Are you aware of this medication (Amphetamine; Dextroamphetamine) for ADHD?

Sometimes, staying focused on one thing can be difficult for you, especially for your child. Even the smallest things can distract you, make it hard to stay in one place, and make you do whatever comes to mind without control. In medical terms, we call this condition ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) . Today, we are talking about a drug that doctors often recommend to control this condition, but which many people are not exactly aware of. It is a combination of two drugs called amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

What is this medicine and how does it work?

Simply put, this is a medication that is used to treat ADHD. It belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants. The word "stimulant" may scare some people, but it works by slightly increasing the activity of the parts of the brain that control attention and behavior. Much like the jolt that comes from drinking coffee after a nap, this medication helps the brain stay focused and reduce impulsive behavior .

This medication may come under different brand names in Sri Lanka and abroad, such as Adderall XR and Mydayis. Also, sometimes your doctor may prescribe this medication for other medical conditions.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before starting this medication, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you or anyone in your family has any of the following conditions:

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of this medicine, you need to know how to use it correctly.

• Drink with water: Drink this medicine with a glass of water.
• Take it at the right time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
• Before or after meals: You can take this medicine before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Swallow the capsule: Never break, crush, or chew this capsule. Swallow it whole.
• If you have trouble swallowing: Some people, especially young children, have trouble swallowing capsules. In that case, you can carefully open the capsule, put the small pills inside in a teaspoon of applesauce, and swallow them right away. But don't chew the pills while swallowing.
• Do not stop until your doctor tells you to: Do ​​not stop taking this medicine suddenly without medical advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, take it only when you remember in the morning. Do not take it in the evening. This may interfere with your sleep at night. When the next dose is due, take the same dose as usual. Never take a double dose.

Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

When taking this medicine, you need to be very careful about the other medications you are using.

Never take with these medications:

• MAOIs: These are an older class of medications used to treat mental illness (e.g. Carbex, Nardil, Parnate). It is not recommended to take amphetamines for at least two weeks after stopping one of these medications.
• Antibiotics such as Linezolid and Methylene blue .
• Other stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or insomnia.

Problems can also occur with these medications:

• Some medications for high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Some medications for depression or anxiety.
• Narcotic medicines.
• Take medicine for colds or allergies.
• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
• Herbal products like St. John's Wort.

This list is not complete. So be sure to give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal products, and painkillers). Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to keep in mind while taking the medicine

• Regular medical check-ups: While taking this medicine, you should see your doctor regularly to check your condition. If you are a child, your doctor will regularly monitor your child's height and weight.
• Attention: This medication may affect your attention. Therefore , avoid activities that require a lot of concentration, such as driving, cycling, or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
• Loss of appetite: It is common to experience loss of appetite when you first start taking the medication. One solution to this is to eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals. If this persists, talk to your doctor.
• Finger changes: If your fingers and toes change color (turn pale, blue, red), become numb, painful, or sensitive to cold while taking the medication, tell your doctor right away. This could be a sign of a condition called Raynaud's.

Side effects of the medicine

Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.

How to store and dispose of medicine safely?

This is a very important part. Since this medication has abuse potential , it is your responsibility to keep it safe.

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
• This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Selling or giving this medicine to anyone else is illegal and very dangerous.
• Store the container tightly closed at room temperature, away from light and moisture.
• Throw away expired medication. When throwing away, mix the medication with something like coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a bag, seal it well, and throw it in the trash.

ADHD, Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine, Adderall XR, Attention Deficit Disorder, Stimulant Medication, Mental Health, ADHD Medication, Children's Health