Compare Desoxyn vs. Kapvay

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Desoxyn (methamphetamine)

Prescription only

Kapvay (clonidine)

Prescription only
Helps you focus and lose weight.

Desoxyn (methamphetamine) effectivly treats ADHD and obesity, but should not be used for long-term treatment.

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4.4/ 5 average rating with 19 reviewsforDesoxyn
Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Kapvay (clonidine) is one of the few medicines for ADHD that isn't a stimulant and not addictive, but it can lower your blood pressure.

Upsides
  • Is a first-choice treatment for ADHD in both adults and children.
  • Available as a generic, so it is cheaper than other brand name medications to treat ADHD.
  • Can be used alone or together with a stimulant-type medicine to treat ADHD.
  • Also treats blood pressure and some nervous system and psychiatric conditions.
  • Kapvay (clonidine) is available in generic.
Downsides
  • Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence.
  • Not carried by all pharmacies, so you may have a hard time getting this medication.
  • If you want to stop taking this medicine, talk to your doctor since suddenly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms.
  • You'll have to check-in with your doctor often and get a new prescription monthly.
  • Only lowers appetite for the first few weeks.
  • Kapvay (clonidine) is not a first choice medicine to treat ADHD.
  • Kapvay (clonidine) can make you feel very dizzy or cause low blood pressure.
  • Stopping Kapvay (clonidine) suddenly can cause your blood pressure to jump and your heart to beat very fast.
  • It can take up to two weeks of taking Kapvay (clonidine) to notice any changes in behavior.
  • Kapvay (clonidine) has to be swallowed whole, which can be hard for some children to do.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$159.04
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Lowest price
$17.60
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Reviews
19 reviews so far
84%
saidit'sworth it
79%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
The Desoxyn (methamphetamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
12possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    19%
  • Fatigue
    14%
  • Headache
    7%
  • Upper abdominal pain
    7%
  • Decreased appetite 
    6%
  • Dizziness
    5%
  • Insomnia
    4%
  • Aggression
    2%
  • Mood changes
    2%
  • Emotional disorders
    2%
  • Irritability
    2%
  • Stuffy nose
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Serious or life-threatening cardiovascular events
    • History of heart problems
  • Abuse and dependence
    • History of drug abuse
  • Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    • History of psychotic episodes
    • History of Bipolar Disorder
  • Long-term growth suppression
    • Children
  • Seizures
    • History of seizures
  • Drug interactions
    • Taking MAO inhibitors and other serotonergic agents, as well as other medicines that can increase blood pressure
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Low blood pressure and low heart rate
  • Sleepiness
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • High blood pressure
    • Stopping Kapvay (clonidine) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Desoxyn (methamphetamine)
Learn more about Kapvay (clonidine)