Treating attention deficit disorders with hyperactivity in children. It is also used to treat narcolepsy (sudden and uncontrollable attacks of drowsiness and sleep). Dexedrine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant. The exact way it works is unknown. It controls the release of chemicals in the brain, which, in turn, affects mood and behavior.
Do NOT use Dexedrine if:
You are allergic to any ingredient in Dexedrine
You are taking furazolidone, guanadrel, or guanethidine, or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days
You have agitation, anorexia, symptomatic heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure, narrowing of your arteries, glaucoma, uncontrolled high blood pressure, a crisis from high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, or a history of drug or substance abuse
Before using Dexedrine :
Some medical conditions may interact with Dexedrine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
If you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
If you have a mental or mood disorder, heart problems, the blood disease porphyria, or a history of high blood pressure
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Dexedrine . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
Furazolidone, MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine), urinary alkalinizers (eg, daily antacids), propoxyphene, or desipramine because side effects such as increased blood pressure, dizziness, and decreased heart rate may occur
Certain acidifying agents (eg, guanethidine, reserpine, ammonium chloride), chlorpromazine, haloperidol, lithium carbonate, or methenamine because the effectiveness of this medicine may be decreased
Meperidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), phenytoin, phenobarbital, norepinephrine, tramadol, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased
Ethosuximide, guanadrel, guanethidine, antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine), or certain blood pressure medicines because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Dexedrine may interact with other medicines that you take.
How to use Dexedrine :
Use Dexedrine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
This medicine may be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
Take Dexedrine 10 to 14 hours before bedtime unless your doctor tells you differently.
If you miss a dose of Dexedrine , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Important safety information:
Dexedrine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Dexedrine . Using Dexedrine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Dexedrine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
Dexedrine may cause sleeplessness. Do not take Dexedrine late in the day.
Avoid large amounts of caffeine-containing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, cola drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine can increase the side effects of Dexedrine .
Check the labels on all your medicines (eg, cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
Some of these products contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No. 5), which can cause allergic reactions in certain patients. If you have previously had allergic reactions to the dye tartrazine, contact your pharmacist to determine if the product you are taking contains the dye tartrazine.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Dexedrine .
Certain laboratory test results (eg, corticosteroid levels) may be affected by Dexedrine .
Dexedrine may affect the growth rate in CHILDREN and adolescents in some instances. Your child's growth may need to be checked regularly while using Dexedrine .
Dexedrine is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 3 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Dexedrine during pregnancy. Dexedrine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Dexedrine
Possible side effects of Dexedrine :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; difficulty sleeping; dizziness; dry mouth; exaggerated sense of well-being; headache; itching; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; overstimulation; restlessness; sleeplessness; unpleasant taste; upset stomach; weight loss
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision; change in sexual ability or desire; chest pain; difficulty moving; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; mental/mood changes; pounding in chest; severe headaches; stomach pain; tremor; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, tics, tremors); unusual weakness or tiredness; vomiting.
Last Modified April 29 2007