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Methamphetamine

Pronounced

"meth-am-FET-uh-meen"

Uses

This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methamphetamine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.

This medication should not be used to treat tiredness or to hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using methamphetamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. During treatment, your doctor may occasionally recommend stopping the medication for a short time to see if there are any changes in your behavior and whether the medication is still needed.

Do not take this medication late in the day because it may cause you to have trouble sleeping.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as severe tiredness, sleep problems, mental/mood changes such as depression). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used methamphetamine for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.

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Information expires December 2025.