| Drug Index |
| GENERIC NAME : |
| dextroamphetamine |
| BRAND NAMES : |
| Dexedrine, Adderall |
| STREET NAMES : |
| Uppers, bennies, speed |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION : |
| Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Long-term use of dextroamphetamine can slow a child's growth. Growth and weight gain should be monitored by the doctor. |
| INDICATIONS FOR USE : |
| Dextroamphetamine is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by stimulating the areas in the brain for impulse control. It should be taken whole to avoid release of the medication too rapidly and should not be taken in the evening due to sleep problems. Caution should be used in children 3 years old or younger. |
| ABUSE AND ADDICTIVE POTENTIAL : |
| Dextroamphetamine is a prescription drug that is known to be misused and abused by adolescents and young adults who want to "get high", stay awake for extended time to study or party, or to lose weight . It can be obtained from their friends at school, even if distributed by the school clinic. Students who give or sell their medication to friends or classmates can cause serious harm to another individual and are engaging in illegal activity (http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/stimulant/stimulant_abuse.htm#c). Dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance and has a high potential for psychological and physical dependence due to its energizing and euphoric effects. It does not routinely cause tolerance or dependence but abuse is associated with hostility and paranoia (http://www.streetdrugs.org/prescription.htm). |
| OVERDOSAGE : |
| An overdose of dextroamphetamine can be fatal. Overdose symptoms requiring immmedicate medical attention may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, convulsions, or coma (www.drugs.com). Withdrawal effects include depression, stomach cramps, "the shakes", tiredness, nausea and vomiting. |
| CAUTIONS : |
| Dextroamphetamine should not be taken late in the day due to problems with insomnia. Drinking fruit juices with vitamin C can cause your body to absorb less of the medication. The use of vitamins, minerals, and herbal products should be reported to your doctor. Dextroamphetamine should be avoided if a MAO inhibitor has been used within the past 14 days. Use of dexroamphetamine should be avoided with conditions such as congenital heart defects, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, severe anxiety or agitation, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. This medication can be harmful if taken during pregnancy. Complications to the pregnancy and to an unborn baby include premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Dextroamphetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby (www.drugs.com). Many medications interact with dextroamphetamine, therefore before taking dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor if you are using blood pressure medications or diuretcs, over-the-counter cold or allergy medicines, antidepressants, medications for schizophenia or other antipsychotic drugs, and medications for seizures. |
| SIDE EFFECTS : |
| Allergic reactions include hives,difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Serious side effects may manifest as fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats; feeling light-headed, fainting, increased blood pressure, chest pain, severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, numbness, seizure or tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics. Less serious side effects may include headache, dizziness, sleep problems, dry mouth or an unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, decreased libido, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm (www.drugs.com). |
| FOR MORE INFORMATION : |
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1900849,00.html
|
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