Some Precautions and Warnings With Dextroamphetamine
Some dextroamphetamine warnings and precautions to be aware of include the following:
Stimulants (including dextroamphetamine) are often abused. Taking high doses of dextroamphetamine for long periods of time can lead to a dependence on dextroamphetamine (see Dexedrine Abuse andDextroamphetamine Withdrawalsfor more information). Because dextroamphetamine is so commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing it (see Dexedrine: A Controlled Substance for more information).
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. Discuss this with your healthcare provider before you start taking the medication.
In people with psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder), dextroamphetamine can worsen psychotic symptoms that include thought disorders and behavior problems. Also, the medication may worsen bipolar symptoms, especially manic symptoms.
Sudden death has been reported in children and adolescents with heart problems who took normal doses of medications similar to dextroamphetamine. If your child has heart problems, ask your child's healthcare provider whether dextroamphetamine is appropriate for your child's situation. Also, let your child's healthcare provider know if your child develops any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while on the medication.
Sudden death, stroke and heart attacks have also been reported in adults taking normal doses of medications similar to dextroamphetamine. This seems to occur more often in adults with heart problems. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider about whether dextroamphetamine is appropriate for your situation. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while on the medication.
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 an increased risk for people who already have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or have recently had a heart attack.
Dextroamphetamine can cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less than an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time.
Dextroamphetamine may cause an increase in aggressive behavior in people with ADHD. Let your healthcare provider know of any increased aggressive behavior.
Dextroamphetamine can increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had them before. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking dextroamphetamine if you have a history of seizures.
Dextroamphetamine can cause blurred vision and other vision problems.
Dextroamphetamine is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that dextroamphetamine may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider before using dextroamphetamine during pregnancy (see Dexedrine and Pregnancy for more information).
Dextroamphetamine passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about this.
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