Dextroamphetamine or Dexedrine is a nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is also used for weight reduction in obese patients.
This drug works in the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted and impulsive.
This drug is used as part of a total treatment program that also includes social, educational, and psychological treatment. This drug requires a prescription.
Before taking this drug, the risks and benefits for your body should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications.
Studies in children younger than 3 years of age regarding the relationship of age to the effects of dextroamphetamine tablets to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.
Dextroamphetamine sustained-release capsule is not recommended to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children younger than 6 years of age.
Data on the relationship of age to the effects of dextroamphetamine in geriatric patients are still unavailable. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.
Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.
Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:
To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients.
The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug.
Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are initially given 5 milligrams one or two times a day.
Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary. Use in children younger than 6 years of age is not recommended.
Adults, teenagers, and children 6 years of age and older are initially given 5 milligrams of tablet one or two times a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary.
Children 3 to 5 years of age are initially given 2.5 mg once a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary.
Use and dose in children younger than 3 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional.
Adults and children 12 years of age and older with narcolepsy are initially given 10 milligrams once a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary.
Children 6 to 12 years of age are initially given 5 milligrams once a day. Your healthcare professional may adjust your dose if necessary.
Use and dose in children younger than 6 years of age must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible.
However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.
Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.
Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.
4 Precautions to Take
Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.
Report any unwanted or unusual effects to your healthcare professional.
Avoid the necessary medications and activities that are advised against you to prevent unwanted effects.
Check with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear.
Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional.
Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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