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AMPHETAMINE
AMPHETAMINE
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AMPHETAMINE
BRAND AND GENERIC NAMES
Amphaplex 10 & 20
Benzedrine
Bexedrine
Biphetamine
Declobese
Obetrol 10 & 20
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? Yes
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Central nervous system
stimulant (amphetamine)
USES
Prevents narcolepsy (attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness).
Controls hyperactivity in children.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablet -- Swallow with liquid.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
Short-acting form--Don't take later than 6 hours before
bedtime.
Long-acting form--Take on awakening.
If you forget a dose:
Short-acting form--Take up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next dose (don't double this dose).
Long-acting form--Take as soon as you remember. Wait 20 hours
for next dose.
What drug does:
Narcolepsy--Apparently affects brain centers to decrease
fatigue or sleepiness and increase alertness and motor activity.
Hyperactive children--Calms children, opposite to effect on
narcoleptic adults.
Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, high fever, hallucinations,
suicidal or homicidal feelings, convulsions, coma.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Irritability, Continue. Call doctor
nervousness, when convenient.
insomnia.
Dry mouth. Continue. Tell doctor at next
visit.
Infrequent:
Dizziness; reduced Discontinue. Call
alertness; blurred doctor right away.
vision; fast, pounding
heartbeat; unusual
sweating.
Headache. Continue. Call doctor when
convenient.
Diarrhea or Continue. Tell doctor
constipation, at next visit.
appetite loss, stomach
pain, nausea, vomiting,
weight loss, diminished
sex drive, impotence.
Rare:
Rash, hives; Discontinue. Call
chest pain or doctor right away.
irregular heartbeat;
uncontrollable movements
of head, neck, arms, legs.
Mood changes, Continue. Call doctor
swollen breasts. when convenient.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to any amphetamine.
You will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
If you have glaucoma.
If you have heart or blood-vessel disease, or high blood
pressure.
If you have overactive thyroid, anxiety or tension.
If you have a severe mental illness (especially children).
Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs drug benefits. Don't use.
Infants & children:
Not recommended for children under 12.
Prolonged use:
Habit forming.
Skin & sunlight:
No age-related problems expected.
Driving or hazardous activities:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb
ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink
alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's
instructions.
Others:
This is a dangerous drug and must be closely supervised. Don't
use for appetite control or depression. Potential for damage and
abuse.
During withdrawal phase, may cause prolonged sleep of several
days.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
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| Acetazolamide |
Increased amphetamine effect. |
| Anesthesias (general, |
Irregular heartbeat. |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
| Antidepressants, |
Decreased |
| tricyclic (TCA, |
amphetamine effect. |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
| Antihypertensives |
Decreased antihypertensive |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
effect. |
| Carbonic anhydrase |
Increased |
| inhibitors (see |
amphetamine effect. |
| Drugs Glossary) |
| Guanethidine |
Decreased guanethidine effect. |
| Haloperidol |
Decreased amphetamine effect. |
| MAO inhibitors |
May severely increase |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
blood pressure. |
| Phenothiazines |
Decreased |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
amphetamine effect. |
| Sodium |
Increased |
| bicarbonate |
amphetamine effect. |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
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From Complete Guide to Pediatric Symptoms, Illness & Medications by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing
Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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