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 Sleep  Holistic-online.com

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:

bulletHabit forming.
bulletTalk 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:

bulletYou are allergic to any amphetamine.
bulletYou 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:

bulletYou plan to become pregnant within medication period.
bulletYou have glaucoma.
bulletYou have diabetes.
bulletYou have a history of substance abuse.
bulletYou have heart or blood vessel disease or high blood pressure.
bulletYou have overactive thyroid, anxiety or tension.
bulletYou have a severe mental illness (especially children).

Miscellaneous

bulletThis is a dangerous drug and must be closely supervised. Don't use for appetite control or depression. Potential for damage and abuse.
bulletDuring withdrawal phase, may cause prolonged sleep of several days.
bulletDon't use for fatigue or to replace rest.
bulletNot recommended for children under 12.
bulletIf 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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