What is Desoxyn?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects many individuals in the United States. It is a neurological disorder that leads to difficulties with focus, attention, and impulsivity. However, the good news is that therapy and medications can successfully treat most symptoms of ADHD. You can learn more about it at the NIMH ADHD treatment guideline.

Stimulant medications are often the first-line choice for ADHD. One stimulant option is Desoxyn, an ADHD medication. Desoxyn is the brand name for methamphetamine hydrochloride. Yes, you read that right, Desoxyn is an FDA-approved pharmaceutical-grade methamphetamine for ADHD. It is FDA-approved to treat children ages 6 and older and adults with ADHD. Desoxyn is also approved to treat obesity in some cases.

According to the DEA controlled substance schedules, Desoxyn is a Schedule II controlled substance with an extremely high abuse potential, so it is not typically prescribed as a first line of treatment, but more for cases of ADHD that are resistant to other medications.

Here at ADHD Advisor, we treat adults ages 18 and older.

How Desoxyn Works

Desoxyn works for ADHD by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. It does this by blocking reabsorption or reuptake while simultaneously promoting the release of these two neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Dopamine and norepinephrine are associated with behaviors such as attention, focus, and hyperactivity. By allowing the brain more access to these naturally occurring chemicals, ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, focus problems, and hyperactivity, are more manageable.

Desoxyn is a more potent CNS stimulant than most ADHD stimulants, and is typically used only when other treatments are ineffective. It is a Schedule II controlled substance like other stimulants; however, due to its higher potency, it carries a greater risk of abuse and should be reserved for cases that do not respond to standard treatments. Desoxyn is not prescribed as often as other stimulants, but it is helpful in severe cases of ADHD.

Who Can Take Desoxyn

Desoxyn is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 and older, adolescents, and adults. It is not typically a first-choice treatment but is used when other treatment options are not working.  It is also prescribed as a short-term obesity treatment, but only when other methods have not worked sufficiently.

Individuals with severe ADHD symptoms who have not responded well to other medications or can not tolerate other drugs may be started on Desoxyn.

Anyone who has allergies to amphetamine products should not take Desoxyn ADHD medication. There are other medical conditions or situations in which you should not take Desoxyn.

Contraindications

There are some people who shouldn't take Desoxyn ADHD medication. For example, anyone who takes MAOIs or has taken any in the past 14 days should not start methamphetamine, as these drug interactions can cause a life-threatening condition. Some other individuals who should avoid taking Desoxyn include people with:

• Substance use disorder
• Cardiovascular disease
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychotic disorders
• Arteriosclerosis
• Glaucoma
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypertension
• Seizures
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Raynaud's (blood vessel disease)
• Recent strokes or heart attacks

Dosages and Administration

Let's look at some standard dosages for Desoxyn. These are all average starting dosing points, and only a licensed clinician can determine which dose schedule works best for you. For more information, check with the FDA Desoxyn Prescribing Information.

Children 6+

Remember, ADHD Advisor only treats adults 18 and older with ADHD. The standard starting dose of Desoxyn for children is 5 mg once daily. Dosage is gradually increased by 5mg every week until the optimal dose is found. The maximum children's dose is usually 25 mg per day.

Adults 18+

Adults start at 5mg once or twice daily. Dosages can be titrated weekly as needed.  The average Desoxyn dosage for adults is around 20-25 mg divided into two daily doses.

Doses for both children and adults are usually given in the morning and again around lunch, with doses spaced 4–6 hours apart. It's best to avoid a late evening Desoxyn dosage as it can cause insomnia.

Side Effects and Risks

Most medicines do come with some side effects and risks. For more side effects information, check with the DailyMed: methamphetamine. Let's take a look at some of the Desoxyn side effects that you should be aware of.

