is Desoxyn Really Prescription Crystal Meth?
Since prescriptions for Desoxyn aren’t frequently dispensed, its abuse is not as prevalent as other types of medications like painkillers. It is the only prescription medication available today that contains methamphetamines. Despite its relative scarcity, Desoxyn is a medication of particular interest in both the pharmaceutical industry and the illicit drug market because it shares its chemical structure with one of the most notorious street drugs available – crystal meth.
Is it Common to Abuse Desoxyn?
The potential for people to abuse Desoxyn is high. This is because, like any methamphetamine, it traditionally has been an abused drug. It is rare that it’s prescribed which makes it less common for abuse. If given the chance, it would be a problematic prescription drug. For those with ADHD, narcolepsy, or obesity, this drug would be the last resort for any doctor to prescribe. Physicians have been made very aware that there is a strong potential for abuse. The DEA has classified it as a schedule II controlled substance due to the abuse risks.
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Dangers of Meth
To understand the high risk of Desoxyn, you would first have to understand how dangerous meth is. This youtube video illustrates the many reasons that meth is extremely dangerous. The long and short term effects can be lethal. Addiction comes quickly and it is difficult to stay off. The video explains ways of abusing meth and how badly it’s taken its toll on society.. While it does say the two benefits of meth are for weight loss and management of ADHD, there is mention of abusing even the prescription. It is fairly clear that even in a small dose, methamphetamines come with a high risk of abuse.
Warning on the Label of Desoxyn
It is legal but the warning label has a warning about how methamphetamines come with great risk of abuse. It can cause major health issues, including sudden death. WARNING 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.
Warnings About Tolerance
There is a risk of tolerance to the anorectic effects. It only takes a few weeks for this too because. If you notice that you’re not getting the same effect as you did when you began the medication, you shouldn’t increase your doses. This is a sign to discontinue use and speak to your doctor about an alternative. Methamphetamine continues to be abused. Tolerance and severe psychological dependence have been found in many patients. Reports have shown that patients will often increase their dosages. Going cold turkey after a long-term high dosage administration causes fatigue and depression. It also impacts sleeping patterns. Many side effects can occur that can include psychosis indistinguishable from schizophrenia.
Is Desoxyn Easy To Get?
Because of its neurotoxic profile, addictive nature, withdrawal symptoms, and its similarity to crystal meth, Desoxyn treatment is used as a last resort. A lot of countries don’t allow the dispensing of prescriptions, relying instead on other medications for ADHD. In countries where it is prescribed, abuse of the medicine becoming more frequent worldwide. Desoxyn is being seen more in patient’s medicine cabinets and on the streets. Because of its powerful effects, it is considered a holy relic by meth-seekers. Many will fake symptoms of ADHD to get a prescription. Drug seekers are more likely to find themselves prescribed weaker stimulants, such as Ritalin. The emerging rumors of a “legal, prescription crystal meth” has brought Desoxyn closer to the spotlight. Now, more than ever, Desoxyn is being peddled into the street by dealers, who either feign an illness to get their prescription or buy it from someone else with a legitimate need for the drug.
Is Desoxyn as Dangerous as Crystal Meth?
The effects of Desoxyn are reported to differ only slightly from crystal meth. To understand why one must understand a bit about the compounds involved. Methamphetamine is the proper name for the substance’s racemic mixture: a perfect balance of methamphetamine‘s two isomers (compounds with the same chemical structure arranged differently.) The two isomers produced during synthesis are dextromethamphetamine, which is much more active than its counterpart, levomethamphetamine, which mostly has an impact on adrenaline. Desoxyn is a regulated synthesis that results solely in dextromethamphetamine. Common clandestine syntheses follow less regulated procedures, resulting in different concentrations of the d- and l- isomers.
