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It is the generic form of the brand name drug dexedrine, which is used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Prescription medication is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).
Dexedrine belongs to a class of medications known as nervous system stimulants and must be used strictly under medical prescription.
Warnings
Dexedrine has a black box warning because it can be habit-forming, and overuse can lead to serious heart problems or sudden death.
Follow your doctor’s instructions strictly and use dexedrine only for the prescribed time.
Tell your doctor if you or someone in your family has ever abused alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription drugs.
You may experience unwanted side effects such as depression or extreme tiredness if you stop taking the medication after using it in excess.
You can develop a tolerance to the medication if you take it for a long period of time.
Do not sell or allow anyone to use your dextroamphetamine prescription. Keep this medication in a safe place so that no one else can access it.
The risk of sudden death or heart problems caused by dextroamphetamine is higher in children and adults who have existing heart conditions.
Before taking dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following medical conditions:
- A heart attack.
- High blood pressure
- Disease of the heart or blood vessels.
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
- A heart defect, like a small hole in the heart.
- An irregular heartbeat ( arrhythmia ).
- Any other heart problem or family history of heart problems.
- Circulation problems in your hands or feet.
- Glaucoma (a group of eye disorders).
- Thyroid problems
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Bipolar disorder.
- Another mental health problem
- Convulsions
- An abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG).
- Unusual stress
You should also tell your doctor if you or someone in your family has or has had verbal tics, facial or motor tics, or Tourette’s syndrome .
The medication may increase your risk of circulation problems. Tell your doctor right away if your fingers feel numb, cold or sore.
Dexedrine can decrease a child’s growth or weight. Talk with your doctor about this possible risk.
Before undergoing any type of surgery, including a dental procedure, report that you take this medication.
This medicine should not be used in children under three years of age.
Take this (and all drugs) only as prescribed by your doctor, and store the medication safely so that it can not be taken by children, adolescents or anyone for whom it has not been prescribed.
Pregnancy
It is not known if dexedrine will harm an unborn baby.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, do not take dexedrine without first discussing the risks with a doctor.
The medicine is found in breast milk and could harm a breastfeeding baby.
Do not breastfeed while taking dexedrine.
Common side effects
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or do not go away:
- Difficulty falling asleep or falling asleep
- Restlessness.
- Headache.
- Dry mouth or unpleasant taste.
- Uncontrollable agitation of a part of your body.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite or weight loss.
- A change in sexual desire or ability.
Serious side effects
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed in the Warning section or any of the following serious side effects:
- Beat or accelerated heartbeat.
- Chest pain.
- Short of breath.
- Excessive fatigue
- Speak difficult or slow.
- Dizziness or fainting
- Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg.
- Convulsions
- Humor changes.
- Feeling paranoid
- Hallucinations
- A frantic or unusually excited mood.
- Hostile or aggressive behavior.
- Abnormal movements
- Verbal tics
- Urticaria.
- Changes in vision or blurred vision.
Interactions
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional or dietary medications you are taking before taking dextroamphetamine.
Other interactions
Dextroamphetamine can make it difficult to perform activities that require attention.
Avoid activities that require your full attention such as operating machinery or driving.
Also, try to avoid eating foods or drinks with large amounts of caffeine.
Do not drink alcohol while taking dexedrine.
Dose
Dextroamphetamine comes as a liquid, tablet, or extended-release capsule to take by mouth.
Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking dextroamphetamine. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed.
The fluid is usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food.
The regular tablet is usually taken two to three times a day, with or without food.
The extended-release capsule is usually taken once a day with or without food. Do not crush or chew these capsules.
Try to take dextroamphetamine at about the same time every day at equally spaced intervals.
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose of this medication and gradually increase it.
Avoid taking this medication at night because it can make it harder for you to fall asleep or fall asleep.
Dexedrine overdose
If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact a poison control center or the emergency room.
Missed dose of dextroamphetamine
If you miss a dose of dextroamphetamine, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular medication schedule.
Do not take additional medications to make up for the missed dose.
