What Is Desoxyn?
Desoxyn is the brand name for the generic drug methamphetamine hydrochloride. It is a stimulant typically prescribed for children with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity, and adults struggling with obesity.
Desoxyn comes in tablet form and is generally prescribed with caution. Because of the addictive qualities of methamphetamine and risk of overdosage and use, Desoxyn prescriptions are limited and only prescribed in small amounts as needed.
Doctors are aware of the limited usefulness of prescribing Desoxyn when weighed against the inherent risks of using methamphetamine and prescribe it sparingly. Desoxyn tablets are a DEA schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a strong potential for use.
As a stimulant, Desoxyn increases mental alertness and produces energizing effects. By affecting areas of the brain associated with mood and movement, Desoxyn may cause an intense rush when people take it for nonmedical reasons.
Methamphetamine increases a natural chemical called dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine is associated with pleasure, and when a person takes more Desoxyn than recommended, they’ll likely have excess amounts of dopamine in their system. The excess dopamine may result in extreme depression when a person stops using the drug.
Methamphetamine is extensively used, and even those prescribed Desoxyn are at risk of abusing it. With excessive use, tolerance, psychological dependence and extreme behavior may occur.
Desoxyn use may lead to addiction and adverse health effects. A person misusing the drug will likely show signs and symptoms of Desoxyn use and addiction.
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Signs And Symptoms Of Desoxyn Use And Addiction
Due to the stimulating effects, people suffering from Desoxyn use may experience sudden bursts of energy, excitement and talkativeness.
People misusing Desoxyn may be able to function without food or sleep for days at a time.
While on Desoxyn, people may show the following signs and symptoms of use:
- dilated pupils
- euphoria
- grinding teeth
- increase in physical activity
- irritability
- loss of appetite
- paranoia
- performing repetitive or unnecessary tasks
- sleeplessness
- tremors
- unusual amounts of energy
Desoxyn use may also cause changes in personality and mood. A person is likely to appear on edge, restless and hyperactive (full of energy).
Physical symptoms of use include high blood pressure, increased breathing rate, headache, a rise in body temperature, sweating and nausea.
Methamphetamine use is likely to cause anxiety and unpredictable behavior that may turn violent. People suffering from severe Desoxyn addiction may also neglect basic hygiene, look pale and unhealthy and have visible sores from itching and scratching.
A person suffering from Desoxyn use and addiction will likely show characteristics of drug-seeking behavior. Using Desoxyn will likely be the top priority, and they may continue to use it despite obvious harm to themselves and others.
Desoxyn use and addiction may produce severe, long-term health and behavioral effects. Many of these harmful effects highlight the dangers of Desoxyn use and addiction.
The Dangers Of Desoxyn Use And Addiction
Long-term Desoxyn use is dangerous. Adverse health effects are likely to occur, and may include liver damage, heart infections, a weakened immune system, stroke and brain damage.
Desoxyn use over long periods of time may also cause extreme changes in behavior. A person may experience prolonged bouts of paranoia and anxiety, hallucinations, psychotic behavior and suicidal thoughts.
Tweaking is a dangerous symptom of Desoxyn and methamphetamine use. Tweaking refers to a period of use where the person doesn’t sleep for a long time, usually between 3-15 days.
During the tweaking period a person may battle tolerance to Desoxyn by seeking out methamphetamine in other ways, like smoking crystal meth or injecting a liquid solvent. Their behavior will likely be erratic and paranoid, and they may be violent and engage in unlawful activities.
Desoxyn may also cause overdose, which can be fatal. A person may begin to show symptoms of overdose after taking too much Desoxyn, and may include:
- abdominal cramps
- aggression
- confusion
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- involuntary limb movements
- nausea
- panic
- rapid breathing rate
- vomiting
Overdose from Desoxyn can result in seizure, coma and death. If someone is overdosing, 9-1-1 should be contacted immediately.
Desoxyn use can also cause heart problems, stroke and sudden death in children and adolescents.
People with pre-existing mental health conditions are also at risk of experiencing psychosis, or a lost sense of reality. Stimulants like Desoxyn may produce manic behavior, delusional thinking and depression for people with a history of mental illness.
Although there are several dangers inherent to Desoxyn use and addiction, it may be difficult to stop using the drug because of uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal.
Desoxyn Withdrawal And Detox
Withdrawal occurs as a result of drug dependence. A drug dependence means a person has to have the drug in order to avoid feeling sick or uncomfortable (withdrawal).
Desoxyn is also likely to cause psychological dependence, which means a person may need it to feel any pleasure, and will likely feel very bad when they stop using it.
Because a person likely developed a psychological dependence to Desoxyn, the crash may be debilitating and painful. Stopping use of Desoxyn may cause fatigue and severe depression.
Other symptoms of withdrawal likely include:
- anxiety
- fatigue
- intense drug cravings
- nervousness
- outbursts of anger
- psychosis (losing touch with reality)
- severe depression
The psychological symptoms of withdrawal can be intense, and may lead to the person using more Desoxyn or other drugs to help alleviate symptoms. Getting through withdrawal symptoms, or the detoxification process, can be difficult for a person to do on their own.
A medically supervised detox may be useful for people with severe addiction. Detox is the process by which the body rids itself of harmful toxins, and medical supervision can help keep a person safe and comfortable.
By taking place at a hospital or inpatient treatment center, a medically supervised detox likely provides close observation by staff, administration of medication when necessary and a network of support to help a person through the worst of withdrawal.
While going through detox is an important aspect for dealing with Desoxyn use and addiction, it is not a treatment or cure.
Following detox, a variety of treatment options should be implemented to give a person the best possible chances for recovery.
Treatment Options For Desoxyn Use And Addiction
Treatment for most substance use disorders (SUD) involve a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.
Currently, there are no government-approved medications for treating Desoxyn, or methamphetamine, use and addiction. However, research is currently being conducted to find medications effective for treating addictions to stimulants.
The most effective treatment for Desoxyn addiction is behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy aims to change a person’s thinking and attitudes towards drugs, and may include one on one counseling, group sessions or other more intensive therapies.
Effective behavioral therapies for treating Desoxyn and methamphetamine addiction include a combination of a wide variety of treatments to best serve the psychological dependence caused by Desoxyn use.
Some of these treatment combinations may include family counseling, 12-step programs and peer support groups, encouragement to participate in drug-free activities, family education and drug testing.
Contingency management, or motivational incentives, have also shown success for treating methamphetamine addiction. This form of behavioral therapy involves the use of rewards to acknowledge drug-free behavior. Rewards, or incentives, will likely be tangible and desirable for persons receiving treatment.
Behavioral therapy is likely most successful at an inpatient residential treatment center. Inpatient treatment centers provide a stable environment for recovery, as well as peer support and around the clock medical care.
Contact us today for more information on Desoxyn use, addiction and treatment options.
