Brand name:

Dexedrine

Why is Dexedrine prescribed?

Dexedrine, a stimulant drug available in tablet or sustained-release capsule form, is prescribed to help treat the following conditions:

1. Narcolepsy (recurrent "sleep attacks")
2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. (The total treatment program should include social, psychological, and educational guidance along with Dexedrine.)

Most important fact about Dexedrine

Because it is a stimulant, Dexedrine 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?

Take Dexedrine exactly as prescribed. 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 Dexedrine, 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...

If 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 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from light.

Dexedrine side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Dexedrine.

• Side effects may include:
  Excessive restlessness, overstimulation

• Effects of chronic heavy abuse of Dexedrine may include:
  Hyperactivity, irritability, personality changes, schizophrenia-like thoughts and behavior, severe insomnia, severe skin disease

Why should Dexedrine not be prescribed?

Do not take Dexedrine if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Do not take Dexedrine for at least 14 days after taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Dexedrine and MAO inhibitors may interact to cause a sharp, potentially life-threatening rise in blood pressure.

Your doctor will not prescribe Dexedrine for you if you suffer from any of the following conditions:

Agitation
Cardiovascular disease
Glaucoma
Hardening of the arteries
High blood pressure
Overactive thyroid gland
Substance abuse

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. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how you react to the medication.

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.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Dexedrine

If Dexedrine is taken with certain foods or drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dexedrine with the following:

• 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, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)

• Substances that boost the effects of Dexedrine:
  Acetazolamide (Diamox), MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate, Propoxyphene (Darvon), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), 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), Veratrum alkaloids (found in certain blood pressure drugs)

• Substances that have increased effect when taken with Dexedrine: Antidepressants such as Norpramin, Meperidine (Demerol), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Babies born to women taking Dexedrine may be premature or have low birth weight. They may also be depressed, agitated, or apathetic due to withdrawal symptoms. Since Dexedrine appears in breast milk, it should not be taken by a nursing mother.

Recommended dosage for Dexedrine

Take no more Dexedrine than your doctor prescribes. Intake should be kept to the lowest level that proves effective.

NARCOLEPSY

Overdosage

An overdose of Dexedrine can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of an acute Dexedrine overdose may include:
  Abdominal cramps, assaultiveness, coma, confusion, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, fatigue, hallucinations, high fever, heightened reflexes, high or low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, nausea, panic, rapid breathing, restlessness, tremor, vomiting