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Clinical Pharmacology
Considering that Desoxyn is methamphetamine, it is a drug class known as an anorectic. It’s not known if the drug for treating obesity is due to appetite suppression. It is possible that there are actions and metabolic changes that may be occurring. It has been shown that obese adults who have taken anorectic drugs will lose more weight compared to those on a placebo and diet. While this may sound like a positive outcome for using Dexoyn as a weight loss method, the difference was a fraction of a pound a week. The clinical proof that the drug is that effective is not vast and many aspects are unknown to Science. It is also unknown as to why hyperkinetic children who receive methamphetamine will experience beneficial behavioral changes. The risks of taking the drugs to lose weight outweigh the actual benefits for those with obesity.
Common Side Effects of Desoxyn
- Euphoria
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Desoxyn Less Common Side Effects
- Hypertension
- Dizziness/lightheadedness
- Bruxism (grinding of teeth)
- Nausea
- Hallucinations
- Depression
Uncommon Side Effects While using Desoxyn
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Skin rashes
- Viral infections
- Most of the uncommon side effects are only encountered with excessive or repeated use.
What Desoxyn Abuse Does to the Body
Cardiovascular
There is potential for a variety of issues for the cardiovascular system. This includes an increase in blood pressure, heart palpitations, and tachycardia. There is a risk of cardiorespiratory arrest when Desoxyn is abused.
Central Nervous System
While it’s rare, there may be psychotic episodes when the drug is abused. There are side effects due to an impact on the Central Nervous System when using Desoxyn. They include:
- Dizziness.
- Overstimulation.
- Euphoria.
- Insomnia.
- Tremors.
- Headaches.
- Dysphoria.
Gastrointestinal
There is a risk of diarrhea, constipation, unpleasant tastes in the mouth and other issues with the gastrointestinal system when using this drug. They are similar to meth but on a smaller scale. However, when abused, these symptoms can become more intense.
Endocrine
It’s possible that changes in libido will occur. Desoxyn can cause frequent and prolonged erections. Alternatively, they can also cause impotence.
Brain
Long-term Desoxyn abuse can change the way the brain functions. It can lead to flooding of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters responsible for your movements, emotions, pleasure, response to stress, heart rate, and blood pressure. The brain can become dependent on the amount of dopamine that the drug floods into it. It will naturally stop creating the neurotransmitters on its own. This causes withdrawal effects that make it hard to abstain from taking the drug even when it’s no longer necessary.
Tweaking on Desoxyn
A side effect that occurs with methamphetamine abuse includes tweaking. This is a period of time where the person abuses the drug to the point they don’t sleep for days or weeks. Within the period of tweaking, a person will battle their tolerance to the drug. This can cause them to seek out more powerful kinds of meth. This can include smoking crystal meth or injecting it. During this time, a person’s behavior will be erratic. They may conduct risky behaviors and become violent.
What Desoxyn Does to Someone with a Psychotic Disorder
It would be rare that a doctor would prescribe Desoxyn to someone with pre-existing psychosis. When someone abuses the drug, however, symptoms of their mood disorder can exacerbate. For someone who has bipolar disorder, it can cause more mixed/manic episodes. There should be adequate screening when someone is prescribed this type of drug. This should include the psychiatric history, family history, and the depressive nature of the patient. Stimulants can cause the onset of psychotic or manic symptoms in children and adolescents. They would not have had a prior history of psychotic illness but can start to experience symptoms. These include hallucination, mania, or delusional thoughts. Desoxyn can cause aggression and hostility in children and adolescents who are taking it for ADHD. There is no evidence that would indicate stimulants cause aggression and hostility, it seems to be a symptom for some.
Ways to Abuse Desoxyn
There are a variety of ways that someone can abuse this drug just like you would with methamphetamine abuse.
Snorting
When someone crushes up the 5mg Desoxyn tablet, they can snort it to gain a potentially greater high. This can cause problems with the delicate skin within the nasal passages. It also increases the risks of dangerous symptoms like cardiac arrest.
Swallowed
When someone takes more than the regular dose, they can feel stronger effects.
Injected
Some may go as far as to dissolve the tablets into liquid so they inject it. This sends the drug straight to the bloodstream, giving one a greater high. There are a lot of risks with injecting any kind of drug into the body.
