Have you or your child been prescribed Dextroamphetamine? Let's find out exactly what this means.

Sometimes it is very difficult for our children to stay focused in one place, isn't it? Or some adults get strangely sleepy even during the day, uncontrollably. A special medicine that doctors recommend to control such conditions is Dextroamphetamine. When you hear the name of this medicine, you may feel a little scared, but when you know the exact details, that fear disappears. So today, let's talk about this medicine in detail and simply.

What kind of medicine is this? (What is Dextroamphetamine?)

Simply put, Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant. But don't be alarmed when you hear the word "stimulant." It works by slightly activating certain parts of the brain that help you focus, control, and stay calm.

This medicine is mainly used to treat two conditions:

1. ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): This means 'attention deficit and hyperactivity' in Sinhala. Children or adults with this condition have difficulty paying attention, staying quiet, and controlling impulsive behavior. Dextroamphetamine helps improve their attention and reduce impulsiveness .

2. Narcolepsy: This is a condition where people suddenly fall asleep uncontrollably during the day. This medication helps them stay awake throughout the day .

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is important to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.

• If you or someone in your family has mental health problems (e.g. severe anxiety, panic attacks, depression).
• If you or someone in your family has had thoughts of suicide.
• Heart disease, if you have had a heart attack, or if someone in your family has heart disease.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have had a stroke.
• If you have the eye disease glaucoma.
• If you have problems with blood circulation in your fingers and toes (e.g. Raynaud's disease).
• If you were previously addicted to drugs or alcohol, talk about it.
• Kidney or liver conditions.
• Thyroid disease.
• If you have seizures.
• If you have a condition called Tourette syndrome.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or other amphetamine-type medicines.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Remember, hiding this information will only harm you. The doctor will know all of this and decide on the safest treatment for you.

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How should I use the medicine?

The way this medicine is used is very important.

• Swallow the pill with a glass of water. Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, and as prescribed by your doctor.
• You can take it with or without food. If you feel upset stomach, eat some food before taking the medicine.
• Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to. Stopping the medication suddenly can cause problems.
• Overdose: If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't delay . Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital (telephone number 0112 686 143) or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
• If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
• This medicine is for you only: This is very important. Do not share this medicine with others. It is dangerous and illegal.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

Some medications can react with Dextroamphetamine and cause dangerous conditions. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Things to be especially careful about when taking medication

• Regular check-ups: Your doctor will check you regularly to make sure the medication is working and if there are any side effects. Be sure to go to those appointments.
• Special prescription: This is a medication that is given under special control. This means that you need to get a new prescription from your doctor every time you take the medication.
• Driving and Attention: This medication may affect your attention. Therefore, do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving, riding a bicycle, or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
• Appetite: It is normal to have an appetite when you first start taking the medicine. Eat small, frequent meals. If your child continues to have this appetite, tell your doctor. The doctor will regularly measure your child's height and weight.
• Insomnia: Taking this medication at night may cause insomnia. Therefore, as advised by your doctor, usually take the medication during the day.
• Changes in your fingers: If you notice any unusual sores, numbness, pain, or changes in skin color (pale, blue, red) in your fingers or toes while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medication, Dextroamphetamine can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.

How to keep medicine safe?

This is very important. This medicine has the potential for abuse, so it must be kept very safe.

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Keep it locked in a safe place to protect it from theft.
• Store the bottle tightly closed, at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius), away from light and moisture.
• Get rid of expired or unwanted medications right away. It is dangerous to keep them at home. If you can, take them to a government medication take-back program. If that is not possible, take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put them in a sealable bag and throw them in the trash.