Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Dexedrine

Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) »

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults. However, few adults are identified or treated for adult ADHD.

ADHD in Adults

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.

Adult ADHD Stats

ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an es...

Read the Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) article »

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Dexedrine

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DEXEDRINE®
(dextroamphetamine sulfate)
SPANSULE® Sustained-Release Capsules

WARNING

AMPHETAMINES HAVE A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE. ADMINISTRATION OF AMPHETAMINES FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME MAY LEAD TO DRUG DEPENDENCE AND MUST BE AVOIDED. PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SUBJECTS OBTAINING AMPHETAMINES FOR NON-THERAPEUTIC USE OR DISTRIBUTION TO OTHERS, AND THE DRUGS SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED SPARINGLY.

MISUSE OF AMPHETAMINES MAY CAUSE SUDDEN DEATH AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR ADVERSE EVENTS.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

DEXEDRINE (dextroamphetamine sulfate) is the dextro isomer of the compound d,l -amphetamine sulfate, a sympathomimetic amine of the amphetamine group. Chemically, dextroamphetamine is d-alpha-methylphenethylamine, and is present in all forms of DEXEDRINE (dextroamphetamine) as the neutral sulfate. Structural formula:

DEXEDRINE® (dextroamphetamine sulfate) Structural Formula Illustration

SPANSULE capsules: Each SPANSULE sustained-release capsule is so prepared that an initial dose is released promptly and the remaining medication is released gradually over a prolonged period. Each capsule, with brown cap and clear body, contains dextroamphetamine sulfate. The 5-mg capsule is imprinted 5 mg and 3512 on the brown cap and is imprinted 5 mg and SB on the clear body. The 10-mg capsule is imprinted 10 mg-3513-on the brown cap and is imprinted 10 mg-SB-on the clear body. The 15-mg capsule is imprinted 15 mg and 3514 on the brown cap and is imprinted 15 mg and SB on the clear body. A narrow bar appears above and below 15 mg and 3514. Product reformulation in 1996 has caused a minor change in the color of the time-released pellets within each capsule. Inactive ingredients now consist of cetyl alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, dibutyl sebacate, ethylcellulose, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, hypromellose, propylene glycol, povidone, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, sugar spheres, and trace amounts of other inactive ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule, Dextrostat, ProCentra)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using dextroamphetamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

fast or pounding heartbeats;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Dexedrine »

What are the precautions when taking dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other sympathomimetic amines (e.g., epinephrine, ephedrine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., severe agitation, psychosis), heart/blood vessel disease (irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, cardiomyopathy), problems with heart structure (e.g., valve problems), moderate or severe high blood pressure (hypertension), overactive...

Read All Potential Precautions of Dexedrine »

Last reviewed on RxList: 11/1/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.