Dextroamphetamine

The lowest price for generic dextroamphetamine (Dextroamphetamine Saccharate; Amphetamine; Amphetamine Aspartate) with EzRx Discount Drug Card is $11.59 for a 30-day supply. This is over 63% off on the medicine’s average retail price of $32.06.

Dextroamphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and helps an individual to control behavior disorders, stay focused and pay attention on an activity. The medication is also used to treat a sleeping disorder known as narcolepsy to help you stay awake during the day. Dextroamphetamine may help you in organizing your tasks and improving your listening skills. It’s a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication that acts on the bio-chemicals in the brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Children above 6 years of age may be prescribed dextroamphetamine for the treatment of ADHD but their growth needs to be monitored closely by the doctor while on the medication.
Dextroamphetamine should not be used to hold off sleep in the individuals who do not have any sleep disorder.
The medication may be prescribed by your doctor for the purposes not mentioned here.
Dextroamphetamine is available as both a generic and a brand name drug. Brand Name(s): Dextroamphetamine Saccharate; Amphetamine; Amphetamine Aspartate.
Generic drugs usually cost less than the branded ones and in some cases, may not be available in all strengths and forms as their brand name versions.

How to take it

Dextroamphetamine comes as an immediate release tablet, solution and extended release capsule. Do not crush, break, chew or open extended release capsules of the medication as it will release all medicine at one time, make sure to swallow the medication whole. Measure the liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Dosage

A doctor will possibly prescribe the lowest dosage of dextroamphetamine for ADHD to begin with and then increase the dosage as needed. Starting dosage for the children aged 3 to 5 years is 2.5 mg a day while those aged 6 or above may be started with 5 mg a day.
Actual dosage and length of treatment for your specific case will be prescribed by your doctor as per your existing medical condition and age, and may be changed based on your response to the treatment. It is very important to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly. Read the instructions carefully on your prescription label and if available, patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist with the medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller quantity or longer than recommended by the doctor.
The medicine will take half an hour to one hour to show effect while it may take up to 3 hours to reach its highest peak in the blood.

What if I miss a dose?

To prevent the chances of missing a dose, take the medication at the same time each day. If you forget your doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you to take the medication. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if you happen to miss a dose, skip the medication if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not overdose yourself to compensate for the missed dose, as taking extra medication without doctor’s advice can cause you severe side effects, and won’t treat you earlier or faster. Take the medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.

Precautions and side effects

Dextroamphetamine comes with an FDA Black Box Warning that alerts the doctors and patients about its potentially dangerous effects.
Dextroamphetamine may be habit forming. Before taking the medication, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, muscle twitches, seizures, heart disease, overactive thyroids, severe anxiety, an abnormal brain wave test (EEG) or a history of addiction.
Dextroamphetamine may interact with certain other medications, supplements or herbs you are taking that may prevent it from working well. Tell your doctor about all the prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you are taking, or the allergies that you have. To help avoid drug interactions, your doctor should manage all your medications carefully. Use the medication only for the indication prescribed. Keep it away from the reach of children. Do not share your prescription with others. The medication can cause side effects although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects of dextroamphetamine include upset stomach, dry mouth, weight loss, dizziness, headache and changes in sexual desire. Some less common side effects include irritability, blurred vision, tics, fever, restlessness, hallucinations, abnormal headache, dark red urine and hair loss.
The medication may cause psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior) in some patients, especially those with a mental illness or a history of depression. Dextroamphetamine may pass into the breast milk and may harm a nursing baby, so avoid breastfeeding while you have this medication. Dextroamphetamine is not approved for use by the children less than 3 years of age.
Being a stimulant, dextroamphetamine may cause stroke or heart attack in people with heart disease or high blood pressure.
This is not a complete list of the side effects and others may occur. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Remember that your doctor may prescribe this medication as they feel that the benefit to you is greater than the risk or side effects. Get medical help right away if the patient experiences severe side effects such as shortness of breath, chest pain, circulation problems, unexplained wounds, or hearing or seeing things that are not real, or you think there is a medical emergency.

The above description of this drug is informative only and should not be substituted for a medical advice.

Disclaimer: The information and content posted on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as a replacement for medical advice. Always seek medical advice from a medical professional for diagnosis or treatment, including before embarking on and/or changing any prescription medication or for specific medical advice related to your medical history.