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Dexedrine Antidepressant : Dextroamphetamine

Brand Name : Dextroamphetamine

DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (Dexedrine®, Dextrostat® and others) is a stimulant. It can improve attention span, concentration, and emotional control, and reduce restless or overactive behavior. This medicine treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also help a condition called narcolepsy, an illness that makes it difficult to stay awake during normal daytime hours. This medication is rarely used for weight loss. Federal law prohibits the transfer of this medicine to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic dextroamphetamine tablets are available. Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is an amphetamine, belonging to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants it is a Schedule II controlled substance. Dexedrine was often used in the late 60s and early 70s as a prescription diet aid, because one of the effects of such stimulant drugs is to suppress appetite. Dexedrine (and its more potent cousin Benzedrine) was also commonly (and illegally) used by college students, either for the stimulant high it provided or as a study aid.

Uses of Dexedrine

• Dextroamphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment plan, including psychological, social, and other treatments. It may help to increase the ability to pay attention, concentrate, stay focused, and stop fidgeting.
• This drug may also be used to treat certain sleeping disorders (narcolepsy) to help you stay awake during the day. It should not be used to treat tiredness or to hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.
  

How to Take Dexedrine

Take dextroamphetamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your last dose at least 6 hours before bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Remember: The prescription for dextroamphetamine is only for the person for whom it was prescribed. Never share or give your prescription to anyone else.

What are the Side Effects of Dexedrine Medication

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. More common side effects may include:

• Excessive restlessness
• overstimulation
• Changes in sex drive
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• exaggerated feeling of well-being or depression
• headache
• heart palpitations
• high blood pressure
• hives
• impotence
• loss of appetite
• rapid heartbeat
• sleeplessness
• stomach and intestinal disturbances
• tremors
• uncontrollable twitching or jerking
• unpleasant taste in the mouth
• weight loss

Warnings and precautions before taking Dexedrine Medication

• Be aware that 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.
• Dexedrine may impair judgment or coordination. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how you react to the medication.
• There is some concern that Dexedrine may stunt a child's growth. For the sake of safety, any child who takes Dexedrine should have his or her growth monitored.
• Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine.
• This medicine may decrease appetite and some people may lose weight with long-term treatment. For this reason your doctor will monitor your height and weight as a precaution. If children are not growing or gaining weight satisfactorily the doctor may suggest breaks from the medicine to allow growth to catch up.
  
• Your blood pressure should be regularly monitored during treatment with this medicine.
  
• Treatment with this medicine should not be stopped abruptly as this can result in extreme tiredness and depression. When stopping the medicine it should be done gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor.

What drugs may interact with Dexedrine Tablet

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:

• Ammonium chloride
  
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
  
• Fruit juices
  
• Glutamic acid hydrochloride
  
• Guanethidine
  
• Haloperidol (Haldol)
  
• Lithium carbonate (Eskalith)
  
• Methenamine (Urised)
  
• Reserpine
  
• Sodium acid phosphate
  
• Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)

What to do if you take Overdose of Dexedrine ?

An overdose of Dexedrine can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an acute Dexedrine overdose may include:

• Abdominal cramps
• assaultiveness
• coma
• confusion
• convulsions
• depression
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• hallucinations
• high fever
• heightened reflexes
• high or low blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• nausea
• panic
• rapid breathing
• restlessness
• tremor
• vomiting

How to Store Dexedrine ?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.