Cardiovascular Risks

There are some potential cardiovascular risks that come from taking Desoxyn. Some potential cardiovascular risks can include: (FDA Desoxyn Prescribing Information)

• Increase heart rate and blood pressure
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Arrhythmia
• Raynaud's phenomenon (blood flow issue)
• Sudden death

Psychiatric Risks

Some psychiatric side effects can occur. These psychiatric side effects include:

• Hallucinations and delusions, which can eventually lead to psychosis
• Mania
• Paranoia
• Aggression
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Tics
• Abuse, misuse, dependence, and tolerance

It's important that you talk to your doctor about any preexisting mental health conditions, as Desoxyn can worsen your symptoms. Your doctor will monitor you for any new psychiatric symptoms.

Common Side Effects

As with any medication, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. Some possible Desoxyn side effects include: (MedlinePlus: methamphetamine)

• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Racing heart
• Joint pain

If you are experiencing any side effects, let your clinician know right away. If you are experiencing adverse side effects, report them to the FDA's MedWatch.

FDA's Boxed Warning

The boxed warning for Desoxyn states that it carries a high risk for developing a substance use disorder, misuse, and abuse. Misuse of this medication can lead to overdose and death. Serious cardiovascular adverse events have occurred after taking Desoxyn, including stroke.

Desoxyn vs. Other ADHD Medications

Let's see how Desoxyn compares to other ADHD medications.

Desoxyn vs Adderall/Vyvanse

Desoxyn, Adderall, and Vyvanse are all stimulant medications for managing symptoms of ADHD. Desoxyn is stronger and typically produces a more potent stimulant effect. When comparing Desoxyn vs Adderall, Desoxyn is methamphetamine, and Adderall is a mixed amphetamine salt.

As Desoxyn is more potent, it has a higher potential for abuse and is typically not a first-line treatment like Adderall or Vyvanse. However, in cases where people are not responding well to them, Desoxyn can be a potential alternative treatment.  Adderall and Vyvanse are available in both immediate- and extended-release formulations, while Desoxyn is available only as an immediate-release tablet.

Desoxyn vs Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta)

Desoxyn and methylphenidate drugs like Ritalin or Concerta are CNS stimulant drugs that help manage ADHD symptoms but have a different mechanism of action. Methylphenidate drugs block the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine, while Desoxyn helps release these neurotransmitters, along with serotonin, and blocks their reabsorption, leading to more neurotransmitters available. 

Methylphenidate is a first-line ADHD treatment for symptoms related to focus, inattention, and hyperactivity. Desoxyn is reserved for cases that are resistant to other treatments.

Desoxyn vs Dexedrine/Zenzedi

Desoxyn and Dexedrine or Zenzedi are all stimulant medications for ADHD in the amphetamine class, but Desoxyn is significantly more potent. Both types of ADHD medications can treat similar symptoms, but Dexedrine is a first-line treatment option. Dexedrine and Zenzedi are also available in different forms, including extended-release and immediate-release, as well as a liquid version, while Desoxyn is only available in tablet form.

ADHD Care with ADHD Advisor: Therapy, Non-Stimulants, and Stimulant Availability

According to the CDC ADHD treatment guidance, ADHD is a treatable condition. With therapy and both non-stimulant and stimulant medications, you can manage ADHD symptoms effectively. At ADHD Advisor, we offer nationwide ADHD treatment that includes therapy and non-stimulant medications. We also provide stimulant medications, like Desoxyn, in specific states where we prescribe them if needed.

At ADHD Advisor, you can expect to receive both therapy and ADHD medication online via telehealth. We can also help you with your prescription fulfillment and electronically send your prescriptions to your pharmacy of choice as needed.

ADHD Advisor only works with adults who are 18 years of age or older. It's also important to note that we do not bill insurance companies. We can provide you with a superbill that shows the services you received. You may be able to potentially submit it for reimbursement, depending on your provider and plan.  Now, let's look at how to get diagnosed with ADHD online using our simple step-by-step process.

Step-by-Step Process

To learn how to get tested for ADHD online, please follow the following easy steps.

