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Methamphetamine

Warning

Misuse or abuse of amphetamines may result in serious (possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems. Amphetamine-type medications can be habit-forming. Use only as directed. If you use this drug for a long time, you may become dependent on it and may have withdrawal symptoms after stopping the drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Precautions

Before taking methamphetamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sympathomimetic amines (such as dextroamphetamine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's disease), high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, heart problems (including irregular heartbeat/rhythm, coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, problems with the heart structure such as valve problems), mental/mood conditions (especially anxiety, tension, agitation), personal/family history of mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, suicidal thoughts), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), personal or family history of uncontrolled muscle movements (such as motor tics, Tourette's syndrome), seizures, stroke, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication during treatment with this drug.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially chest pain, trouble sleeping, or weight loss.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially weight loss. This medication may slow down a child's growth. The doctor may recommend temporarily stopping the medication from time to time to reduce this risk. Monitor your child's weight and height. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Infants born to mothers who are dependent on this medication may be born too soon (premature) and have low birth weight. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. They may also have withdrawal symptoms such as abnormal/nonstop crying, irritability, or unusual tiredness. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, weight loss, trouble sleeping, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of blood flow problems in the fingers or toes (such as coldness, numbness, pain, or skin color changes), unusual wounds on the fingers or toes, mental/mood/behavior changes (such as agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, abnormal thoughts/behavior), uncontrolled muscle movements (such as twitching, shaking), outbursts of words/sounds, swelling ankles/feet, extreme tiredness, rapid/unexplained weight loss, change in sexual ability/interest, frequent/prolonged erections (in males), vision changes (such as blurred vision).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, severe headache, fast/pounding irregular heartbeat, seizures, symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating), symptoms of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion).

This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.