Stop using methamphetamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure); or

• tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches).

Continue taking methamphetamine and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• headache or dizziness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• loss of appetite, weight loss; or

• loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect methamphetamine?

Before taking methamphetamine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• insulin;

• cold medicines (decongestants);

• guanethidine (Ismelin);

• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluperazine (Stelazine); or

• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use methamphetamine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect methamphetamine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about methamphetamine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Methamphetamine is available with a prescription under the brand name Desoxyn. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Desoxyn 5 mg--white tablets

• Desoxyn Gradumet 5 mg (long-acting)--round, white tablets

• Desoxyn Gradumet 10 mg (long-acting)--round, orange tablets

• Desoxyn Gradumet 15 mg (long-acting)--round, yellow tablets

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.