Also from Answers.com... Health Epidemics Americans are seeking more health care services than ever. Learn how to talk to your doctor about your health.

To return to the main entry click here.

What are amphetamine; dextroamphetamine tablets?

AMPHETAMINE; DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (Adderall®) is a stimulant. This medicine can improve attention span, concentration, and emotional control, and reduce restless or overactive behavior. This medicine treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 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 giving this medicine to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine tablets are available.

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• regularly drink alcohol-containing beverages
• bipolar disorder
• diabetes or high blood sugar
• enlarged heart
• glaucoma
• hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels
• recent heart attack
• heart disease or a heart defect
• high blood pressure
• history of drug abuse
• irregular heart beat
• over-active thyroid gland
• psychotic illness, depressed mood, or suicidal thoughts
• recent weight loss
• seizure disorder
• history of stroke
• 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 take this medicine?

Take amphetamine-dextroamphetamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

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

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine has been prescribed for children 3 years of age and older for the treatment of attention-deficit disorder. This medicine should not be used in children under the age of 12 years for weight loss.

What drug(s) may interact with amphetamine; dextroamphetamine?

Do not take Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine with any of the following medications:
• medicines called MAO inhibitors used to treat depression - examples: phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®). Never take Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine if you are taking a MAO inhibitor, or if you have stopped taking a MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days.

Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine may also interact with the following medications:
• acetazolamide
• alcohol containing beverages
• bupropion
• caffeine
• furazolidone
• guarana
• insulin and other medicines for diabetes
• levodopa
• linezolid
• lithium
• medicines for colds, sinus, and breathing difficulties
• medicines for high blood pressure and heart medicines
• other medicines for mental depression or anxiety
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• some medicines for migraines (propranolol)
• medicines to decrease appetite or cause weight loss
• meperidine
• melatonin
• other stimulant medications (examples: dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, modafinil)
• pimozide
• propoxyphene
• seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
• selegiline
• sodium bicarbonate
• thyroid hormones

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking amphetamine-dextroamphetamine?

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your prescriber and pharmacy; you will need to have a new written prescription from your prescriber every time you need a refill.

This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this medicine affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without advice from your prescriber or health care professional. Do not suddenly stop your medication. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may feel withdrawal effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.

Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your prescriber if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medication will be monitored closely.

If you are going to have surgery or will need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from taking amphetamine-dextroamphetamine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• anxiety, or severe nervousness
• changes in mood or behavior, including seeing or hearing things that are not really there or over-focused, staring-type behavior
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• fever, or hot, dry skin
• increased blood pressure
• muscle twitching
• skin rash and itching (hives)
• uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Less Common or Rare:
• a sense of well being
• blurred vision
• changes in sexual ability or desire (adults and teenagers)
• constipation or diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• increased sweating
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach cramps
More Common, especially in the first few weeks of treatment:
• decreased appetite or loss of appetite
• headache
• mild stomach upset
• nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping
• weight loss

Where can I keep my medicine?

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.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.