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Generic Name: dextroamphetamine (dex tro am FET a meen)
Brand Names: Dexedrine, Dextrostat

What is dextroamphetamine?

Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Dextroamphetamine is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dextroamphetamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about dextroamphetamine?

Long-term use of dextroamphetamine can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking dextroamphetamine?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to dextroamphetamine or if you have:

• heart disease or moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension);

• arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);

• overactive thyroid;

• glaucoma;

• severe anxiety, tension, or agitation; or

• if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Before using dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a congenital heart defect;

• high blood pressure;

• heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart attack;

• a personal or family history of mental illness, psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, depression, or suicide attempt;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• an allergy to dyes used in drugs or manufactured foods; or

• tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use dextroamphetamine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Long-term use of dextroamphetamine can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.

How should I take dextroamphetamine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Do not take dextroamphetamine in the evening because it may cause sleep problems (insomnia).

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to see you on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using dextroamphetamine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take the medicine the next morning. Taking this medicine late in the day can cause sleep problems. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a dextroamphetamine overdose include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking dextroamphetamine?

Do not take dextroamphetamine late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day can cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Avoid drinking fruit juices or taking vitamin C at the same time you take dextroamphetamine. These can make your body absorb less of the medicine.

Dextroamphetamine side effects

Stop using dextroamphetamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure); or

• tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches).

Continue taking dextroamphetamine and talk to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• headache or dizziness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• loss of appetite, weight loss; or

• loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect dextroamphetamine?

Before taking dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• blood pressure medications;

• a diuretic (water pill);

• cold or allergy medicines (antihistamines);

• acetazolamide (Diamox);

• chlorpromazine (Thorazine);

• ethosuximide (Zarontin);

• guanethidine (Ismelin);

• haloperidol (Haldol);

• lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);

• methenamine (Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex);

• phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton);

• propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet);

• reserpine;

• sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer); or

• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use dextroamphetamine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect dextroamphetamine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about dextroamphetamine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Dextroamphetamine is available with a prescription under the brand name Dexedrine. Other brand and generic forms may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Dexedrine 5 mg--triangular, orange, scored tablets

• Dexedrine Elixir 5 mg per 5 mL (1 teaspoon)

• Dexedrine Spansules 5 mg--brown/natural capsules

• Dexedrine Spansules 10 mg--brown/natural capsules

• Dexedrine Spansules 15 mg--brown/natural capsules

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
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