Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine

Pronunciation: am-FET-a-meen/DEX-troe-am-FET-a-meen
Generic Name: Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine
Brand Name: Adderall

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and may be habit-forming if used for a long period of time. Use Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine only as prescribed and do not share it with others. Abuse of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may cause serious heart problems, blood vessel problems, or sudden death.

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine is used for:

Treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (sudden and uncontrollable attacks of drowsiness and sleepiness). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine is an amphetamine. Exactly how it works is not known. Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine affects certain chemicals in the brain that may affect attention span and behavior.

Do NOT use Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine or to similar medicines


• you have severe hardening of the arteries; active heart or blood vessel disease; moderate, severe, or uncontrolled high blood pressure; an overactive thyroid; glaucoma; or agitation, anxiety, or tension


• you have serious heart problems (eg, heart defect, irregular heartbeat)


• you have a history of alcohol or other substance abuse


• you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days


• you are taking guanethidine or guanadrel

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine:

Some medical conditions may interact with Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, fast or irregular heartbeat), heart defects, a recent heart attack, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, or blood vessel problems, or if a family member has a history of irregular heartbeat or sudden death


• if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, growth problems, thyroid problems, uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, tics), Tourette syndrome, anorexia, or the blood disease porphyria


• if you have a history of seizures or abnormal electroencephalograms (EEGs)


• if you have a history of mood or mental problems (eg, agitation, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, tension), abnormal thoughts, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or other substance abuse or dependence or if a family member has a history of any of these problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Furazolidone or MAOIs (eg, phenelzine) because side effects, such as increased blood pressure, headache, fever, and irregular heartbeat, may occur


• Alkalinizing agents (eg, antacids, sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide), decongestants (eg, pseudoephedrine), propoxyphene, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (eg, lansoprazole, omeprazole), or sympathomimetic medicines (eg, albuterol) because they may increase the risk of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine's side effects


• Glutamic acid, haloperidol, lithium carbonate, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine), PPIs (eg, lansoprazole, omeprazole), reserpine, urinary acidifiers (eg, methenamine, ammonium chloride), or vitamin C (ascorbic acid) because they may decrease Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine's effectiveness


• Meperidine, norepinephrine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), tramadol, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, desipramine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine


• Alpha-blockers (eg, prazosin), antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), ethosuximide, guanadrel, guanethidine, medicines for high blood pressure, phenobarbital, or phenytoin because their effectiveness may be decreased by Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine:

Use Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine refilled.


• Take Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine by mouth with or without food.


• Take your last dose of the day 4 to 6 hours before bedtime unless your doctor tells you differently.


• Do not take antacids (eg, calcium carbonate) or certain alkalinizing agents (eg, sodium bicarbonate) with Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine without first talking with your doctor. They may increase the risk of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine's side effects.


• If you miss a dose of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine.

Important safety information:

• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• When used to treat ADHD, Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine should be used as part of an ADHD treatment program that includes a variety of treatment measures (eg, psychological, educational, social).


• Certain foods and medicines can affect the amount of acid in your stomach and intestine. This can increase or decrease (depending on the medicine) the absorption of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. Tell your doctor if you take any of these products: fruit juice, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sodium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride, sodium acid phosphate, ulcer medicines (eg, H₂ blockers such as famotidine and ranitidine, PPIs such as omeprazole and lansoprazole), antacids, methenamine, or acetazolamide.


• Serious effects, including a heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, have occurred with the use of stimulant medicines in patients with heart defects or other serious heart problems. If you have a heart defect or other serious problem, talk with your doctor about other therapies to treat your condition.


• Avoid large amounts of food or drink that have caffeine (eg, coffee, tea, cocoa, cola, chocolate).


• Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has a decongestant in it. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.


• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.


• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine.


• Lab tests, including blood pressure, pulse, and heart function, may be performed while you use Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 3 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.


• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may affect growth rate and weight gain in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth and weight checks while they take Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine while you are pregnant. Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.

When used for longer than a few weeks or at high doses, some people develop a need to continue taking Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction.

Do not suddenly stop taking Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. If you do, you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. These may include feeling unwell or unhappy, anxious or irritable, dizzy, confused, or sluggish. You may also have nausea, unusual skin sensations, mood swings, headache, trouble sleeping, or sweating. If you need to stop Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, your doctor will lower your dose over time.

Possible side effects of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; unpleasant taste; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision problems; change in sexual ability or desire; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; new or worsening mental or mood problems (eg, aggression, agitation, anxiety, delusions, depression, hallucination, hostility); numbness or tingling of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; painful or frequent urination; red, swollen, peeling, or blistered skin; seizures; severe or persistent headache; severe stomach pain; severe weight loss; shortness of breath; sudden, severe dizziness or vomiting; slurred speech; uncontrolled muscle movement; unusual weakness or tiredness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include confusion; fast breathing; fever; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or tenderness; seizures; severe mental or mood changes; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; severe restlessness.

Proper storage of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine:

Store Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine resources

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

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