Do you or your child have difficulty staying focused on one thing? Or do you tend to do things impulsively and impulsively? We call this condition Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. So, a special medicine that is given to treat this ADHD condition and a disease called Narcolepsy, which causes excessive sleepiness during the day, is called Dextroamphetamine. Today, let's talk about this medicine simply and precisely.
What is this medicine called Dextroamphetamine?
Simply put, this is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants . It works by changing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in our brain, increasing our ability to focus and control impulsive behavior. This can be a great help for someone with ADHD to stay focused and organized. It can also help someone with narcolepsy stay awake during the day.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medicine:
Dextroamphetamine is not a one-size-fits-all medication. Therefore, your doctor should take your complete medical history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Illness or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | Other mental illnesses such as anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts (in yourself or a family member), and Tourette syndrome. |
| Heart disease | High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, any other heart disease. |
| Other medical conditions | Glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disease, seizures, blood circulation problems in the hands and feet (Raynaud's disease). |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to dextroamphetamine, other amphetamine-type medications, or any other medicine, food, or coloring. |
| Other points | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. If you have a history of drug use. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Take the prescribed dose with a glass of water, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day.
- If you experience stomach upset, take the medicine with a meal. Or you can take it without food.
- Most importantly: These are extended-release capsules. Do not break, crush, or chew them. Swallow the capsule whole.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Important: The doctor will regularly check the height and weight growth of children taking this medicine, as this medicine can sometimes cause a decrease in appetite.
What do I do if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is an emergency, do not delay.
Interactions with other medications
Dextroamphetamine is a drug that can interact with other medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Never take Dextroamphetamine with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (a type of medication used to treat depression) | Linezolid (an antibiotic) |
| Methylene blue (an injection given intravenously) | Other stimulants that are given to increase attention and lose weight. |
| These things can also cause reactions, so be careful. | |
| Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease | Some medications for depression and anxiety |
| Medicines for colds and allergies | Painkillers (especially opioids) |
| Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) | Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) |
Things to be aware of while taking the medicine and side effects
There are some things you should be aware of when taking this medicine. Also, some side effects may occur.
This medicine may affect your concentration or make you feel less tired/tired . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving, cycling, or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Heart-related symptoms | Chest pain or tightness, shoulder/arm pain, difficulty breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | Severe restlessness, irritability, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, worsening of mental status. |
| Symptoms of Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Confusion, excessive sweating, high fever, muscle stiffness/twitching, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Raynaud's symptoms | Fingers/toes become cold, numb, painful, and turn white/blue/red. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Difficulty sleeping (avoid taking the medication close to nighttime) |
| Loss of appetite and weight loss | Blurry vision |
| Nausea | Changes in sexual desire or function |
How to store and dispose of medicine?
This is a very important part. Dextroamphetamine is a drug that can be abused.
- Keep it locked in a very safe place, out of reach of children and pets.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. Selling or giving this medicine to others is illegal and very dangerous.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) away from light and moisture.
- Throw away expired medications. Ask your doctor if it is okay to throw away any unused medications that you no longer need. If it is okay to throw away the capsules, mix them with something like coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and seal them in a bag or container.
Take-Home Message
- Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Swallow the capsule whole with water without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- If you experience any dangerous side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe mental changes, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others. Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor.
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