Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
It's important to also tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Some Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Warnings and Precautions
Patients taking this drug should keep the following warnings and precautions in mind:
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can interact with certain medications (see Drug Interactions With Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine).
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Discuss the safety of this drug with your healthcare provider before using amphetamine and dextroamphetamine during pregnancy (see Adderall and Pregnancy for more information).
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she can decide whether you should or should not take amphetamine and dextroamphetamine while breastfeeding.
- Amphetamines (including amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are often abused. Taking amphetamines for long periods of time can lead to a dependence on amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (see Adderall Abuse for more information). Because this drug is often abused, there are special rules for prescribing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (see Adderall: A Controlled Substance for more information).
- In people with psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder), amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can worsen psychotic symptoms, such as thought disorders and behavior problems.
- There have been reports of sudden death in children and adults with heart problems who were taking normal doses of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. If you or your child has heart problems, discuss whether amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is appropriate in your situation. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you or your child develops any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In most cases, the increase is small and does not cause problems. However, there is a higher risk for an increase in blood pressure and heart rate for people who already have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or who have recently had a heart attack.
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can also worsen tics that are caused by Tourette syndrome. Tell your healthcare provider if you (or your child) have Tourette syndrome before starting this drug.
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can cause a temporary slowing of growth and a decreased weight gain in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less that an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time. Your child's growth should be monitored while he or she is taking amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
- Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine may affect your ability to perform tasks that require complete concentration, such as driving, operating machinery, or piloting an airplane, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. It is recommended that you discuss this with your healthcare provider.