1. The first step in the process of getting diagnosed with ADHD online is to take our online intake form. This form will ask you about your health history and ADHD symptoms.
2. Next, you will have your ADHD evaluation via telehealth with one of our licensed clinicians. During this evaluation, you and your doctor will discuss your symptoms and the intake form so they can determine if you have ADHD.
3. Following your evaluation appointment, the clinician will put together a personalized treatment plan for you. This plan may include therapy, non-stimulant medication, and stimulant medications, if necessary and if you live in one of the states where we prescribe them.
4. If you live in one of the select states and the clinician determines you would be a good candidate, ADHD Advisor can help you obtain a Desoxyn prescription online.
5. Finally, you will have regular follow-up appointments. At these appointments, your clinician will discuss your symptoms' improvement and side effects, adjust the dosage when necessary, and ensure the medication is working safely.
   
   

State Availability Examples

According to the DEA telemedicine rule update, we can continue telehealth treatment without an in-person visit until further updates. But we still only prescribe stimulant medications in certain states, including Texas and Florida.

Texas

Currently, Texas is one of the states where ADHD Advisor can provide stimulant medications when needed, including a Desoxyn prescription online. You could also receive different stimulant medications if you reside in Texas, and the professional would think it's best. For example, you could receive online Adderall in Texas if your provider decided it would be the best first-line treatment option for you.

Florida

Similarly, we can prescribe stimulant medications when necessary in Florida. For example, your online ADHD doctor in Florida could write you a prescription for a stimulant medication, including Desoxyn, if they determine you would benefit from it for your ADHD symptoms.

Telehealth laws regarding stimulant prescribing are constantly changing, so it is a good idea to check the HHS telehealth prescribing rules and our state-specific pages to stay up to date.

Access, Cost & Insurance

Methamphetamine hydrochloride is only available as the brand name Desoxyn in the United States. Without insurance, it is expensive, costing over $1,000 for 5 mg tablets.  Desoxyn ADHD medication, does cost more than most ADHD medications on the market. 

Some insurance companies may provide some coverage of the medication, but due to its high potential for abuse, prior authorization is typically required.  Again, ADHD Advisor doesn't bill insurance, but we will provide you with a superbill to submit to your provider for possible reimbursement of the Desoxyn cost.

2025 FDA Label Update

The FDA already has a black box warning on stimulant drugs. However, in the summer of 2025, the FDA added an FDA stimulant safety update.

The expanded warning states that stimulant drugs have been shown to cause weight loss and growth suppression in children under 6 years of age. A "Limitation of Use" section states that studies have found that elevated levels of the drug were found in children in this age range than other ages. High levels of the medication were leading to unwanted side effects, including growth suppression and significant weight loss.

FDA approval for Desoxyn is for children ages 6 and up, but at ADHD Advisor, we only treat adults ages 18 and older.

FAQs

Is Desoxyn addictive?

Yes, Desoxyn is considered to be addictive and carries an extremely high risk. Desoxyn is a stimulant and Schedule II controlled substance because it has a high potential for abuse, misuse, and the development of a substance use disorder. 

Desoxyn is considered more potent than other stimulants, which is why it typically carries a higher risk than other stimulant drugs.

Why would a doctor prescribe Desoxyn instead of Adderall?

A doctor might prescribe Desoxyn over Adderall if the patient has already been on other stimulant medications and symptoms do not seem to improve. Desoxyn is reserved for resistant ADHD cases, so it would be chosen only when other ADHD treatment methods are not working to manage symptoms or the individual is unable to tolerate other stimulants.

Can ADHD Advisor prescribe Desoxyn?

Yes, ADHD Advisor could potentially prescribe Desoxyn in select states, and only when clinically appropriate, usually in special cases where other stimulant medications are not managing symptoms well.

How long does Desoxyn last?

Desoxyn is an immediate-release formulation, and its effects tend to start relatively quickly and last 4 to 6 hours per dose, which is why it is often given twice a day for all-day symptom relief.

What if I miss a dose?

If you happen to miss a dose of Desoxyn, just go ahead and skip it. Do not ever take a double dose. If you miss one, just wait until your next scheduled dose and take it on time.