When your doctor tells you or your child that you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), he or she may prescribe a medication called Amphetamine. Hearing a name like this can make some parents and users a little apprehensive and hesitant. "Is this a hard drug?" "Will it be addictive?" It's normal to have questions like this come to mind. But this is actually a very useful drug that is used all over the world to treat ADHD under the supervision of a doctor. So today, let's find answers to almost all the questions you have about this medication. Let's talk in a very simple and friendly way about how to use it, what to be careful about, and the side effects.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
Amphetamine is a stimulant drug. Now you might be thinking, "Our child is already very naughty and wayward, what will happen if we give him another stimulant?" This is a very reasonable question. But what's going on here is a little different than what we think.
People with ADHD have low levels of certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) in their brains that control attention and behavior. This medication works by balancing the levels of those chemicals and 'waking up' those parts of the brain. It's like giving a sleepy person a cup of coffee to help them focus. This medication improves attention, helps them stay focused, and helps control impulsive behavior .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is a very important part. Before starting Amphetamine, it is essential to tell your doctor about your or your child's complete health history. Some medical conditions may not be compatible with this medication, or may require special care.
The most important thing is to talk honestly with the doctor without hiding anything. This is very important for your or your child's safety.
If you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Health condition or history | Why is it important to inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, heart defects, or high blood pressure | This medication can slightly increase heart rate and blood pressure, so it can be dangerous if you have a history of heart disease. |
| Mental health conditions (yours or someone in your family) - e.g. bipolar, depression, suicidal thoughts | This medication may cause some psychiatric symptoms (e.g., hallucinations) or worsen an existing condition. |
| Seizures or convulsions | This medicine may increase the risk of seizures. |
| Circulation problems in the hands and feet | Conditions such as pale fingers and numbness (Raynaud's phenomenon) may occur. |
| A history of drug or alcohol addiction | Because this medication has the potential for abuse, it is important for the doctor to be aware of it. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is imperative to discuss this with your doctor, as this medication may affect the baby in the womb or through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this pill?
This is not a pill that you swallow with water like a regular pill. This is a "disintegrating tablet," meaning it dissolves in your mouth. So follow these steps exactly when using it.
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep the pill in the sealed packet until you are ready to take it .
- Use dry hands: Your hands should be completely dry when you open the packet. If you touch it with wet hands, the pill may start to dissolve.
- If the tablet breaks: If the tablet breaks or crumbles when you take it out of the packet, do not use it. Throw it away and get a new tablet.
- Dissolve in mouth: After placing the tablet in your mouth, let it dissolve. Then swallow. Never chew, crush, or swallow this tablet with water.
- Before or after food: This can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with some food.
What to do if you miss a dose or take too much?
If you miss the deadline
If you forget to take a dose, take it 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 a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Overdose
If you think you have taken more medication than prescribed, either by mistake or on purpose, this is an emergency .
What you should do is immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Serious side effects and common side effects
Like any medication, Amphetamine can have side effects. Some are serious and require immediate medical attention. Others usually go away over time. It's important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or walking. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Severe restlessness, confusion, seeing things that are not there (hallucinations), suicidal thoughts, severe anger. |
| Raynaud's phenomenon | Coldness, numbness, pain, and discoloration of the fingers/toes to white/blue/red. |
| If it persists or is bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Decreased appetite and weight loss | This is common in the early stages of starting the medication. It can be controlled by eating small, frequent meals. |
| Insomnia | Sleep may be disrupted, especially if the medication is taken late in the day. |
| Dry mouth, headache, stomach pain | These are common side effects. If they persist, tell your doctor. |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
This is very important. Amphetamine is a drug with a potential for abuse. This means that some people may be tempted to use it incorrectly.
- Store safely: Keep medications in a safe, locked place out of the reach of children and pets .
- Do not share: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Doing so is dangerous and illegal.
- Disposal: Don't just throw expired, unused medication in the trash. It could end up in the wrong hands. The safest way is to take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed bag, and throw them in the trash. If you're not sure how to dispose of them, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never change the dosage yourself.
- This is a tablet that dissolves in the mouth. Do not chew or crush. Handle only with dry hands.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines).
- If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or mental illness, be sure to inform your doctor before starting the medication.
- If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe changes in behavior, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store this medicine in a very safe place, locked up, out of the reach of children and others.
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