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Dexedrine

(dextroamphetamine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Dexedrine work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Dexedrine?
• What form(s) does Dexedrine come in?
• Who should NOT take Dexedrine?
• What side effects are possible with Dexedrine?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Dexedrine?
• What other drugs could interact with Dexedrine?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Dexedrine work? What will it do for me?

Dextroamphetamine belongs to the family of medications known as stimulants. This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (falling asleep at inappropriate times without any control). It works for treating narcolepsy by acting as a stimulant to the brain. The way that it helps people with ADHD has not been established.

Other measures (e.g., psychological, educational, and social therapies) are used along with dextroamphetamine as part of an overall treatment program for ADHD.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Dexedrine?

This medication should be started at the lowest possible dose and increased slowly.

For narcolepsy, the daily dosage may range from 5 mg to 60 mg daily depending on individual response.

For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the daily dosage may range from 2.5 mg to 40 mg daily for best response.

Dextroamphetamine is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

The timing of this medication is very important. Generally, a long-acting form of the medication would not be taken in the evening, as it may interfere with sleep.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Dexedrine come in?

Spansules (sustained-release capsules)

10 mg
Each brown-capped, natural-coloured body taper-end capsule, with 2 shades of orange pellets, monogrammed "3513" on the cap with "10 mg" and "SB" on the body in white ink, contains dextroamphetamine sulfate 10 mg, and releases a therapeutic dose promptly with the remaining dose being delivered gradually and without interruption to sustain the effects for 10 to 12 hours.. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetyl alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, dibutyl sebacate, ethylcellulose, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, propylene glycol, povidone, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, sugar spheres, and trace amounts of other inactive ingredients.

15 mg
Each brown-capped, natural-coloured body taper-end capsule, with 2 shades of orange pellets, monogrammed "3514" on the cap with "15 mg" and "SB" on the body in white ink, contains dextroamphetamine sulfate 15 mg, and releases a therapeutic dose promptly with the remaining dose being delivered gradually and without interruption to sustain the effect for 10 to 12 hours. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cetyl alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, dibutyl sebacate, ethylcellulose, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, propylene glycol, povidone, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, sugar spheres, and trace amounts of other inactive ingredients.

Tablets

5 mg
Each orange, round-cornered, equilaterally triangular shaped, scored, compressed tablet, engraved "SKF El9" contains dextroamphetamine sulfate 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: calcium sulfate, gelatin, lactose, FD&C Yellow No. 6, FD&C Yellow No. 5, starch, stearic acid, sucrose, and talc.

Who should NOT take Dexedrine?

Do not take dextroamphetamine if you:

• are allergic to dextroamphetamine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to other medications of the same class
• are in an agitated state
• have a history of drug abuse
• have an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• have advanced hardening of the arteries
• have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• have heart disease
• have moderate-to-severe high blood pressure

This medication should not be used at the same time as, or within 14 days after taking, MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

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