Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, ... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Amphetamine Aspartate, Amphetamine Sulfate, Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Adderall, Adderall XR

What is this medicine?

AMPHETAMINE; DEXTROAMPHETAMINE(am FET a meen; dex troe am FET a meen) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may also be used for narcolepsy. Federal law prohibits giving this medicine to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma
• hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels
• heart disease or a heart defect
• high blood pressure
• history of alcohol or drug abuse
• history of stroke
• over-active thyroid gland
• psychotic illness, depressed mood, or suicidal thoughts
• recent weight loss
• seizure disorder
• Tourette's syndrome
• an unusual or allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine, other amphetamines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop your medicine. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may feel withdrawal effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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 may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol
• certain migraine headache medicines like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• lithium
• medicines called MAO inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• medicines to decrease appetite or cause weight loss
• melatonin
• meperidine
• other stimulant medications like dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, modafinil
• pimozide
• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acetazolamide
• ammonium chloride
• ascorbic acid
• glutamic acid
• medicines for colds, sinus, and breathing difficulties
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for high blood pressure and heart medicines
• methenamine
• norepinephrine
• propoxyphene
• seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
• sodium acid phosphate
• sodium bicarbonate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.