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A strong amphetamine used to treat ADHD related attention problems |
Dextroamphetamine Spansule is a stimulant used to treat ADHD. Packaging it as a spansule makes it longer acting, similar to adderall. It is used for the treatment of ADHD because it helps children pay attention, concentrate, stay focused, and stop fidgeting.
In the 1950's the semi-synthetic derivative, methylphenidate, was developed and marketed as ritalin. It was supposed to minimize the side effects of appetite suppression and insomnia. Since the targeted patients were always children, ritalin became the medication of choice for treating ADHD. Though a new compound of dexedrine, Addderall, is coming back into favor because of its longer action.
It has stronger side effects on appetite suppression and insomnia, but often it is "smoother" than Ritalin and patients are more comfortable with it. Ritalin tends to cause more nausea or stomach discomfort, and may produce more moodiness.
How To Use
dexedrine and destroamphetamine can cause dependence and addiction, especially when used in high doses. Suddenly stopping high doses may cause withdrawal symptoms such as severe tiredness, mood changes (e.g., depression), and sleep problems. Stopping amphetamines more slowly will reduce the chances of addiction. Doctors often recommend "drug holidays" for a short time to observe any changes in behavior.
Common Side Effects:
Serious side effects:
Seek immediate medical attention for these serious side effects:
Symptoms of Overdose
Severe mental/mood changes, seizures, severe or persistent headache, severe restlessness, fast breathing.
Do not take Dexedrine or Dexamphetamine if you have these conditions:
Allergic to it or epinephrine, ephedrine.
Severe agitation, psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, suicidal thoughts, seizures, history of uncontrolled movements or outbursts of words/sounds(Tourette's syndrome)
Irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, heart valve problems, high blood pressure (hypertension), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), history of heart attack or stroke,glaucoma, abuse of drugs/alcohol.
Since amphetamines may cause dizziness or blurred vision be careful driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
Since caffeine can increase the side effects of amphetamines, do not drink large amounts of beverages containing caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, colas) or eat large amounts of chocolate.
Children taking it may lose or not gain weight, grow more slowly, and have a reduced final height. Drug "holidays" reduce this risk.
Drug Interactions:
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before, during, and after treatment with this medication.
Tell your doctor if your child uses any of these drugs:
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