Methamphetamine oral tablet

July 17, 2018

Methamphetamine oral tablet

What is this medicine?

METHAMPHETAMINE (meth am FET a meen) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The drug may also be used together with diet and exercise in the short-term treatment of obesity.

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 medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

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

  • changes in vision

  • chest pain or chest tightness

  • confusion, trouble speaking or understanding

  • dark urine

  • 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

  • severe headaches

  • shortness of breath

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

  • 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):

  • anxious

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea, vomiting

  • 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, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • atomoxetine

  • caffeine

  • certain medicines for blood pressure

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for diabetes

  • cold or allergy medicines

  • phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

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 below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. 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 methamphetamine, 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.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, do not suddenly stop taking it because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a nonmedical reason. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

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:  

July 17, 2018