What Is Desoxyn?

Desoxyn is the brand name for Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, a prescription central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is FDA-approved for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 and older, and as a short-term adjunct for obesity in patients who haven't responded to other treatments. Desoxyn is considered a last-line option for ADHD, typically prescribed only after other stimulants like Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin have been tried and found ineffective.

How does Desoxyn work?

Desoxyn works by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This leads to improved concentration, focus, and reduced impulsivity in patients with ADHD. It also has mild serotonergic activity. As a sympathomimetic amine in the amphetamine class, Methamphetamine is one of the most potent oral stimulants available, which is why it is reserved for cases where other treatments have failed.

What doses are available for Desoxyn?

• 5 mg oral tablet — This is the only dosage form available for both brand-name Desoxyn and generic Methamphetamine HCl. Typical daily doses range from 5 mg to 25 mg, taken once daily or in divided doses.

How hard is it to find Desoxyn in stock?

Desoxyn scores a 30 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it is extremely difficult to find in stock at pharmacies. Desoxyn (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride) has been in a chronic shortage since 2022, driven by limited manufacturer interest, DEA production quotas, and the discontinuation of key generic suppliers like Dr. Reddy's. The brand itself has changed hands multiple times — from Recordati to Key Therapeutics to Ajenat Pharmaceuticals — creating further supply disruptions. Most pharmacies do not routinely stock Desoxyn, and patients often need to call dozens of pharmacies or use tools like Medfinder to locate it.

Who Can Prescribe Desoxyn?

Because Desoxyn is a Schedule II controlled substance, it requires a prescription from a licensed prescriber with DEA authorization. The specialists most likely to prescribe Desoxyn include:

• Psychiatrists — the most common prescribers, especially for treatment-resistant ADHD
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists — for pediatric ADHD cases
• Neurologists — occasionally for complex ADHD or narcolepsy
• Primary Care Physicians — rarely, and typically only when continuing a prescription started by a specialist

Desoxyn is not available through telehealth platforms that typically prescribe stimulants, due to its Schedule II status and the stigma around its active ingredient.

Is Desoxyn a controlled substance?

Yes. Desoxyn is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA, the most restrictive schedule for medications with accepted medical use. It carries a boxed warning about its high potential for abuse, and misuse can cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular events. Prescriptions cannot be refilled — a new prescription is required each time. The DEA also limits annual production quotas for Methamphetamine, which directly contributes to its limited availability.

Common Side Effects of Desoxyn

Like all stimulants, Desoxyn can cause side effects. Common ones include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth and unpleasant taste
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Restlessness and tremor
• Decreased libido

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, paranoia, seizures, signs of circulation problems in fingers or toes (Raynaud's phenomenon), and severe allergic reactions.

Alternative Medications to Desoxyn

If you cannot find Desoxyn in stock or your insurance won't cover it, consider discussing these alternatives with your doctor:

• Adderall (Mixed Amphetamine Salts) — A first-line stimulant for ADHD, available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. More widely available than Desoxyn.
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) — A prodrug stimulant with lower abuse potential and long-acting effects. Now available as a generic.
• Ritalin / Concerta (Methylphenidate) — A different stimulant class that is widely available and often covered by insurance.
• Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) — Pure dextroamphetamine with a similar mechanism to Desoxyn, though also facing some supply issues.

Drug Interactions with Desoxyn

Desoxyn has several important drug interactions to be aware of:

• MAO Inhibitors — Contraindicated. Using Desoxyn with or within 14 days of an MAOI can cause hypertensive crisis and death.
• Serotonergic Drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, Triptans) — Risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
• CYP2D6 Inhibitors — May increase Methamphetamine blood levels and side effects.
• Alkalinizing Agents (sodium bicarbonate) — Increase absorption and blood levels of Methamphetamine.
• Acidifying Agents (vitamin C, ascorbic acid) — Decrease absorption, potentially reducing effectiveness.
• Blood Pressure Medications — Desoxyn may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensives.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks (like orange juice) close to dosing time, and limit caffeine intake to avoid compounding stimulant side effects.

Final Thoughts on Desoxyn

Desoxyn is a highly effective but rarely prescribed medication for ADHD, reserved for patients who haven't responded to more common stimulants. Its extremely limited availability — scoring just 30 out of 100 on our findability scale — makes it one of the hardest prescription medications to find in the United States. Between chronic shortages, limited manufacturers, DEA quotas, and insurance barriers, patients prescribed Desoxyn face significant challenges. If you're struggling to locate Desoxyn, Medfinder can help you search pharmacy availability in real time so you don't have to call dozens of pharmacies yourself. Talk to your prescriber about alternatives if supply remains an issue in your area.