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How to Avoid Abusing Desoxyn if it’s Prescribed to You
To not fall into the habit of abusing Desoxyn, you should follow the direction on the label. When the doctor changes your dose, follow their instructions. Don’t take more or less than recommended. As it’s habit-forming, make sure to lock it away so nobody else can abuse the drug. If you’re taking the drug to treat obesity and you notice your appetite increases, don’t take more Desoxyn for weight loss. Instead, contact your doctor and stop taking the drug immediately. When you visit another doctor for other reasons, make sure to advise them that you’re on Desoxyn as it can’t be mixed with certain prescription drugs.
Overdose Risks and Symptoms
It is possible to overdose when abusing Desoxyn. It’s important to seek out medical attention right away. As it’s a methamphetamine, overdose symptoms are similar to Desoxyn. They include:
- Restlessness.
- Hyperreflexia.
- Rapid breathing.
- Confusion.
- States of panic.
- Hyperpyrexia.
- Hallucinations.
- Fatigue.
- Depression.
- Hypertension or hypotension.
- Circulatory collapse.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach cramps.
- Convulsions.
- Coma.
Desoxyn Abuse Statistics
SAMSHA says that as of 2015, 17.2 million people used stimulant drugs. Of those, there were 11.3 million that used amphetamine products. Stimulants drugs have a high risk of abuse and misuse in comparison to other prescription drugs. Many will abuse Desoxyn by not using as prescribed or by taking someone else’s prescription. Males are more likely to misuse amphetamines, saying they do so to stay awake or to help them focus. Females will also misuse amphetamines but their reasoning is to help them lose weight. For those that do abuse drugs like Desoxyn, they would be diagnosed with a stimulant use disorder.
Desoxyn vs. Adderall
There are a variety of reasons Desoxyn is rarely prescribed. One of them being that there are better, safer medications out there that treat ADHD. While Desoxyn does effectively treat ADHD and weight loss, Adderall is also capable of helping those with ADHD focus. They are both stimulants but Adderall has less habit forming. Adderall costs much less and is easier to obtain. Many pharmacies don’t even carry Desoxyn as it’s barely prescribed. Desoxyn is also triple the price, making it a less desirable option. The risk factors and side effects are far greater and more severe with Desoxyn. Adderall is widely used for those with ADHD and narcolepsy. Desoxyn stays in the system longer than Adderall.
Potential For Desoxyn Abuse and Addiction
If a patient takes their medication as prescribed, then it’s possible to receive Desoxyn treatment for extended periods without encountering dependency or withdrawal. Unfortunately, since it is relatively obscure, many doctors don’t know about its dangers. Desoxyn’s strongest and most desired effects are a result of it being a potent releaser of dopamine and norepinephrine (adrenaline.) Many users find this rush and overstimulation to be enjoyable, and this can easily entice patients into a dangerous cycle of abuse. When a medication’s use becomes less therapeutic and more recreational, patients will use higher doses to improve their experiences. This inevitably leads down a far more dangerous path towards dependence and withdrawal. Repeated use of a substance like Desoxyn, through a process known as downregulation – will require more of the drug to release the same amount of neurotransmitters responsible for the user’s enjoyable experiences. This is what causes tolerance. In time, as dosages continue to grow higher, downregulation will desensitize the brain to the point where the number of neurotransmitters it produces naturally will have no effect. At this point, a user requires the drug simply generate enough neural activity for them to feel baseline – how they felt before being introduced to the drug. This is dependency – the need for a substance just to function – and dependency inevitably leads to withdrawal.
Mixing Desoxyn With Alcohol
The drug itself can potentially make you feel dizzy so you if you drink alcohol or smoke marijuana, there’s a greater chance of getting dizzy. Many people that abuse Desoxyn will also mix it with other substances. They put themselves at risk if they do drive or use machinery. Studies have found that many people who use some form of methamphetamines will also abuse alcohol. To do so is dangerous. Combining stimulants and alcohol causes negative consequences. While alcohol acts on the central nervous system, meth offers feelings of increased energy and excitement. The drug can counteract alcohol’s sedative effect. This can cause someone to drink more because they don’t experience the effect of alcohol. Poor decisions and risky behavior can ensue. There is a risk of injury and serious side effects.
Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Desoxyn
People who chronically abuse alcohol and amphetamines can develop a complex substance use disorder known as a co-occurring disorder. Although amphetamines don’t produce physical dependence, psychological dependence can occur. Treatment becomes more complex when someone tries to go clean with a disorder like this. Abusing both substances can cause neurological problems like damage to the central nervous system. It can cause the development of dementia also when abused together on a long-term basis. Organs like the hard will be put under severe cardiac stress. This can include an irregular heartbeat, increased blood pressure. There is a risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Abusing alcohol and amphetamines can result in arterial sclerosis, chronic high blood pressure, and heart disease. There is a risk of developing neurological issues like seizures. This is due to the unrestrained firing of neurons in the brain. This will cause a person to convulse and lose control. Brain damage or fatality is potential if this occurs.
Is Desoxyn Addictive?
Desoxyn is a methamphetamine. While it is a much smaller dose than you’d get on the street, it still has the potential for abuse and addition. Its addictive nature can be attributed to how it affects the brain. Stimulants of all kinds release neurotransmitters in excess. This creates a rewarding feeling because it makes you feel euphoric. If Desoxyn continues to be abused, it will become necessary to have it to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Despite negative outcomes in life, a person may continue to seek it out. A dose of Desoxyn is a dose of dextromethamphetamine. This results in a very euphoric stimulation. Desoxyn’s illicit counterpart, crystal meth, with its risk of dangerous by-products and higher affinity for adrenergic stimulation, can be more enjoyable for some. Accompanying the euphoric experience is a powerful motivational force which, when coupled with the mental excitement, results in the stereotypical ‘meth effects,’ such as ecstatically cleaning the kitchen at four in the morning. Despite the pharmaceutical packing less of a punch than crystal, Desoxyn is as addictive as can be. The profile of effects for both is nearly identical.
How To Deal With Desoxyn Withdrawal
Desoxyn withdrawal should be dealt with the same way as any other amphetamine withdrawals. Amphetamine withdrawals are caused mostly by extreme depletion of dopamine, leading to symptoms such as:
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Extreme appetite
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Lack of motivation
The healthiest way to recover is simply resting, staying hydrated, and eating healthy food. Amphetamines drain your body of vitamins. This is due to the effects of suppressing the appetite and the intense strain they place on your body. The process takes time but can be done without resorting to other medications to ease the pain. The most effective way to restore balance to your mind and body is through good nutritional intake, sleep, mindfulness, and avoidance of any other psychoactive chemicals. You don’t have to do this yourself though. For some that have heavily abused any amphetamine, they may require treatment. The symptoms may be too much to manage alone. Many treatment options and methods are used for this type of addiction.
How to Help Someone with Desoxyn Addiction
It’s hard for someone in the throes of addiction to admit they have a problem. It’s often up to loved ones to identify addiction in someone. There are signs that will help you figure out if someone is addicted to Desoxyn. In the event that you see these signs, you may want to set up an intervention with a professional so the person can get the help they need.
- Their prescription runs out early and they are desperate to obtain more.
- They seem to attempt to stop using them but are unable to.
- They will spend their time, energy, and money trying to get Desoxyn or perhaps other stimulants when it’s not possible to get a prescription filled.
- They will have a hard time meeting their responsibilities.
- They will often feel ill which would indicate withdrawal is occurring.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person stops abusing Desoxyn, they can experience withdrawal symptoms. They will usually begin within a day after the last dose.
Physical Withdrawal Symptoms
- Jittery.
- Dehydrated.
- Insomnia.
- Hunger.
- Fatigue.
- Senses are dulled.
- Feverish symptoms like chills.
Psychological Symptoms
- Intense cravings.
- Anxiety.
- Irritable mood.
- Memory problems.
- Inability to feel pleasure.
- Anti-social behavior.
- Vivid nightmares.
Mental Health Withdrawal Symptoms
- Depression.
- Delusional thinking.
- Paranoia.
- Hallucinations where you see or hear things that aren’t there.
Post-Acute Symptoms
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can occur in some. The withdrawal symptoms will last for longer than the normal timeline suggest. These include:
- Difficulty with memory.
