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

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dextroamphetamine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.

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Dextroamphetamine is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.

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Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" dextroamphetamine tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

What is dextroamphetamine?

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Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant and an appetite suppressant. It stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain) by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in your body. This causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and a decreased appetite, among other effects.

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Dextroamphetamine is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD).

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Dextroamphetamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take dextroamphetamine?

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You cannot take dextroamphetamine if you

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have heart disease or high blood pressure;

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have arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);

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have glaucoma;

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have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days; or

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have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

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problems with your thyroid;

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an anxiety disorder;

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epilepsy or another seizure disorder; or

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diabetes.

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You may not be able to take dextroamphetamine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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It is not known whether dextroamphetamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take dextroamphetamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

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Dextroamphetamine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take dextroamphetamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take dextroamphetamine?

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Take dextroamphetamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Do not take dextroamphetamine in the evening because it may cause insomnia.

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Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" (long-acting or sustained-release) dextroamphetamine tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.

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To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of dextroamphetamine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

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Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much dextroamphetamine could be very dangerous to your health.

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Store dextroamphetamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose or if it is already evening, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. A dose taken too late in the day will cause insomnia. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention.

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Symptoms of a dextroamphetamine overdose include restlessness, tremor, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, an irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

What should I avoid while taking dextroamphetamine?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dextroamphetamine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.

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Do not take dextroamphetamine late in the day. A dose taken too late in the day can cause insomnia.

What are the possible side effects of dextroamphetamine?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking dextroamphetamine and seek emergency medical attention:

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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

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an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or

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hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take dextroamphetamine and talk to your doctor if you experience

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restlessness or tremor,

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nervousness or anxiety,

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headache or dizziness,

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insomnia,

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dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth,

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diarrhea or constipation, or

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impotence or changes in your sex drive.

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Dextroamphetamine is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect dextroamphetamine?

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You cannot take dextroamphetamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days.

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Changes in insulin and other diabetes drug therapies may be necessary during treatment with dextroamphetamine.

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Dextroamphetamine may reduce the effects of guanethidine (Ismelin). This could lead to an increase in blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you are taking guanethidine.

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), or desipramine (Norpramin). These drugs may decrease the effects of dextroamphetamine.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with dextroamphetamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has more information about dextroamphetamine written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed