Desoxyn is a prescription stimulant that’s used to treat people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as weight loss for patients with obesity.
What comes as a shock to many is that Desoxyn contains the drug methamphetamine, but this isn’t the same type of street meth that’s cut or mixed with dangerous additives like baby powder, baking soda, powdered milk, and even other drugs. Rather, Desoxyn is a controlled dose of methamphetamine that’s made in a medical lab.
As safe as it is, this medication is still addictive, and those with loved ones taking the medication should always be on the lookout for signs of Desoxyn abuse.
How Does Desoxyn Work?
The methamphetamine in Desoxyn is part of a class of drugs called amphetamines. Other drugs in this class include Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin.
As a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, Desoxyn works by increasing a group of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain called monoamines, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Generally, the prescribed Desoxyn dosage is low to prevent too high of an increase in these chemicals and is gradually adjusted over time if needed.
The increase of these chemicals in the brain improves concentration and decreases the fatigue that’s common in people with ADHD. Stimulants also suppress appetite, making Desoxyn pills effective for individuals with obesity who want to lose weight.
Desoxyn Abuse
While Desoxyn is a legal prescription stimulant, it does have the potential for abuse. Dopamine – a chemical that Desoxyn stimulates in the brain – is linked to improved mood, pleasure, and a sense of well-being.
Dopamine is naturally released when we do something pleasurable, such as eating. However, people may abuse Desoxyn by taking higher doses than prescribed, which triggers a spike in dopamine levels and a euphoric high.
In addition to taking the drug in high doses, using the drug without a Desoxyn prescription can also increase the likelihood of becoming addicted. This is a growing problem among college students and others who believe stimulants improve performance.
Those looking to get high may also mix Desoxyn with other stimulants or drugs to intensify its effects. The methamphetamine in this drug can lead to stronger and longer-lasting symptoms than other stimulants, with effects lasting as long as eight hours.
Despite these dangers and the many warnings and restrictions placed on Desoxyn tablets and pills, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that about 12 million people have abused methamphetamine at some point in their lives.1 While this figure includes those who abused street meth, in 2014, there were 1.6 million people in the U.S. who admitted to current stimulant abuse, including prescription stimulants.2
Signs and Symptoms of Desoxyn Addiction
When it comes to the misuse of prescription medications, it can be challenging to determine whether normal use has turned into abuse. Especially if someone was prescribed Desoxyn for a particular condition, it could be hard to tell whether they’re overdoing their use of it or not.
To be clear, if a person is prescribed medication and takes it as directed by a doctor for the reason it was prescribed, then it’s not considered abuse. However, things like taking the medication without a prescription, using it longer than directed, using higher doses than prescribed, or taking it with other medications that weren’t approved are all examples of drug abuse.
If you suspect that a loved one is not taking Desoxyn correctly, below are some common signs of Desoxyn abuse to look out for:
- An increased sense of well-being
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Decreased appetite
- High blood pressure
- Fast pulse/heart rate
- Higher body temperature
- Impaired judgment
- Increased energy and alertness with decreased need for sleep
- Irritability and restlessness
- Moments of intense fatigue from crashing after effects wear off
- Sense of enhanced mental abilities
- Sweating
- Tremors and shaking
Behavioral signs of Desoxyn addiction may also include:
- Using larger doses than prescribed
- Using the drug in a way that’s not approved for safe use to intensify its effects, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Using the medication more often than prescribed
- Using the substance without a prescription/using another person’s prescription
- Asking others for their prescriptions
- Going to different doctors for more prescriptions (doctor shopping)
- Lying about symptoms to get a Desoxyn prescription
Some of the signs and symptoms mentioned may be normal side effects of Desoxyn. However, if you notice behavioral signs or changes in character, then the individual may need the help of a facility like our Chicago PHP rehab to get sober.
Desoxyn Addiction Treatment
Due to its effects on dopamine, long-term Desoxyn abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to the forced surge in dopamine and becomes reliant on the drug to feel good.
Fortunately, our Chicago rehab offers prescription drug addiction treatment to help people addicted to their medications get clean for good. If you or someone you care about is showing signs of Desoxyn abuse, don’t wait to get help.
Call Banyan Treatment Centers today at 888-280-4763 to get started with our Illinois addiction treatment.
Sources:
DEA – Methamphetamine
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