What is Methamphetamine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Methamphetamine is a prescription stimulant medication that's legally available for very specific medical conditions when prescribed by a doctor. It's sold under brand names like Desoxyn and belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system stimulants. While you might know methamphetamine from news stories about illegal drug use, the prescription form is carefully regulated and used in controlled medical settings for legitimate health purposes.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant medication that affects your brain's chemical messengers, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. In its prescription form, it comes as small tablets that doctors prescribe for very limited medical conditions. The medication works by increasing activity in your central nervous system, which includes your brain and spinal cord.

This is a controlled substance, meaning it has strict regulations around its use because of its potential for abuse and dependence. Your doctor will only prescribe it when other treatments haven't worked and the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. The prescription version is manufactured in controlled facilities and contains precise doses, unlike illegal versions that are unpredictable and dangerous.

What is Methamphetamine Used For?

Doctors prescribe methamphetamine for two main conditions: severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a specific type of obesity. For ADHD, it's typically reserved for cases where other stimulant medications haven't been effective. The medication helps improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and increase attention span in people whose brains don't produce enough of certain chemicals naturally.

For obesity treatment, methamphetamine is only prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight management program that includes diet changes and exercise. It works by suppressing appetite, but doctors use it very cautiously and only for short periods. This use is quite rare because other medications are usually tried first due to methamphetamine's potential for serious side effects.

It's worth noting that many doctors prefer other stimulant medications for ADHD treatment because they have similar benefits with potentially fewer risks. Your doctor will carefully consider your medical history and other factors before deciding if methamphetamine is the right choice for you.

How Does Methamphetamine Work?

Methamphetamine is considered a very strong stimulant that works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These chemicals help control attention, movement, and feelings of pleasure and reward. When someone has ADHD, their brain doesn't produce enough of these chemicals naturally, which can make it hard to focus or control impulses.

The medication essentially gives your brain more of these important chemicals to work with. This can help improve concentration, reduce hyperactive behavior, and make it easier to complete tasks. However, because it's such a powerful medication, it can also affect other parts of your body, including your heart rate, blood pressure, and appetite.

Unlike some medications that build up in your system over time, methamphetamine starts working relatively quickly after you take it. The effects typically last several hours, which is why doctors usually prescribe it to be taken once or twice daily. The strength of this medication is why it's reserved for cases where other treatments haven't been successful.

How Should I Take Methamphetamine?

Always take methamphetamine exactly as your doctor prescribes it, typically once or twice daily in the morning. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food might help reduce stomach upset if you experience that side effect. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water and don't crush, chew, or break it.

Taking this medication early in the day is important because it can interfere with your sleep if taken too late. Most doctors recommend taking your last dose at least 6 hours before bedtime. If you're taking it twice daily, your doctor will likely suggest taking the second dose in the early afternoon rather than evening.

Here are some important guidelines to follow when taking your medication:

• Take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in your body
• Don't take extra doses even if you feel like the medication isn't working as well
• Store it in a secure place where others can't access it
• Never share your medication with anyone else
• Keep track of your pills to make sure none are missing

Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it based on how you respond. This careful approach helps minimize side effects while finding the most effective dose for your specific needs.

How Long Should I Take Methamphetamine For?

The length of time you'll take methamphetamine depends on your specific condition and how well you respond to treatment. For ADHD, some people may need long-term treatment, while others might use it for shorter periods. Your doctor will regularly evaluate whether the medication is still necessary and beneficial for you.

For obesity treatment, methamphetamine is typically prescribed for much shorter periods, usually just a few weeks to a few months. This is because the body can develop tolerance to its appetite-suppressing effects, and longer use increases the risk of dependence and serious side effects.

Your doctor will want to see you regularly while you're taking this medication to monitor your progress and check for any concerning side effects. They may recommend periodic breaks from the medication to see if you still need it. Never stop taking methamphetamine suddenly without talking to your doctor first, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms like severe fatigue, depression, and increased appetite.

What Are the Side Effects of Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine can cause a range of side effects, from mild to serious. Most people experience some side effects, especially when first starting the medication, but many of these improve as your body adjusts. However, because this is such a powerful medication, it's important to be aware of all possible effects.

