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Dexedrine
Information about Dexedrine: Includes the warnings, side effects, precautions and drug interactions.
IMPORTANT NOTE | TITLE | HOW TO PRONOUNCE | COMMON BRAND NAMES | USES | OTHER USES | HOW TO TAKE | SIDE EFFECTS | PRECAUTIONS | DRUG INTERACTIONS | OVERDOSE | NOTES | MISSED DOSE | STORAGE
IMPORTANT NOTE
The following information is intended to
supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
TITLE DEXTROAMPHETAMINE - ORAL CAPSULE, TABLET
HOW TO PRONOUNCE (dex-trow-am-FET-uh-meen)
COMMON BRAND NAMES Dexedrine, Dextrostat, DAS
WARNINGS
Amphetamine-type medications can be habit-forming. Use
only as directed. With prolonged use, drug dependence may occur (i.e., withdrawl
symptoms may occur after stopping drug). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for
more details.
USES
This medication stimulates nerve cells in the brain. It
is used in the treatment of narcolepsy or attention deficit disorder with
hyperactivity in children and adults.
HOW TO TAKE
It is best to take this medication early in the day to
prevent trouble sleeping at night. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do
not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of
time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for
an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your
doctor's approval. When used for an extended period, this medication may not
work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this
medication stops working well. In attention deficit disorder, your doctor may
recommend "drug holidays" where the medication is stopped temporarily and
behavior is evaluated.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, stomach upset, cramps, loss of appetite,
diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, nervousness, dizziness, sleep
problems, irritability or restlessness may occur the first several days as your
body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported include twitching,
sweating, flushing, muscle tremor, change in sexual desire or ability. If any of
these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your
doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat,
mental/mood changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
high blood pressure, an over-active thyroid, glaucoma, diabetes, emotional
instability, allergies (especially drug allergies). This medication causes
dizziness and can affect alertness. Use caution driving or operating machinery
while taking this medication. This medication must be used only if clearly
needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Because small amounts of this medication appear in breast milk, breast-feeding
is not recommended while taking this medicine. Alcohol can increase unwanted
side effects of dizziness. Avoid alcohol use.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use,
especially of: high blood pressure medicine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), meperidine, digoxin,
antidepressants. Foods and drugs that make your stomach/intestinal tract acidic
may decrease absorption of dextroamphetamine. A partial listing of these items
includes: fruit juices, reserpine, sodium acid phosphate, vitamin C,
guanethidine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Drugs that
make your stomach/intestinal tract basic (alkaline) may increase absorption of
dextroamphetamine. A partial listing of these include: sodium bicarbonate,
acetazolamide. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Avoid
"stimulant" drugs that may increase your heart rate such as decongestants or
caffeine. Decongestants are commonly found in over-the-counter cough-and-cold
medicine. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US
national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their
local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea,
vomiting, stomach pain or cramping, restlessness, severe or persistent headache,
shakiness, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, seizures, and loss of
consciousness.
NOTES
Although this medication is often referred to as a
stimulant, it is not effective and even dangerous and illegal to use this to try
to improve athletic performance, mental alertness or to stay awake. Use this
medication only as directed. It is important to keep this and all medications
out of the reach of children. Never share medications with anyone.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not
take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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