What is dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Dextroamphetamine is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Dextroamphetamine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about dextroamphetamine?
Do not use dextroamphetamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dextroamphetamine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to dextroamphetamine, or if you have hardened arteries (arteriosclerosis), heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension), overactive thyroid, glaucoma, severe anxiety or agitation, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Before taking dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you have any type of heart problems.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 3 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Long-term use of dextroamphetamine can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.
Dextroamphetamine is a drug of abuse and may be habit-forming. Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. You should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking dextroamphetamine?
Do not use dextroamphetamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take dextroamphetamine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to dextroamphetamine or if you have:
heart disease or moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension);
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
overactive thyroid;
glaucoma;
severe anxiety, tension, or agitation; or
if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Before taking dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you have:
a congenital heart defect;
high blood pressure;
heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart attack;
a personal or family history of mental illness, psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, depression, or suicide attempt;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
an allergy to dyes used in drugs or manufactured foods; or
tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. It could cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes dextroamphetamine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
Dextroamphetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Long-term use of dextroamphetamine can slow a child's growth. Tell your doctor if the child using this medication is not growing or gaining weight properly.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 3 years old without the advice of a doctor.