Are you suffering from ADHD? If yes then you are at the right place. ADHD is the most common Neurodevelopmental disorder in children. There are various questions that might arise in your mind, about how to control this disorder, about the medication, and when to contact the doctor. There are various medicines available for the treatment of ADHD. Here we will learn about what is Dexedrine used for and how to use it, what type of precautions you should take, what side effects, who can take this medicine, and how it interacts with other drugs. So let’s get started.
What is ADHD and its symptoms?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a Developmental disorder associated with an ongoing pattern of Inattention, Hyperactivity, and /or Impulsivity.
The symptoms of ADHD are:
Inattention – Having difficulty paying attention.
Hyperactivity– Having too much energy and talking too much.
Impulsivity– Acting without thinking or having difficulty with self-control.
What is Dexedrine & what is it used for?
The Dexedrine generic name is Dextroamphetamine Sulfate. It belongs to the Stimulants drugs class. This medicine is used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) treatment and also for the treatment of Narcolepsy (Sleeping Disorder). It works by changing a certain amount of natural substances in the brain. This hormonal changes in the brain due to the medicine, help to stay focused on any activity, increase the ability to pay attention, and also control behavior problems.
How to use Dexedrine:
Dextroamphetamine comes in three forms:
- Liquid
- Tablet
- Extended-release capsule
Two compositions available of this medicine Dexedrine 5mg and Dexedrine 10mg. All the doses must be taken exactly as directed by the doctor.
Doses of tablets: Usually, tablets are taken 2 to 3 times daily with or without food. The Extended-release capsule is taken once a day with or without food.
Doses of Liquid: The liquid is usually taken once or twice daily with or without food.
It is better to take this medicine at around the same time every day, if possible taking Dexedrine as soon as you wake up in the morning and the gap between the two doses by 4 to 6 hours. Because it may cause sleeping problems after taking it at night.
Side Effect of Using Dexedrine
In most cases, there are no side effects but it can cause side effects for some people. The symptoms of the side effects are:
- Restlessness and Insomnia
- Dry Mouth
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Loss of Appetite
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Weight Loss
- Blurred Vision
- Circulation Problems
- Increased Blood pressure
Note: There are many more side effects of Dexedrine, if you can’t find it in the given list you must tell your doctor. This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called Serotonin Syndrome/toxicity
What are standard Precautions:
Before taking this medicine, a person must tell all about the medical history, especially:
- Blood circulation problems
- Heart-related problems
- High blood Pressure
- Overactive Thyroid
- Hallucination
- Depression
- mental/mood/behavior change
- Uncontrolled movements, muscle twitching/shaking
- Outbursts of words/sounds
- Change in sexual ability/interest
- Swelling ankles/feet
- Extreme tiredness
- Significant unexplained weight loss
Who Can’t take Dexedrine?
People having medical conditions like:
- Having an existing heart condition or hardening of the arteries
- Have high blood pressure
- Have Glaucoma
- Are very anxious, tense, or agitated
- Have a history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Have taken a Monoamine Oxide Inhibitor(MAOI) within 14 days
- Have an allergy to Amphetamines, other stimulant medications, or other ingredients in Dexedrine.
The best way to store Dexedrine
Store at room temperature between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, away from light and moisture. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
How does Dexedrine Interact?
There are 159 Drugs known to interact with Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine), along with 13 disease interactions, and 3 alcohol/food interactions. Interaction of the drugs may cause serious problems for patients, it may cause a rise in heart rate and blood pressure, A Few of the drugs are Bupropion, Cymbalta, Lexapro, Adderall XR, Ibuprofen, Prozac, Synthroid, Klonopin and there are many more drugs that harm when interact, few are not so harmful.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean we have to stop taking one of them. You have to speak to your doctor about how to manage these medicine interactions
Summary:
ADHD is a medical condition that can be controlled if you start the treatment and the proper medication on time. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. If you find out the symptoms of ADHD then contact your doctor and with proper treatment, things will be all right after some time. In this blog, we have learned about what is dexedrine used for and the major things to keep in mind before taking Dexedrine. In the initial period of ADHD, people neglect the symptoms and after that, they suffer the most, so it is better to take action before it is too late.
Read more:
Dexedrine vs Adderall (Choose the best ADHD Medicine)
Best ADHD Medication For Adults: The Perfect All-In-One Guide