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Methamphetamine (By mouth)

Methamphetamine (meth-am-FET-a-meen)

Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to methamphetamine or similar medicines, or if you have glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, or a history of drug abuse.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
  • Do not take this medicine late at night. It may cause trouble sleeping.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.
  • Some medicines can affect how methamphetamine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using:
    • Acetazolamide, ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid, buspirone, fentanyl, glutamic acid, guanethidine, hydrochlorothiazide, insulin, lithium, methenamine salts, omeprazole, quinidine, reserpine, ritonavir, sodium acid phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, St John's wort, tramadol
    • Blood pressure medicine
    • Medicine to treat depression (including fluoxetine, paroxetine, SNRIs, SSRIs, TCAs)
    • Medicine to treat migraine headaches
    • Phenothiazine medicine
    • Tryptophan supplement

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have Tourette syndrome or a history of seizures, depression, bipolar disorder, suicide, mental health problems, or alcohol abuse.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Sudden death in people who have serious heart problems (including a heart defect)
    • Serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke (especially in people who already have heart problems)
    • High blood pressure
    • Changes in mood or behavior or unusual thoughts
    • Peripheral vasculopathy (a blood circulation problem), including Raynaud phenomenon
    • Seizures
    • Serotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines)
    • Slow growth and weight loss in children
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Anxiety, restlessness, fever, muscle spasms, twitching
  • Blurred vision, lightheadedness or fainting, muscle cramps, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there, sweating, trouble breathing
  • Changes in vision
  • Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
  • Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
  • Extreme energy or restlessness, confusion, agitation, unusual moods or behavior, trouble sleeping
  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
  • Seizures
  • Slow growth or weight loss in children
  • Sores, coldness, numbness, or color changes on your fingers or toes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dry mouth
  • Los of appetite, stomach upset

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024
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