Has your child been prescribed this medication by a doctor for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Or maybe you have been prescribed this medication for yourself. Amphetamine is a drug that should be used with great caution and under the close supervision of a doctor. So today, let's talk about this drug in simple terms, how it works, its side effects, and things to be aware of.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Amphetamine is a drug used to treat people with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) . It is a stimulant, meaning it is a type of drug. It works by controlling certain chemicals in the brain, improving attention and helping to control impulsive behavior. It can come under different brand names, such as Dyanavel XR.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before deciding if this medication is right for you, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has any of the conditions listed below.
| A situation you or someone in your family has | The dangers of hiding |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | This medicine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can worsen an existing condition. |
| Circulatory problems in the fingers and toes (e.g. Raynaud's disease) | The medication may increase symptoms such as numbness and paleness in the fingers. |
| Any type of mental health problem (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder) | Sometimes, the mental state may change, worsen, or even lead to suicidal thoughts. |
| A history of drug or alcohol addiction | Since this is a drug with a risk of addiction, greater care should be taken when administering it to those with that history. |
| If you have taken MAOI medications (such as Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) in the past 14 days | Taking these two medications together can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The process of removing medication from the body may be affected. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | You should discuss with your doctor whether the medication may affect the baby. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly when using this medicine.
- How to take: Take this pill with a glass of water. Some types can be chewed or swallowed whole. Ask your doctor about this.
- Time of day: It is best to take it at the same time every day, especially in the morning . Taking it during the day or at night can interfere with sleep at night.
- With food: If you experience stomach upset, take with a meal. Or, it doesn't matter whether you take it before or after a meal.
- Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking the medication until your doctor tells you to.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember in the morning. But if you remember too late in the day, skip the dose. Just take your regular dose at the next scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Important: What to do if you take too much of this medicine? If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Amphetamine can interact with other medications, vitamins, and herbal products, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
| Never take Amphetamine with these! (Dangerous) | |
|---|---|
| MAOI-type medications (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) | Linezolid (an antibiotic) |
| Methylene blue (vaccine) | Other stimulant medications for ADHD, narcolepsy, or weight loss |
| If you are taking these, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
| Some medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline) | Some medications used for migraines (e.g. sumatriptan, rizatriptan) |
| Opioid pain medication | St. John's Wort (herbal product) |
| Lithium, Tryptophan | Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) |
Be careful when taking medication.
- Regular check-ups: Your doctor will check in with you regularly to see how you are progressing. In the case of a child, they will specifically look at your height and weight.
- Appetite: It is normal to have an appetite when you first start taking the medication. Try eating smaller meals several times a day. If this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
- Attention: This medicine may affect your concentration. Therefore, avoid dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Finger problems: If you notice any tingling, pain, or discoloration of your fingers or toes, tell your doctor immediately .
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are dangerous, some are normal.
| If these symptoms occur, seek medical advice immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face/lips/tongue. |
| Heart rate changes | Rapid heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Intense anger, confusion, seeing/hearing things that are not there, suicidal thoughts. |
| Symptoms of Stroke | Numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, severe headache. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | High fever, muscle cramps, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Blurred vision | Headache |
| Loss of appetite and weight loss | Insomnia |
Take-Home Message
- Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. It should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
- Always take the medicine in the morning. Taking it during the day or at night may cause sleep disturbances.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or mental health problems, be sure to inform your doctor before starting the medication.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience dangerous side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe changes in behavior, or suicidal thoughts.
- Because this is a medicine that can be misused, keep it in a locked safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Never share it with others.
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