Dexedrine

Generic name: Dextroamphetamine sulfate

What is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine, a stimulant drug available in tablet or sustained-release capsule form, is prescribed to help treat narcolepsy (recurrent "sleep attacks") and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

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

Because it is a stimulant, this drug has high abuse potential. If you habitually take Dexedrine in doses higher than recommended, or if you take it over a long period of time, you may eventually become dependent on the drug and suffer from withdrawal symptoms when it is unavailable.

Avoid activities requiring mental alertness or coordination until you know how this drug affects you.

Who should not take Dexedrine?

Do not take Dexedrine if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Do not take Dexedrine for at least 14 days after taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as the antidepressants phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Dexedrine and MAOIs interact to cause a sharp, potentially life-threatening rise in blood pressure.

Your doctor will not prescribe Dexedrine for you if you suffer from any of the following conditions: agitation, cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, or substance abuse

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Dexedrine?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have allergies to food coloring. One of the inactive ingredients in Dexedrine is a yellow food coloring called tartrazine (Yellow No. 5). In a few people, particularly those who are allergic to aspirin, tartrazine can cause a severe allergic reaction.

There is some concern that Dexedrine may stunt a child's growth. Children prescribed Dexedrine should have their growth monitored.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Take no more Dexedrine than your doctor prescribes. Intake should be kept to the lowest level that proves effective.

Narcolepsy

Adults: The usual adult dose is 5 to 60 milligrams (mg) per day, divided into smaller, equal doses.

Children 6 to 12 years: The suggested initial dose is 5 mg per day. Your doctor may increase the daily dose in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until it becomes effective. For children 12 years and older, the initial dose is usually 10 mg daily. The doctor may increase the daily dose in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until it becomes effective.

This drug is not recommended for children under 3 years of age.

ADHD

Children 6 years and older: The usual starting dose is 5 mg once or twice a day. The doctor may raise the dose by 5 mg at weekly intervals as needed. Only in rare cases will the child take more than 40 mg per day.

Children 3 to 5 years: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg daily, in tablet form. Your doctor may raise the daily dosage by 2.5 mg at weekly intervals until the drug becomes effective.

How should I take Dexedrine?

Take Dexedrine exactly as prescribed. If it is prescribed in tablet form, you may need up to 3 doses a day. Take the first dose when you wake up; take the next 1 or 2 doses at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. You can take the sustained-release capsules only once a day.

Do not take Dexedrine late in the day, since this could cause insomnia. If you experience insomnia or loss of appetite while taking this drug, notify your doctor; you may need a lower dosage.

It is likely that your doctor will periodically take you off Dexedrine to determine whether you still need it.

Do not chew or crush the sustained-release form, Dexedrine Spansules.

Do not increase the dosage, except on your doctor's advice.

Do not use Dexedrine to improve mental alertness or stay awake. Do not share it with others.

What should I avoid while taking Dexedrine?

Dexedrine may impair judgment or coordination. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how you react to the medication.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Dexedrine?

If Dexedrine is taken with certain foods or drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dexedrine with the following:

Substances that dampen the effects of Dexedrine: ammonium chloride, chlorpromazine, fruit juices, glutamic acid hydrochloride, guanethidine, haloperidol, lithium carbonate, methenamine, reserpine, sodium acid phosphate, vitamin c (as ascorbic acid)

Substances that boost the effects of Dexedrine: acetazolamide, MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine, propoxyphene, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), thiazide diuretics

Substances that have decreased effect when taken with Dexedrine: antihistamines, blood pressure medications such as clonidine, ethosuximide, prazosin, terazosin, veratrum alkaloids (found in certain blood pressure drugs)

Substances that have increased effect when taken with dexedrine: antidepressants such as desipramine, meperidine, norepinephrine, phenobarbital, phenytoin

What are the possible side effects of Dexedrine?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Dexedrine.

Side effects may include: excessive restlessness, overstimulation, aggressive behavior, growth suppression, seizures, visual disturbances

Effects of chronic heavy abuse of Dexedrine may include: hyperactivity, irritability, personality changes, schizophrenia-like thoughts and behavior, severe insomnia, severe skin disease

Can I receive Dexedrine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Babies born to women taking Dexedrine may be premature or have low birth weight. They may also be depressed, agitated, or apathetic due to withdrawal symptoms. Since Dexedrine appears in breast milk, it should not be taken by a nursing mother.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Dexedrine?

If you take 1 dose a day, take it as soon as you remember, but not within 6 hours of going to bed. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule.

If you take 2 or 3 doses a day, take the dose you missed if it is within an hour or so of the scheduled time. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Dexedrine?

Store at room temperature away from light.