Home
What is ADHD?
Definition
Cause
Diagnosis
Treatment
Medication
Natural Remedies
Related Disorders
My ADHD
Adult ADHD
Does ADHD Exist?
About Me
Contact Me
Search
Share This Site
ADHD News
ADHD Blog
Tell your story

[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
Add to Google
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Subscribe with Bloglines

 

Information on Dextroamphetamine

This article is a general view of Dextroamphetamine for comparison with other available ADHD medications. I have taken all of the information in the published medical manuals and text books and summarized it for your convince.
I am not a doctor. Talk to a one for any real advice.

Other names:
Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, Dexedrine, Dextrostat.

Why it is prescribed:
To treat ADHD and narcolepsy (uncontrolled onset of sleep).

How it works:
The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known.

Dextroamphetamine is thought to inhibit the reuptake of the sympathomimetic neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Hehehe what a ridiculous sentence.

That's doctor speak for:
This drug is thought to allow the chemicals in our brain that make us feel good, to stay in action longer. When you take this drug it will make you feel good, it will clear your mind. It is supposed to remove your symptoms of ADHD.

This drug affects systems in the body in a short term manner. Making you focused right away.

Over time the body will alter itself to accommodate the effects of this drug. These changes make the desired effects more potent. It takes several weeks for the drug to really kick in and work well. Until that time there may be higher levels of anxiety and other feelings
This also works in the reverse order. In order to discontinue use without withdrawl effects it will take time to slowly wean a patient off the drug.

Seriously! This is complicated and very important to your safety and health. Speak with a doctor about it. They are the experts.


Dextroamphetamine Side Effects

Serious, seek immediate medical help:
Irregular heartbeat, chest pain, increased blood pressure, skin rash, uncontrollable movements of arms and legs, mental changes, unusual weakness, very high fever.

Common, speak with your family doctor or prescriber:
Mood changes, insomnia, drowsiness, restlessness, dry mouth.

Less Common, speak with your doctor at your next scheduled visit:
Blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache, increased sweating, stomach cramps are pain, nausea or vomiting, changes in sexual desire or decreased sexual ability.

Overdose: Go immediately to the emergency room!
Extreme restlessness, agitation, bizarre behavior, panic, hyperventilation, confusion, high fever, hallucinations, seizures, coma.




Dosage Information

Typical dosage:
Adults: 5 to 60 mg a dayChildren age 6 and older: 5 mg one or two times a day

Onset effect:
Usually within 30 to 45 minutes for tablets, and somewhat later for extended release capsules.

Duration:
In adults, eight to 12 hours; and children, 6 to 10 hours.Extended release capsules have somewhat longer duration of action.

Dietary:
Take it with liquid 30 to 45 minutes before meals. Just avoid caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, colas and alcohol.

Storage:
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Missed dose:
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearer the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Stopping the Drug:
Take it as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy. The decision to stop taking the drug should be made by your doctor. The doctor may decrease your dose is gradually to reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.

Prolonged Use:
Amphetamines can be habit forming and prolonged use may increase the risk of dependency.

Hello, addictive! Be careful!

Precautions
Over 60:Adverse reactions may be more likely and more severe in older patients.

Driving hazardous work:
Do not drive or engage in hazardous working to determine how the medicine affects you.

Pregnancy:
Adequate human studies have not been completed. Before taking Dextroamphetamine tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breast feeding:
Dextroamphetamine passes into the breast milk caution is advised, consult your doctor for advice.


Interactions

Drug:
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you're taking tricyclic antidepressants, caffeine, beta-blockers, digitalis drugs, central nervous system stimulants, meperidine, MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetic agents, or thyroid hormones.

Food:
Citrus juices and caffeinated beverages and foods may interact with this drug.

Disease:
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following: advance blood vessel disease, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, severe anxiety, Tourette's syndrome, glaucoma, or a history of drug abuse.


Why did I want to take this stuff again?

After all that you might be asking yourself. What was the reason I am taking this again?

It was to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
If you feel that the potential risks are worth the gains then go for it!
If you need more here are many other natural remedies and treatments for ADHD.

Like this site? Please share this ADHD site.



Return from Dextroamphetamine to Medications for ADHD

Return from Dextroamphetamine to ADHDaction homepage