Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Also treats narcolepsy (a sleep problem). This medicine is a stimulant.

Brand Name(s):

Adderall XR, Adderall

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you or your child have had an allergic reaction to amphetamine or dextroamphetamine. You should not use this medicine if you have glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, heart disease, or blood vessel problems. You should not use this medicine if you have used a drug for depression called an MAO inhibitor (MAOI), such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®, in the past 14 days. Do not use this medicine if you have a history of drug abuse, or if you are very nervous, tense, or agitated most of the time. Do not give this medicine to a child under 3 years of age.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • It is best to take the extended-release capsule form in the morning. Taking this medicine in the afternoon or evening could make it harder for you to fall asleep.
  • If you use the short-acting tablet form of this medicine, take your last dose for the day about 6 hours before bedtime, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
  • Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.
  • This medicine is part of an ADHD treatment program that may also include counseling or special education. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about all treatment measures.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

  • Tell your doctor if you are also using acetazolamide (Diamox®), chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), antacids, blood pressure medicines (such as atenolol, lisinopril, metoprolol, Cozaar®, or Diovan®), or certain pain medicines (such as meperidine, propoxyphene, Demerol®, or Darvon®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using cold or allergy medicines, ethosuximide (Zarontin®), haloperidol (Haldol®), lithium carbonate (Lithobid®), certain medicines for depression (such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, Pamelor®, or Sinequan®), methenamine (Hiprex®, Urex®), phenobarbital, or phenytoin (Dilantin®).
  • Do not eat citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) or drink citrus juice when you take this medicine. Do not take vitamin C while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you or your child have heart problems, thyroid problems, or mild high blood pressure. Tell your doctor if you or your child have muscle tics or Tourette's syndrome, a condition that causes you to have muscle twitches or to make sounds you are not able to control.
  • Your doctor should know if you or your child have epilepsy, or a history of seizures, depression or mental illness. Tell your doctor about any drug or alcohol problems. Also tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has tried to commit suicide.
  • This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
  • This medicine may cause slow growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight to make sure your child is growing properly.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

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.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Change in behavior, unusual or disturbing thoughts.
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Confusion, rapid breathing, panic, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Extreme restlessness, fever, shaking or uncontrolled muscle movements.
  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
  • Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
  • Seizures.
  • Tremors or shaking.

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

  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
  • Dry mouth or bad taste in your mouth.
  • Feeling tired, irritable, nervous, anxious, or depressed.
  • Headache or dizziness.
  • Loss of appetite or weight loss.
  • Problems having sex.
  • Trouble sleeping.
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