Does your child have a hard time staying focused? Or does his attention shift very quickly? Maybe you too have this kind of difficulty staying focused. In medical terms, we call this condition Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or `ADHD - Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder`. So, one treatment for this `ADHD` condition is a skin patch containing a drug called `Dextroamphetamine`. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is this Dextroamphetamine patch?
Simply put, this is something that sticks to your skin and looks like a plaster. Inside this patch is a drug called `Dextroamphetamine`. This is a stimulant drug. After you apply the patch, it slowly absorbs the drug into your body through your skin.
Its main function is to slightly alter brain function, help focus attention, and control impulsive, restless behavior . It is most commonly available under the brand name `XELSTRYM`. However, doctors may prescribe it for other things as well. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Okay, now this is very important. Before you or your child is given this medicine, you must tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. Don't hide these conditions, because they are very important for your safety.
| Medical condition or information | Description |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | Anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, mental illness. |
| Heart disease and blood pressure | High blood pressure, heart disease, other heart diseases, stroke. |
| Circulatory problems | Conditions such as decreased blood flow to the fingers (e.g. Raynaud's disease). |
| Other medical conditions | Glaucoma, seizures, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disease, Tourette's syndrome. |
| Habits and allergies | Addiction to alcohol or drugs, allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this patch?
This is for external use only. Do not take it orally or use it in any other way.
1. Choosing a location: Apply the patch to a clean, dry, oil-free, smooth area of skin, such as the chest, upper arms, upper back, hips, or thighs .
2. Change the place every day: If you put it on your right hand today, put it on your left hand tomorrow. Don't keep putting it on the same place. Don't put it on areas that are injured, have skin problems, or are oily.
3. Timing: Apply the patch 2 hours before you need the medicine to take effect.
4. How to apply: Follow the instructions on the package carefully. Carefully peel the patch off the liner and apply it to your skin. Avoid applying it to areas where it could come off, such as your waistband or clothing.
5. Wash your hands: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap after applying the patch.
6. Do not cut: Do not cut or tear the patch.
Very important: The patch must be removed exactly 9 hours after application. Fold the removed patch in half, stick the two sticky sides together, and place it in a trash can with a tight-fitting lid.
When giving this medicine to children, especially children under 6 years of age, you should follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
Stay in touch with the doctor regularly.
When using this medication, you need to stay in touch with your doctor regularly to discuss the progress of your treatment. This will require getting a new prescription each time.
When driving and doing tasks that require attention
This medicine may affect your concentration or make you feel less tired. Therefore, avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, cycling, or using machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
Appetite and child development
It is common to experience a loss of appetite when starting the medicine. One solution to this is to eat small, frequent meals . When a child is given this medicine in high doses for a long time, the child's growth may sometimes be slowed down. Your doctor will check your child's growth regularly.
Pay special attention to body temperature!
This is very important. This patch is very sensitive to body temperature.
If your body gets too hot, the patch can absorb too much medicine into your body at once. This can be dangerous . So, tell your doctor right away if you develop a fever. Also, avoid the following:
* Bathing in hot water
* Spending too much time in the sun (Sunbathing)
* Using hot tubs and saunas
* Using things like hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, heated waterbeds, tanning lamps
* Exercising that greatly increases body temperature
Finger changes and serotonin syndrome
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual sores, numbness, pain, skin discoloration, or sensitivity to temperature in your hands or feet while taking this medicine.
You should also be aware of a dangerous condition called `Serotonin Syndrome`. This is an excessive increase in the chemical serotonin in the body. This can happen when you take certain other medications (especially antidepressants) with this medicine. If you experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, sweating, high fever, seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea , these may be symptoms of `Serotonin Syndrome`. If this happens, seek medical advice immediately .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Learn more about them in the table below.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| If you have these symptoms, go to the doctor or ETU immediately . | |
| |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
|
What to do if you overdose ?
If you think 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 .
Take-Home Message
- Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Follow the instructions for applying and removing the patch exactly. Do not leave it on for more than 9 hours.
- Avoid things that overheat your body. Tell your doctor if you develop a fever.
- If you experience unusual mental changes, changes in your heartbeat, or problems with your limbs, feet, or fingers, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It is illegal and very dangerous.
- Store medicines in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
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