- Inability to problem-solve.
- Insomnia.
- Irritability.
- Cravings.
- Depression.
Depression can last quite some time after you stop Desoxyn. The intensity of the symptoms can lead to attempted suicide. There is the potential of people becoming agitated which can lead to physical aggressiveness. Those who used the drug for a long time at high doses are at the greatest risk of severe withdrawal. This is also the case for someone who has mental health issues. This increases the risk of complications during withdrawal. This will require professional addiction treatment for the person to safely abstain and recover.
Withdrawal Timeline of Desoxyn
People abusing Desoxyn will often binge on them. This can last for many hours or days. Throughout the binge, they will feel less inclined to eat, sleep or take care of themselves. When the binge ends, symptoms can begin with 24 hours. The full withdrawal timeline traditionally lasts 1-2 weeks. The withdrawal timeline will vary based on the dose someone was using and how they were abusing it. Swallowing the drug lets it absorb more slowly than if you were snorting it, injecting or inhaling. Drugs absorbed more quickly will then leave the body faster.
What Can I Expect During Desoxyn Addiction Treatment?
Besides getting the medical care you need, an addiction center will help you manage common issues like insomnia, headaches, and anxiety. It’s also important to note that stimulants can cause seizures. During the detox phase, there is a risk of seizures from the lack of stimulants in the body. Sometimes, there it may be necessary to incorporate medication to help negate extreme aggression. For a short period of time, you may need a sedative medication like diazepam. A treatment center will ensure that you drink plenty of fluids as you’ll become dehydrated. They will also give you supplements to counteract the malnutrition caused. It is possible to get detox for Desoxyn addiction. This will help you manage the difficult symptoms of withdrawal. When the drug is no longer in the body, it becomes easier to manage withdrawal symptoms and start dealing with the reasons behind the addiction. There are a variety of therapeutic approaches which should be incorporated as part of the recovery process.
Behavioral Therapy for Addiction
It’s been found that the most effective treatment for Desoxyn addiction is behavioral therapy. It works by changing the way a person thinks about drugs and their attitude towards it. They can be one-on-one sessions or group sessions. There will be a combination of treatment to help an addict cope with psychological dependency. Forms of treatment can include family counseling which helps a family understand what’s happening. They can also talk about their feelings about the addict’s behavior. Most importantly, with the understanding, they can better support their loved one. There are 12-step programs and support groups that can help as a long-term recovery method. There will also be an encouragement to take up new hobbies that don’t include substance abuse. It’s important to replace negative habits with new, positive habits.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
This therapy will help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contributed to your Desoxyn abuse. When you begin to grasp this, it becomes easy to understand how to prevent abuse again.
Contingency management (CM)
This method of treatment will reward and reinforce good behaviors. This can be highly motivating and creates an association of good behavior (not abusing drugs) to positive feelings.
Motivational interviewing (MI)
This builds motivation within the addict to really want to make a change in their life. They create goals and the process helps them keep that commitment to meet the goals.
The Matrix Model
This is designed specifically for people abusing stimulants. It has seen positive rates of success for those addicted to forms of methamphetamine. It builds self-esteem and dignity using techniques from other recovery treatments. This includes:
- Relapse prevention.
- Individual therapy.
- Family therapy.
- Effective Group therapy.
- Education.
- Drug tests.
- Self-help groups.
While it’s rare that Desoxyn for weight loss or ADHD will be prescribed, it’s important to know the risks. It is pure methamphetamine, which is a drug that is highly abused. You should only be on it for a short amount of time as it has shown to be highly abused and easy to become addicted to. If you do start to abuse Desoxyn, it’s important that you speak to your doctor. If the abuse becomes a dependency, you may begin to see your life unravel. This will be the time to get professional help as addiction to Desoxyn can lead to you taking heavier street drugs. A doctor will not knowingly keep you on it for a long time. When you can no longer get the prescription, you may decide to purchase crystal meth instead. In so many states across the U.S. this is an easy drug to obtain. It’s important to get off the drug if you sense a dependency to it. A treatment program will help you to detox and rehabilitate so you can fully recover.
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