Common side effects that many people experience include:

• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Trouble sleeping or insomnia
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Dry mouth and increased thirst
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Stomach upset or nausea

These common effects often become less bothersome as your body gets used to the medication, but let your doctor know if they're interfering with your daily life.

More serious side effects require immediate medical attention and include:

• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe mood changes or aggression
• Signs of psychosis like hallucinations or paranoia
• Uncontrolled muscle movements or tics
• Severe skin reactions or rashes

If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care. Don't wait to see if they improve on their own.

Rare but very serious complications can include heart problems, stroke, seizures, and severe mental health changes. Your doctor will monitor you closely for these risks, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Regular check-ups and honest communication with your healthcare provider are essential for safe use of this medication.

Who Should Not Take Methamphetamine?

Several groups of people should not take methamphetamine because the risks are too high. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication to make sure it's safe for you. Being honest about your health conditions and other medications is crucial for your safety.

You should not take methamphetamine if you have:

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, or irregular heartbeat
• A history of stroke or blood vessel problems
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Glaucoma or other serious eye problems
• Severe anxiety, agitation, or mental health conditions
• A history of drug or alcohol abuse
• Taken MAO inhibitors in the past 14 days

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take methamphetamine because it can harm the developing baby. If you're planning to become pregnant or discover you're pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately to discuss safer alternatives.

People with certain rare conditions also need to avoid this medication:

• Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor that affects blood pressure)
• Severe liver or kidney disease
• Tourette's syndrome or other tic disorders
• Certain types of seizure disorders

Even if you don't have these conditions, your doctor will consider your age, overall health, and other medications before prescribing methamphetamine. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects and may need different treatment approaches.

Methamphetamine Brand Names

The most common brand name for prescription methamphetamine is Desoxyn, which is manufactured by Recordati Rare Diseases. This is the primary brand available in the United States for legitimate medical use. The medication comes in small, white tablets in different strengths, typically 5mg.

Unlike many other medications, there aren't multiple brand names for methamphetamine because it's such a controlled substance with limited medical uses. Generic versions may be available, but your pharmacy will need special authorization to stock and dispense any form of this medication.

Your prescription will likely specify the exact brand and strength your doctor wants you to take. Don't switch between different manufacturers without discussing it with your doctor first, as there might be slight differences in how your body absorbs different versions of the medication.

Methamphetamine Alternatives

Several other medications can treat ADHD and obesity with potentially fewer risks than methamphetamine. For ADHD, doctors usually try other stimulant medications first, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) or amphetamine salts (Adderall). These medications work similarly but are often considered safer for most people.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications are another option, including atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and bupropion (Wellbutrin). These work differently than stimulants and may be better choices for people who can't take stimulant medications or don't respond well to them.

For weight management, many other medications are available that don't carry the same risks as methamphetamine. These include orlistat (Alli, Xenical), phentermine, and newer medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy). Your doctor will consider these alternatives before suggesting methamphetamine for weight loss.

Behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and other non-medication approaches are also important parts of treating both ADHD and obesity. Many people find that combining these approaches with medication gives them the best results with fewer side effects.

Is Methamphetamine Better Than Adderall?

Methamphetamine and Adderall are both stimulant medications, but they're not necessarily better or worse than each other. The choice between them depends on your individual needs, medical history, and how you respond to each medication. Most doctors prefer to try Adderall first because it has been studied more extensively and is generally considered to have a better safety profile.

Both medications work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, but they do this in slightly different ways. Methamphetamine is more potent, meaning it has stronger effects at lower doses. This can be helpful for people who don't respond to other stimulants, but it also means there's a higher risk of side effects.

Adderall is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, giving doctors more flexibility in dosing. It's also been used for ADHD treatment much longer than methamphetamine, so doctors have more experience with it. However, some people who don't respond well to Adderall may find that methamphetamine works better for them.

The decision between these medications should always be made with your doctor based on your specific situation. They'll consider factors like your medical history, other medications you're taking, and how you've responded to previous treatments.