Desoxyn Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment Options

Desoxyn is the brand name of a medication approved to treat ADHD in children 6 and over as well for the short-term treatment of obesity in children and adults over the age of 12.¹  Desoxyn contains methamphetamine, which is frequently abused, particularly in its illicit forms.³

Addiction, tolerance, and physical dependence are concerns for anyone who consumes Desoxyn.^1,2,3 Tolerance is the need for higher doses or more frequent use to produce the wanted effects.¹ After a while, those who use Desoxyn may begin to feel and function normally only when the drug is present (dependence).

When a dependent person stops using Desoxyn or reduces the dose, they will experience uncomfortable and potentially dangerous effects called withdrawal symptoms as their body readjusts to the absence of Desoxyn.^5,6,7

Desoxyn withdrawal symptoms are the same as other methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Severe complications such as agitation, violence, and suicidal thoughts are possible. Depression during withdrawal is also common.^5,6,7

Someone who wants to end or reduce their Desoxyn use should consult a medical or addiction professional. Treatment for addiction often begins with a formal detox period followed by individual and/or group counseling in an inpatient, outpatient, or 12-step program.

The Desoxyn withdrawal timeline depends on many factors, such as the dose and the route of administration.
When a person stops taking Desoxyn, it can trigger withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include:^5,6,7

• Sleeping and eating more than usual.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Agitation and irritability.
• Muscle aches.
• Mental confusion.
• Poor memory.
• Intense dreams.
• Strong cravings for more stimulants.

Suicidal ideation or attempted violence toward others is possible due to agitation, confusion, and severe depression.⁷ In some cases, paranoia and hallucinations can occur, which further illustrate the need for professional treatment. ⁶

Desoxyn Withdrawal Treatment Options

Detoxing in a rehab center reduces the chance that the person will seek more Desoxyn. Desoxyn withdrawal can be managed in a variety of treatment settings, including:^4,5,6,7

• Inpatient/residential centers. Inpatient or residential treatment means the person lives on-site throughout treatment. Inpatient is typically more intensive, with 24-hour care from medical staff in a setting that resembles a hospital. Though similar in terms of round-the-clock supervision, residential settings may appear more like a home, with additional comforts and freedom to move throughout the center.
• Outpatient centers. Outpatient treatment means a person can return to their home or another off-site living arrangement while attending treatment during the day. This level of care is a suitable option for someone with a good support system and a lower risk of relapse. Treatment can be up to six hours each day (partial hospitalization program, or PHP), several hours a few times weekly (intensive outpatient program or IOP), or as little as 1 hour per week.

Detoxing in a rehabilitation center or hospital can greatly reduce the chance that the person will seek more Desoxyn before the treatment is over. Additionally, treatment professionals can monitor the person’s needs, improve their comfort, and manage any complications that arise.⁵

If the person detoxing becomes violent or suicidal, medical professionals can also intervene to prevent harm or self-injury.

Learn more about Desoxyn withdrawal treatment and medications.

Detoxing, Addiction Treatment, Rehab, and Recovery

Once detox is complete, someone seeking to recover from Desoxyn addiction should maintain ongoing treatment, since detox alone does little to end long-term substance use.⁴ Addiction treatment can take place in inpatient/residential or outpatient settings, and it is often augmented by participation in a 12-step program such as Narcotics Anonymous.

Whether set in an outpatient or inpatient center, substance abuse treatment will involve some combination of therapy, including:⁴

• Individual therapy – a person in recovery meets one-on-one with a therapist
• Group therapy – 2 or more group members meet with at least one therapist
• Family therapy – therapists meet with the recovering user and one or more family members or loved ones
• Support groups – a group of people with similar addictions provide fellowship and a sense of community

Many inpatient and outpatient programs treat stimulant users. These rehabilitation programs also help recovering users maintain their sobriety by helping them address common problems, such as counterproductive behaviors and boredom. Physician treatment professionals may also prescribe and monitor the use of antidepressants or other appropriate medications to address symptoms such as depression.⁵