We know how difficult it is for a child or adult with ADHD, which means difficulty paying attention and maintaining attention (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), to sit in one place and do work or study. Sometimes problems arise due to impulsive behavior. So there are special medications that doctors prescribe to help with this condition. Today we are talking about one such drug, Amphetamine, which comes in the form of a liquid (suspension).
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, it is a stimulant. It works by slightly improving brain function, helping you stay focused , and controlling impulsive behavior. It comes under different brand names, such as Adzenys and Dyanavel XR. But the most important thing is that the main drug in all of them is amphetamine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before giving this medicine to you or your child, it is important to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important because the doctor will use this information to decide whether the medicine or dosage is appropriate.
| Health condition to be reported | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or congenital heart defects | If you or someone in your family has heart disease or a congenital heart problem. |
| High blood pressure | If your blood pressure is high. |
| If you have had a stroke | If you have had a previous stroke. |
| Circulatory problems in the fingers | Circulatory problems such as cold, blue fingers and toes. |
| Mental health problems | Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar. |
| Suicidal thoughts | If you or someone in your family has had thoughts, plans, or attempts to commit suicide. |
| Drug/alcohol addiction | If you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction (substance use disorder). |
| Kidney disease | If there is any problem with kidney function. |
| Tourette's syndrome | A condition in which parts of the body move involuntarily (tics). |
| Being pregnant or planning to be pregnant/breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Other allergies | If you are allergic to this medicine, other medicines, foods, preservatives, or colorings. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- Shake well: Shake the bottle well before each use.
- Accurate measurement: Use the special plastic syringe, cup, or spoon that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not measure with household teaspoons or tablespoons, as they are not accurate.
- 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 a meal.
- On time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
- When given to children: This medicine can be prescribed to children over 6 years of age. However, the doctor will always monitor the child's weight and height growth.
What if you accidentally take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately . Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What should you be careful about when taking medication?
While taking this medicine, we need to be a little careful about some things.
- Regular medical checkups: Go to your doctor's appointments and get yourself checked. This is a controlled medication, so regular medical supervision is required.
- Attention: This medicine may affect your attention. Therefore, do not do anything that requires a lot of attention, such as driving, cycling, or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this 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.
- Sleep disturbance: This medication may interfere with sleep. Therefore , do not take this medication late at night or close to bedtime.
- Changes in the fingers: If you notice any unusual sores, numbness, pain, or changes in skin color (pale, blue, red) in your fingers, tell your doctor immediately. These could be signs of a condition called Raynaud's.
- Special note for men: If you are a man, if you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours or is painful, it could be a serious condition. Seek medical attention immediately, as it is important to seek treatment before permanent damage occurs.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Please see the table below for more information.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Intense anger, anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts. |
| Serotonin syndrome | Profuse sweating, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle twitching, convulsions. |
| 🙂 Things to tell your doctor if they are usually not serious, but persist | |
| Headache | Dry mouth |
| Dizziness | Stomach ache |
| Decreased appetite and weight loss | Difficulty falling asleep |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything different, talk to your doctor.
What are the interactions with other medications?
Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine. Therefore, inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
Never take this medication with antidepressants, especially MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors). Also, avoid taking it with other stimulant medications that increase alertness.
Take-Home Message
- This medication helps control ADHD, but it should be used only as directed by your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other illnesses you have before starting the medication.
- Do not change the dosage of the medicine arbitrarily or share it with others. This is illegal and dangerous.
- If you experience symptoms of a serious side effect (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe mental changes), seek medical advice immediately.
- This is a drug with potential for abuse. Therefore, keep it in a very safe place, out of the reach of children.
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