Methamphetamine Tablets

What is this medication?

METHAMPHETAMINE (meth am FET a meen) treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving focus and reducing impulsive behavior. It belongs to a group of medications called stimulants.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Desoxyn

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes (Raynaud's)
• Glaucoma
• Hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels
• Heart disease or a heart defect
• High blood pressure
• History of stroke
• History of substance use disorder
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental health condition
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• Thyroid disease
• Tourette's syndrome
• An unusual or allergic reaction to methamphetamine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• Other stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Atomoxetine
• Caffeine
• Certain medications for blood pressure
• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Certain medications for diabetes
• Cold or allergy medications
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your care team and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your care team every time you need a refill.

This medication may affect your concentration or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this medication affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Tell your care team if this medication loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without talking to your care team.

Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medication. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your care team if you continue to have poor eating habits.

This medication may slow your child's growth if it is taken for a long time at high doses. Your care team will monitor your child's growth.

Do not take this medication close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

If you are going to need surgery, an MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. You may need to stop taking this medication before the procedure.

This medication may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your care team before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medication.

If you have been taking this medication for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medication. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a medication for a nonmedical reason. If your care team wants you to stop the medication, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

Tell your care team right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers and toes while taking this medication. You should also tell your care team if you experience numbness or pain, changes in the skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Seizures
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Blurry vision
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Tremors or shaking
• Trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways.

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.