dextroamphetamine

Generic Name: dextroamphetamine (DEX tro am FET a meen)

Brand Names: Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule, Dextrostat, Liquadd, ProCentra

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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not use dextroamphetamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dextroamphetamine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to dextroamphetamine, or if you have hardened arteries (arteriosclerosis), heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension), overactive thyroid, glaucoma, severe anxiety or agitation, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Before taking dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you have any type of heart problems. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 3 years old without the advice of a doctor.

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.

Dextroamphetamine is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. You should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking dextroamphetamine?

Do not use dextroamphetamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dextroamphetamine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

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

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

  
  


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  arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);

  
  


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  overactive thyroid;

  
  


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  glaucoma;

  
  


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  severe anxiety, tension, or agitation; or

  
  


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  if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

  
  

Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Before taking dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you have:

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  a congenital heart defect;

  
  


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  high blood pressure;

  
  


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

  
  


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

  
  


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  epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

  
  


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

  
  


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  tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome.

  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. It could cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes dextroamphetamine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Dextroamphetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 3 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I take dextroamphetamine?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

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

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

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release capsule. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Dextroamphetamine is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. You should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.

See also: Dextroamphetamine dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if it is already evening. 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?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of dextroamphetamine can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, 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?

Dextroamphetamine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

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  fast or pounding heartbeats;

  
  


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  feeling light-headed, fainting;

  
  


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  dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure); or

  
  


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

  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

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  headache or dizziness;

  
  


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  sleep problems (insomnia);

  
  


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  dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;

  
  


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  diarrhea, constipation;

  
  


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  loss of appetite, weight loss; or

  
  


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

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dextroamphetamine Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy:

Tablets:
Initial Dose: 10 mg per day orally upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dosage may be increased in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals, up to 60 mg per day in 2 to 3 divided doses. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Extended Release Capsules:
Initial Dose: 10 mg per once a day orally upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dosage may be increased in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals, up to 60 mg once a day upon awakening. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), the dosage should be reduced.

Oral Solution:
Usual dose: 5 mg to 60 mg per day in divided doses depending on individual patient response.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Narcolepsy:

Note: Narcolepsy seldom occurs in children under 12 years of age. However, when it does, dextroamphetamine sulfate may be used.

Tablets:
Less than 6 years: Not recommended.

6 to 12 years:
Initial Dose: 5 mg daily upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dose may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained up to a maximum of 60 mg/day in 2 to 3 divided doses. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Greater than or equal to 12 years:
Initial Dose: 10 mg daily upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dosage may be raised in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained up to a maximum of 60 mg/day in 2 to 3 divided doses. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Extended Release Capsules:
Less than 6 years: Not recommended.

6 to 12 years:
Initial Dose: 5 mg once a day upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dose may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained up to a maximum of 60 mg once daily. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Greater than or equal to 12 years:
Initial Dose: 10 mg once a day upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dosage may be raised in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained up to a maximum of 60 mg once daily. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder:

Tablets:
Less than 3 years: Not recommended.

3 to 5 years:
Initial Dose: 2.5 mg orally per day upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dosage may be raised in increments of 2.5 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained. Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed a total of 40 mg per day in 2 to 3 divided doses. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Greater than of equal to 6 years:
Initial Dose: 5 mg once or twice daily
Maintenance Dose: The daily dosage may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained. Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed a total of 40 mg per day in 2 or 3 divided doses. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Extended Release Capsules:
Less than 6 years: Not recommended.

Greater than or equal to 12 years:
Initial Dose: Patients who are being switched from dextroamphetamine tablets may be converted to the same total dose where appropriate, taken once daily upon awakening.
Maintenance Dose: The daily dosage may be raised in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained. Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed a total of 40 mg once daily. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced.

Where possible, drug administration should be interrupted occasionally to determine if there is a recurrence of behavioral symptoms sufficient to require continued therapy.

Long term effects of amphetamines in pediatric patients have not been well established.

Drug treatment is not indicated in all cases of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity and should be considered only in light of the complete history and evaluation of the child. The decision to prescribe amphetamines should depend on the physician's assessment of the chronicity and severity of the child's symptoms and their appropriateness for his/her age. Prescription should not depend solely on the presence of one or more of the behavioral characteristics.

What other drugs will affect dextroamphetamine?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

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  blood pressure medications;

  
  


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  a diuretic (water pill);

  
  


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  cold or allergy medicines (antihistamines);

  
  


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  acetazolamide (Diamox);

  
  


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  chlorpromazine (Thorazine);

  
  


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  ethosuximide (Zarontin);

  
  


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  haloperidol (Haldol);

  
  


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  lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);

  
  


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  methenamine (Hiprex, Mandelamine, Urex);

  
  


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

  
  


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  propoxyphene (Darvon, Darvocet);

  
  


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  reserpine;

  
  


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  antacids, sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer);

  
  


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  stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet),esomeprazole (Nexium), famotidine (Pepcid), lansoprazole (Prevacid), nizatidine (Axid), omeprazole (Prilosec), or ranitidine (Zantac); or

  
  


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  an antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Pamelor).

  
  

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with dextroamphetamine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More dextroamphetamine resources

• Dextroamphetamine Side Effects (in more detail)
• Dextroamphetamine Dosage
• Dextroamphetamine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Dextroamphetamine Drug Interactions
• Dextroamphetamine Support Group
• 30 Reviews for Dextroamphetamine - Add your own review/rating

• dextroamphetamine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Dextroamphetamine Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Dextroamphetamine Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Dextroamphetamine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dexedrine Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Dexedrine Spansule Sustained-Release Capsules MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Dextrostat Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Liquadd Solution MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• ProCentra Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare dextroamphetamine with other medications

• ADHD
• Fatigue
• Hypersomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Sexual Dysfunction, SSRI Induced

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about dextroamphetamine.

See also: dextroamphetamine side effects (in more detail)