Desoxyn Is a Prescription Stimulant Used Primarily to Treat ADHD

Desoxyn (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 and older, and for short-term treatment of obesity when other therapies have failed.

If you've heard the name and have questions — or concerns — you're not alone. Desoxyn is one of the most misunderstood medications in the United States. This guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, how it's used, who makes it, how much it costs, and why it's so hard to find.

What Is Desoxyn?

Desoxyn is the brand name for Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant in the amphetamine class. Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Desoxyn
• Generic name: Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (also called d-Methamphetamine)
• Drug class: CNS stimulant, amphetamine
• Manufacturer: Ajenat Pharmaceuticals (brand), Mayne Pharma (generic)
• DEA schedule: Schedule II controlled substance
• Available forms: 5 mg oral tablet

Desoxyn was first approved by the FDA decades ago and has been used in clinical practice for a long time. Despite sharing a name with the illicit street drug, prescription Methamphetamine is a carefully dosed, pharmaceutical-grade medication taken under medical supervision at much lower doses than those associated with abuse.

What Is Desoxyn Used For?

ADHD (Primary Use)

Desoxyn is FDA-approved for ADHD in children aged 6 and older. In practice, it's also used off-label for adults with treatment-resistant ADHD — meaning patients who haven't responded well to first-line medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin.

Desoxyn works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control.

Short-Term Obesity Treatment

Desoxyn is also approved as a short-term adjunct for weight loss in patients who haven't responded to diet and exercise alone or to other weight-loss therapies. However, this use is uncommon today due to the availability of newer weight management medications and the risks associated with stimulant use for weight loss.

How Is Desoxyn Taken?

Desoxyn comes in a single strength: 5 mg tablets, taken by mouth.

For ADHD

• Starting dose: 5 mg once or twice daily
• Dose increases: 5 mg per week based on response
• Usual effective dose: 20–25 mg per day, divided into multiple doses
• Maximum dose: 25 mg per day

For Obesity

• Dose: 5 mg taken 30 minutes before each meal
• Duration: Short-term only (a few weeks)

Important Dosing Notes

• Avoid taking Desoxyn in the late afternoon or evening — it can cause insomnia
• Swallow tablets whole with water
• Take at the same time(s) each day for consistent effect
• Never increase your dose without your doctor's approval

Who Should Not Take Desoxyn?

Desoxyn is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• A known allergy to amphetamine products
• Advanced arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• Symptomatic cardiovascular disease
• Moderate to severe high blood pressure
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Glaucoma
• Agitated states or a history of drug abuse
• Current or recent use (within 14 days) of an MAO inhibitor

Your doctor should perform a cardiac evaluation before prescribing Desoxyn and screen for tics, Tourette's syndrome, and mental health conditions. Learn more about drug interactions and side effects in our dedicated guides.

How Much Does Desoxyn Cost?

Desoxyn is expensive, and it's not covered by most insurance plans.

• Brand-name Desoxyn: $590–$1,135 for 30 tablets (5 mg) without insurance
• Generic Methamphetamine HCl: $120–$150 for 30 tablets with discount coupons (SingleCare ~$119, GoodRx Gold ~$150)

Most Medicare and commercial insurance plans do not cover Desoxyn. Those that do typically require prior authorization and step therapy — meaning you must try other ADHD medications first.

Ajenat Pharmaceuticals offers a co-pay savings card for eligible commercially insured patients that may reduce costs to as low as $0. Check desoxyn.com for current program details.

For more ways to reduce your costs, see our complete savings guide.

Why Is Desoxyn So Hard to Find?

Desoxyn has been in a chronic shortage since 2022. Only two manufacturers currently produce it, DEA production quotas limit supply, and most pharmacies don't stock it due to low demand. The brand has changed hands multiple times — from Recordati to Key Therapeutics to Ajenat Pharmaceuticals.

If you need help finding Desoxyn in stock, Medfinder tracks real-time pharmacy availability so you can check without calling.

Final Thoughts

Desoxyn is a legitimate, FDA-approved medication that can be life-changing for people with treatment-resistant ADHD. While it carries more stigma than other stimulants, it's prescribed by specialists who have exhausted other options and believe it's the right fit for their patient.

If you're considering Desoxyn or have just been prescribed it, learn about finding a prescriber, understand the potential side effects, and explore alternatives in case you can't fill your prescription.