Dexedrine® (dextroamphetamine sulfate) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. Dexedrine comes in two forms: tablets and Spansules®. Dexedrine Spansules are specially designed capsules that release the medication slowly over time. Dexedrine Spansules can be taken just once a day, eliminating the need to take the medication at school or work.
Because Dexedrine is a stimulant and is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing the medication.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Dexedrine.
- More common side effects may include:
Excessive restlessness, overstimulation
- Effects of chronic heavy abuse of Dexedrine may include:
Hyperactivity, irritability, personality changes, schizophrenia-like thoughts and behavior, severe insomnia, severe skin disease
Why should Dexedrine not be prescribed?
Do not take Dexedrine if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Do not take Dexedrine for at least 14 days after taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Dexedrine and MAO inhibitors may interact to cause a sharp, potentially life-threatening rise in blood pressure.
Your doctor will not prescribe Dexedrine for you if you suffer from any of the following conditions:
Agitation
Cardiovascular disease
Glaucoma
Hardening of the arteries
High blood pressure
Overactive thyroid gland
Substance abuse
Special warnings about Dexedrine
Be aware that one of the inactive ingredients in Dexedrine is a yellow food coloring called tartrazine (Yellow No. 5). In a few people, particularly those who are allergic to aspirin, tartrazine can cause a severe allergic reaction.
Dexedrine may impair judgment or coordination. Do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you know how you react to the medication.
There is some concern that Dexedrine may stunt a child's growth. For the sake of safety, any child who takes Dexedrine should have his or her growth monitored.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Dexedrine
If Dexedrine is taken with certain foods or drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Dexedrine with the following:
- Substances that dampen the effects of Dexedrine:
Ammonium chloride, Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Fruit juices, Glutamic acid hydrochloride, Guanethidine, Haloperidol (Haldol), Lithium carbonate (Eskalith), Methenamine (Urised), Reserpine, Sodium acid phosphate, Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)
- Substances that boost the effects of Dexedrine:
Acetazolamide (Diamox), MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate, Propoxyphene (Darvon), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Thiazide diuretics such as Diuril
- Substances that have decreased effect when taken with Dexedrine:
Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Blood pressure medications such as Catapres, Hytrin, and Minipress, Ethosuximide (Zarontin), Veratrum alkaloids (found in certain blood pressure drugs)
- Substances that have increased effect when taken with Dexedrine: Antidepressants such as Norpramin, Meperidine (Demerol), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Babies born to women taking Dexedrine may be premature or have low birth weight. They may also be depressed, agitated, or apathetic due to withdrawal symptoms. Since Dexedrine appears in breast milk, it should not be taken by a nursing mother.
