Amphetamine (By Mouth)

Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (sudden attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness). Amphetamines belong to a class of drugs called stimulants.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use amphetamines if you have ever had an allergic reaction to them. You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO Inhibitor (such as Marplan® or Parnate®) in the past 14 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet, Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.
• You may take your medicine with or without food.
• To avoid trouble sleeping, take the last daily dose of the tablet or capsule about 6 hours before bedtime (unless your doctor tells you differently).
• To avoid trouble sleeping, take your daily dose of the extended-release tablet or extended-release capsule in the morning, 10 to 14 hours before bedtime (unless your doctor directs you differently).
• Swallow the extended-release tablet or extended-release capsule whole. Do not break, chew, or crush.

If a dose is missed:

• If you take one dose a day of the regular tablet or capsule, take the missed dose as soon as possible, at least 6 hours before bedtime. If you take the extended-release form, you should not use later than 10 to 14 hours before bedtime. If you do not remember till the next day, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at your usual times.
• If you take 2 or 3 doses a day, take the missed dose right away if you are not more than 1 hour late. If more than 1 hour late, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using amantadine, cocaine, methylphenidate (Ritalin®), pemoline (Cylert®), diet pills, thyroid hormones, medicine for asthma, allergies, or colds, beta blockers such as Inderal® or Tenormin®, digoxin (Lanoxin®), meperidine (Demerol®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or MAO inhibitors such as Marplan® or Parnate®.
• Avoid caffeine while using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before using this medicine if you have Tourette's syndrome, anxiety or nervousness, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperactive thyroid or drug abuse problems.
• Amphetamines are habit-forming, sometimes after short periods of use. You may have withdrawal symptoms such as stomach pain, trembling, severe depression, extreme weakness or tiredness, and anxiety.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• This medicine can make you dizzy or feel "high." Be careful when driving a car or using machinery.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Skin rash, severe itching or hives
• Uncontrolled body movements or seizures

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Restlessness, dizziness, trembling, or nervousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Blurred vision or headache
• Sweating, nausea, or vomiting
• Tiredness, irritability, or depression
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Stomach cramps, loss of appetite, weight loss

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.