Drug Notes

Amphetamine (By mouth)

Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Also helps with weight loss in obese patients.

Brand Name(s):

Adzenys XR ODT, Desoxyn, Dexedrine Spansule, Dexedrine Spansules, Didrex, Dyanavel XR, Evekeo, Regimex, Vyvanse, Zenzedi

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Long Acting Dissolving Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• This medicine is used for different conditions and comes in different forms. Make sure you understand how to take your prescribed brand.
• Extended-release capsule and tablet: Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Extended-release disintegrating tablet: Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water.
• Extended-release oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle just before each use.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) in the past 14 days.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how amphetamine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
  • Acetazolamide, ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), chlorpromazine, ethosuximide, guanethidine, haloperidol, lithium, meperidine, methenamine, methylphenidate, pemoline, phenobarbital, phenytoin, reserpine, sodium bicarbonate
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Cold or allergy medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat depression (including desipramine, protriptyline)
  • Medicine that decreases stomach acid (including omeprazole)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart or blood vessel problems, including high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, a heart defect, or a history of heart attack or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have Tourette syndrome or a history of seizures, depression, bipolar disorder, or mental health problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Sudden death in people who have a heart defect
  • Serious heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke
  • Unusual changes in behavior or moods
  • Slow growth in children
  • Peripheral vasculopathy (blood circulation problems)
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Weight loss treatment: This medicine often stops working after you have been taking it for a few weeks. Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed, even if this happens. This medicine is only for short-term use.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting
• Extreme energy or restlessness, confusion, agitation, unusual moods or behavior
• Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• Sores, coldness, numbness, or color changes on your fingers or toes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017