Desoxyn Withdrawal Signs, Symptoms, Side Effects, and Timeline

Desoxyn is a medication used to treat attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, teens, and adults as well as to promote short-term weight loss in cases of treatment-refractory obesity.^1,2,3

Desoxyn is a trade name for methamphetamine. It can create a euphoric high when used in high doses, which makes it a potential drug of abuse. Consistent misuse of Desoxyn can lead to the development of tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction.²

People who have been using the drug regularly and stop will likely experience a range of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous withdrawal effects that are best treated professionally.^4,5

Signs and symptoms include fatigue, hunger, weight loss, cravings, and anxiety and can last for 1-2 weeks. Potential medical complications include heart problems, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts.

Signs, Symptoms, and Effects of Desoxyn

When a person stops using Desoxyn, withdrawal signs and symptoms usually begin to appear within a 24-hour period.⁶

Physical Desoxyn withdrawal signs include:^4,5,6

• Appearing jittery.
• Dehydration.
• Hunger.
• Inability to sleep followed by long periods of sleep.
• Fatigue and lack of energy.
• Dulled senses.
• Chills.

Psychological symptoms of Desoxyn withdrawal include: ^4,5,6

• Intense cravings for Desoxyn.
• Anxiety and irritability.
• Poor memory.
• Lack of interest in pleasurable activities and socialization.
• Vivid dreams.

The greatest danger of Desoxyn withdrawal comes from mental health effects such as: ^4,6

• Depression.
• Delusional thinking with paranoia.
• Hallucinations that include seeing things or hearing things that are not present.

Someone in Desoxyn withdrawal can experience intense and lasting periods of depression. These symptoms can be so intense that the person attempts suicide.^4,5,6 Some people may also become extremely agitated and physically aggressive.⁶

Frequent, high-dose, long-term users are at the greatest risk for severe withdrawal. People with previous mental health concerns, such as depression, are at increased risk for serious complications during withdrawal.⁴ Additionally, people that abuse stimulants may become addicted to other substances, such as alcohol, which can complicate withdrawal.⁵

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms

Some people may experience what’s known as a post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), in which certain withdrawal effects persist beyond the normal withdrawal timeline.⁷

For stimulants such as Desoxyn, these signs and symptoms include:

• Impaired memory and problem-solving.
• Sleep problems.
• Irritability.
• Cravings.
• Depression. ⁷

Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 hours and last 1-2 weeks. People who abuse Desoxyn or other amphetamines commonly consume them in binges that can last for several hours or days.⁴ During this time, they usually have less interest in eating, sleeping, and other forms of self-care. When the binge ends, withdrawal symptoms can begin within 24 hours.⁶ The full Desoxyn withdrawal timeline lasts 1-2 weeks. ⁷

The Desoxyn withdrawal timeline depends on many factors, such as the dose and the route of administration. Swallowing Desoxyn allows the substance to be absorbed more slowly than snorting, injecting, or inhaling it.^4,8 Drugs that are absorbed more quickly tend to leave the body sooner.⁸ Someone who snorts, injects, or inhales Desoxyn will most likely have withdrawal effects sooner than someone who consumes it orally.

Medical Complications

Because stimulants can impact heart functioning and are associated with a number of other cardiovascular issues, some people may experience:⁵

• Ischemia (poor blood flow to the heart).
• Infarction (heart attack).
• Stroke.

Professionals in detox programs can also provide medical care and management for issues such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, and other symptoms that commonly emerge during Desoxyn withdrawal.⁶ Seizures are possible with stimulant abuse. Those at risk may experience seizures during the detoxification from stimulants as well.⁵

Some people may need medical intervention if they exhibit extreme agitation and aggression. These people may be administered a sedative medication such as diazepam or an antidepressant, such as trazodone, to reduce symptoms.^5,6 Likewise, people with intense depression may be prescribed an antidepressant medication to reduce the risk of self-harm.⁵

People in recovery from Desoxyn abuse should eat and drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration and nutritional needs.^4,5,6 Multivitamin supplements can also be helpful, as malnutrition is a common feature of chronic stimulant abuse.⁶

 

Read next: Desoxyn Withdrawal Medications and Help

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