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Amphetamine Salts Oral tablet
What is this medication?
AMPHETAMINE; DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (am FET a meen; dex troe am FET a meen) treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving focus and reducing impulsive behavior. It may also be used to treat narcolepsy. It works by promoting wakefulness. It belongs to a group of medications called stimulants.
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, hostility, irritability, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Painful or prolonged erections
- Seizures
- Stroke in adults—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Blurry vision
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share it with anyone. It is only for you. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it, or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:
- Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
- If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Circulation problems in fingers and toes (Raynaud's disease)
- Glaucoma
- Heart attack
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- History of alcohol or drug abuse or addiction
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Mental health disease
- Previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt
- Thyroid disease
- Tourette's syndrome
- An unusual or allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine, other amphetamines, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breast-feeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
- Linezolid
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- Methylene blue (injected into a vein)
- Other stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This medication may also interact with the following:
- Acetazolamide
- Ammonium chloride
- Ascorbic acid
- Atomoxetine
- Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
- Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- Cold or allergy medications
- Lithium
- Methenamine
- Narcotic medicines for pain
- Quinidine
- Ritonavir
- Sodium bicarbonate
- St. John's Wort
- Tryptophan
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your care team and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your care team every time you need a refill.
This medication has a risk of abuse and dependence. Your care team will check you for this while you take this medication.
Long term use of this medication may cause your brain and body to depend on it. This does not usually happen if you take breaks from this medication during weekends, holidays, or summer vacations. Talk to your care team about what works for you. If your care team wants you to stop this medication permanently, the dose may be slowly lowered over time to reduce the risk of side effects.
This medication may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this medication affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. Alcohol should be avoided with some brands of this medication. Talk to your care team if you have questions.
Tell your care team if this medication loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without talking to your care team.
Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medication. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your care team if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medication will be monitored closely.
Do not take this medication close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.
Tell your care team right away if you notice unexplained wounds on your fingers and toes while taking this medication. You should also tell your care team if you experience numbness or pain, changes in the skin color, or sensitivity to temperature in your fingers or toes.
