Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Desoxyn (METHAMPHETAMINE)

Amphetamines are non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amines with CNS stimulant activity.

Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is a small molecule amphetamine anorectic that targets the sodium-dependent noradrenaline transporter. Originally developed by Recordati Rare and currently owned by Ajenat Pharms, it was FDA-approved in 1943 for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. As an off-patent medication, Desoxyn is available as a generic from multiple manufacturers. Key safety considerations include its potential for abuse and dependence. Commercially, Desoxyn is available as a generic medication.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Amphetamines act as non-catecholamine sympathomimetic amines, which means they mimic the effects of substances like adrenaline but do not contain catechol groups. They have central nervous system stimulant properties, though the exact mechanism for treating ADHD is unknown.

Approved indications

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Obesity

Boxed warnings

• Methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methamphetamine, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage ( 10 )] , and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing methamphetamine, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout methamphetamine treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9.2 )] . WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including methamphetamine, can result in overdose and death. ( 5.1 , 9.2 , 10 ): • Before prescribing methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. • Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of each drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. • Throughout treatment, reassess each patient’s risk and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Common side effects

• Rhabdomyolysis
• Suppression of growth
• Cardiovascular: Fatal cardiorespiratory arrest
• Psychotic episodes
• Elevation of blood pressure
• Tachycardia and palpitation
• Dizziness
• Dysphoria
• Overstimulation
• Euphoria
• Insomnia
• Tremor

Drug interactions

• Ioflupane I-123
• pargyline
• phenelzine
• tranylcypromine

Key clinical trials

• Methamphetamine Isomer Pharmacology in Humans (PHASE1)
• Implementing a Contingency Management Program Addressing Methamphetamine Use For and With the People of Hawaii (NA)
• tTIS Targeted of the Striatum as an Intervention for MUD Patients (NA)
• Data2Action Oregon Project: Supporting Data-driven Decision-Making for Substance Use Services, Policy, and Overdose Prevention (NA)
• Reliability, Validity, and Acceptability of a Novel Visual Scale for Estimating Daily Methamphetamine Use Among People Who Use Methamphetamine
• ECG Findings in Methamphetamine Use
• Psychiatric Symptom Characteristics in Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis With and Without Lifetime Cannabis Use
• Psychiatric Symptom Predictors in Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Desoxyn CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Desoxyn updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Ajenat Pharms portfolio CI