Halotestin is a brand name also known as the generic drug fluoxymesterone. It is a type of androgen used in men who do not make enough testosterone. In males, testosterone is responsible for many functions including growth and development of genitals, muscles and bones and a normal sexual development during adolescence. In females, Halotestin may be prescribed to treat advanced breast cancer.
Halotestin is a white or nearly white odorless crystalline powder. It is almost insoluble in water. It is administered daily through a single dose or divided into multiple doses to be taken throughout the day. Dosage is based on medical condition, blood testosterone levels, and response to treatment.
Abuses of Halotestin
Halotestin is often used illegally to lower body fat, increase muscle size and increase strength. The dosage for illegal Halotestin may be many times higher the amount a doctor would prescribe for a legitimate medical problem. It may be administered orally, as a shot directly into a muscle, or as a cream rubbed on the skin.
Halotestin is frequently abused due to its muscle-building abilities. Users often employ a method of combining steroids together, called stacking, or quickly ramp up their dosage from very little to extreme amounts over the period of months or even weeks. This method is called pyramiding. Halotestin is abused because the user wants to build up their muscles quickly and improve fitness level or because they want to improve how they look.
Effects of Halotestin
Halotestin is very similar to the testosterone naturally found in the human body. It works in many ways affecting muscles so that the body can function and develop normally. Halotestin affects red blood cell production, increasing strength and muscle development. It also regulates fatty acid oxidation in the liver and fast-twitch muscle mitochondria.
Those using Halotestin may experience headache, anxiety, depression, or nausea. Females may experience amenorrhea and virilization, including deepening of the voice and clitoral enlargement. Males may experience gynecomastia, excessive frequency and duration of penile erections, and oligospermia.
Withdrawal of Halotestin
Patients are encouraged to gradually reduce the dosage of Halotestin to prevent withdrawal symptoms. When Halotestin has been used in high doses or for an extended period of time and then is abruptly discontinued, the body will no longer make its own testosterone. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur, including but not limited to:
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Lack of appetite
• Steroid cravings
If withdrawal symptoms do present themselves, patients should consult a pharmacist or doctor immediately. Withdrawal symptoms are especially common among users who abuse Halotestin by using 10 to 100 times the usual prescribed amount. To avoid withdrawal symptoms, patients should gradually reduce the amount of Halotestin used instead of a sudden discontinuation of use.
Treatment of Halotestin
Discontinuing use of Halotestin should be done under the direction of a board-certified physician or board-certified psychiatrist. The use of Halotestin should be gradually decreased to allow the body to begin to make its own testosterone and to avoid the suffering of withdrawal symptoms.
Doctors usually recommend that treatment be administered through comfortable detox in a program that includes medicines for withdrawal symptoms or treatment in a hospital if withdrawal symptoms are severe. The patient’s doctor may also recommend individual or family counseling.