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Sleep |
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Medication
Information
Amphetamines
Drug class: Central nervous system stimulant
Generic And Brand Names
Dextroamphetamine
Dexedrine
Dexedrine Spansule
Oxydess
Spancap |
Methamphetamine
Desoxyn
Desoxyn Gradumet |
Amphetamine &
Dextroamphetamine
Adderall |
Uses
Prevents narcolepsy.
Controls hyperactivity in children under special circumstances.
What drug does
Hyperactivity-Decreases motor restlessness and increases ability to pay attention.
Narcolepsy- Increases motor activity and mental alertness; diminishes drowsiness.
It is a dopamine agonist
Dosage:
For Narcolepsy:
Common initial dose - 5 mg once or twice daily
Usual maximal dose (carefully monitored higher doses may sometimes be required) - 30 mg am and noon (short-acting, sustained-release or combination)
Overdose
Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, high fever, hallucinations, suicidal or homicidal feelings, convulsions, coma.
If overdosage is suspected, dial 911 (emergency) or call for ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
This can be life-threatening.
Possible Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects
Symptoms |
What To Do |
Life-threatening:
Rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, high fever, hallucinations, suicidal or homicidal feelings, convulsions, coma. |
Dial 911 (emergency) or call for ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
Get to the emergency room immediately. |
Common Side Effects:
Irritability, nervousness, insomnia, euphoria, signs of
addiction. |
Continue taking medication. Call doctor when convenient. |
Dry mouth |
Continue taking medication. Tell doctor at next visit. |
Fast, pounding heartbeat. |
Discontinue medication. Call doctor right away. |
Infrequent Side Effects:
Dizziness, reduced alertness, blurred vision, unusual sweating. |
Discontinue medication. Call doctor right away. |
Headache, diarrhea or constipation, appetite loss, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diminished sex drive, impotence. |
Continue taking medication. Call doctor when convenient |
Rare Side Effects:
Rash; hives; chest pain or irregular heartbeat; uncontrollable movements of head, neck, arms, legs. |
Discontinue taking medication. Call doctor right away. |
Mood changes, swollen breasts. |
Continue taking medication. Call doctor when convenient. |
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe for those
who are over age 60 than in younger persons.
Prolonged use:
 | Habit forming. |
 | Talk to your doctor about the need for follow- up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check blood pressure, growth charts in children, reassessment of need for continued treatment. |
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take medication if any of the following applies:
 | You are allergic to any amphetamine. |
 | You will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia. |
Before you start, consult your doctor if any of the following applies:
 | You plan to become pregnant within medication period. |
 | You have glaucoma. |
 | You have diabetes. |
 | You have a history of substance abuse. |
 | You have heart or blood vessel disease or high blood pressure. |
 | You have overactive thyroid, anxiety or tension. |
 | You have a severe mental illness (especially children). |
Miscellaneous
 | This is a dangerous drug and must be closely supervised. Don't use for appetite control or depression. Potential for damage and abuse. |
 | During withdrawal phase, may cause prolonged sleep of several days. |
 | Don't use for fatigue or to replace rest. |
 | Not recommended for children under 12. |
 | If you are breast-feeding, this drug passes into milk. Consult doctor. |
Interactions
Possible Interaction With Other Drugs |
Generic Name Or Drug Class |
Combined Effect |
Antidepressants, tricyclic |
Decreased amphetamine effect. |
Antihypertensives |
Decreased antihypertensive effect. |
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents |
High blood pressure, slow heartbeat. |
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors |
Increased amphetamine effect. |
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, other |
Excessive CNS stimulation. |
Doxazosin |
Decreased doxazosin effect. |
Furazolidine |
Sudden and severe high blood pressure. |
Haloperidol |
Decreased amphetamine effect. |
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors |
May severely increase blood pressure. |
Phenothiazines |
Decreased amphetamine effect. |
Prazosin |
Decreased prazosin effect. |
Sodium bicarbonate |
Increased amphetamine effect. |
Sympathomimetics |
Seizures. |
Thyroid hormones |
Heartbeat irregularities. |
Possible Interaction With Other Substances |
Interacts With |
Combined Effect |
Alcohol |
Decreased amphetamine effect. Avoid. |
Beverages: Caffeine drinks. |
Overstimulation. Avoid. |
Cocaine |
Dangerous stimulation of nervous system. Avoid. |
Marijuana |
Frequent use can result in severely impaired mental function. |
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