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Dexedrine |
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What is Dexedrine and why is it prescribed? Dexedrine, a stimulant drug available in tablet or sustained-release capsule form, is prescribed to help treat the following conditions: (1) Narcolepsy and (2) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Because it is a stimulant, this drug has high abuse potential. The stimulant effect may give way to a letdown period of depression and fatigue. Although the letdown can be relieved by taking another dose, this soon becomes a vicious circle. If you habitually take Dexedrine in doses higher than recommended, or if you take it over a long period of time, you may eventually become dependent on the drug and suffer from withdrawal symptoms when it is unavailable. How should you take Dexedrine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Dexedrine. If it is prescribed in tablet form, you may need up to 3 doses a day. Take the first dose when you wake up; take the next 1 or 2 doses at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. You can take the sustained-release capsules only once a day. Do not take Dexedrine late in the day, since this could cause insomnia. If you experience insomnia or loss of appetite while taking this drug, notify your doctor; you may need a lower dosage. It is likely that your doctor will periodically take you off Dexedrine to determine whether you still need it. Do not chew or crush the sustained-release form, Dexedrine Spansules. Do not increase the dosage, except on your doctor's advice. Do not use Dexedrine to improve mental alertness or stay awake. Do not share it with others. If you miss a dose and you take 1 dose a day, take it as soon as you remember, but not within 6 hours of going to bed. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. If you take 2 or 3 doses a day, take the dose you missed if it is within an hour or so of the scheduled time. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Dexedrine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light. Are there any Dexedrine side effects? Dexedrine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Dexedrine side effects may include excessive restlessness and overstimulation. Other Dexedrine side effects may include 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, and weight loss. Effects of chronic heavy abuse of Dexedrine may include hyperactivity, irritability, personality changes, schizophrenia-like thoughts and behavior, severe insomnia, and severe skin disease. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Dexedrine? If Dexedrine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dexedrine with Substances that dampen the effects of Dexedrine (Ammonium chloride, Chlorpromazine/Thorazine, Fruit juices, Glutamic acid hydrochloride, Guanethidine, Haloperidol/Haldol, Lithium carbonate/Eskalith, Methenamine/Urised, Reserpine, Sodium acid phosphate, and Vitamin C), Substances that boost the effects of Dexedrine (Acetazolamide/Diamox, MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate, Propoxyphene/Darvon, Sodium bicarbonate, and Thiazide diuretics such as Diuril), Substances that have decreased effect when taken with Dexedrine (Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Blood pressure medications such as Catapres, Hytrin, and Minipress, Ethosuximide/Zarontin, and Veratrum alkaloids), or Substances that have increased effect when taken with Dexedrine (Antidepressants such as Norpramin, Meperidine/Demerol, Norepinephrine/Levophed, Phenobarbital, or Phenytoin/Dilantin). Are there any special warnings about Dexedrine? 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. 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. |
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