Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine tablets

February 14, 2018

Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine tablets

What is this medicine?

AMPHETAMINE; DEXTROAMPHETAMINE(am FET a meen; dex troe am FET a meen) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may also be used for narcolepsy. Federal law prohibits giving this medicine to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop your medicine. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may feel withdrawal effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • anxious

  • breathing problems

  • changes in emotions or moods

  • changes in vision

  • chest pain or chest tightness

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • fingers or toes feel numb, cool, painful

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • high blood pressure

  • males: prolonged or painful erection

  • seizures

  • signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome like confusion, increased sweating, fever, tremor, stiff muscles, diarrhea

  • signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • dry mouth

  • headache

  • irritability

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • trouble sleeping

  • weight loss

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • other stimulant medicines for attention disorders

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • acetazolamide

  • ammonium chloride

  • antacids

  • ascorbic acid

  • atomoxetine

  • caffeine

  • certain medicines for blood pressure

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine, esomeprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole

  • lithium

  • medicines for colds and breathing difficulties

  • medicines for diabetes

  • medicines or dietary supplements for weight loss or to stay awake

  • methenamine

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • quinidine

  • ritonavir

  • sodium bicarbonate

  • St. John's wort

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Dispose of properly. This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • anxiety or panic attacks

  • circulation problems in fingers and toes

  • glaucoma

  • hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels

  • heart disease or a heart defect

  • high blood pressure

  • history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem

  • history of stroke

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • mental illness

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

  • thyroid disease

  • Tourette's syndrome

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine, other amphetamines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your doctor and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your doctor every time you need a refill.

This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this medicine affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without talking to your doctor or health care professional.

Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your doctor if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medicine will be monitored closely.

Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

If you are going to need surgery, a MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers and toes while taking this medicine. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you experience numbness or pain, changes in the skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.

Updated:  

February 14, 2018