Drug
Dextroamphetam-Amphetam(Base)
Pronounced
"am-FET-a-meen"
Uses
This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Amphetamine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.
Warning
Misuse or abuse of amphetamines may cause serious (possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems. Amphetamine-type medications can be habit-forming. Use only as directed. If you use this drug for a long time, you may become dependent on it and may have withdrawal symptoms after stopping the drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. See also How to Use section.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for a certain sleeping disorder (narcolepsy). It should not be used to treat tiredness or to hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking amphetamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
There are different brands and forms of this medication available. Not all have the same effects. Do not change brands or forms without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. The tablet(s) may be chewed or swallowed whole. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
During treatment, your doctor may sometimes stop the medication for a short time to see if the medication is still needed.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as severe tiredness, sleep problems, mental/mood changes like depression). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get worse.