Dextroamphetamine 10mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. To minimize sleep disturbances, avoid taking it late in the day. Additionally, do not take this medication with fruit juice. Establish a routine by taking your medication at the same time every day.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store your medication at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep it in a dry place, avoiding storage in a bathroom. It's essential to store your medication in a secure location where children and pets cannot access it, and where others cannot easily find it. Consider using a locked box or area to keep your medication safe. When disposing of unused or expired medication, do not flush it down the toilet or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so. Instead, consult your pharmacist for guidance on the best disposal method or explore local drug take-back programs.
Missing a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed; do not take more or less than directed.
- Do not crush, chew, or break extended-release forms (if applicable).
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Report any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, paranoia, aggression) immediately.
- Report any signs of heart problems (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting) immediately.
- Store securely to prevent misuse or diversion.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Dextroamphetamine 15mg ER Capsules
- Dextroamphetamine 10mg ER Capsules
- Dextroamphetamine 5mg ER Capsules
- Dextroamphetamine 5mg Tablets
- Dextroamphetamine 10mg Tablets
- Dextroamphetamine 5mg/5ml Solution
- Dextroamphetamine 20mg Tablets
- Dextroamphetamine 30mg Tablets
- Dextroamphetamine 15mg Tablets
- Dextroamphetamine 7.5mg Tablets
- Dextroamphetamine 2.5mg Tablets
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Restlessness
Shakiness
Trouble controlling body movements
Trouble controlling sounds, such as humming, throat clearing, yelling, or making loud noises
Changes in eyesight or eye pain, swelling, or redness
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased sex interest
Seizures
Stomach pain
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine
Frequent or prolonged erections
Changes in skin color, such as pale, blue, gray, purple, or red discoloration of hands, feet, or other areas
Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold feeling in hands or feet
Sores or wounds on fingers or toes
Important Heart-Related Warnings
If you have a pre-existing heart condition or heart defect, inform your doctor. Additionally, if a family member has a history of abnormal heartbeat or sudden death, notify your doctor. Seek medical help immediately if you experience any signs of heart problems, such as:
Chest pain
Abnormal heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or passing out
Serotonin Syndrome: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition
Taking this medication with certain other drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a severe and potentially deadly condition. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
Agitation
Change in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting
Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or only have minor ones, it's essential to be aware of the following potential side effects:
Dizziness or headache
Dry mouth
Trouble sleeping
Constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, or decreased appetite
Weight loss
Bad taste in mouth
Feeling nervous and excitable
Hair loss
If you're concerned about any side effects or have questions, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting spells
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes
- Unexplained wounds on fingers or toes
- New or worsening tics
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Severe headache
- Slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- Delusions (believing things that are not true)
- Paranoia
- Aggression or hostility
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Seizures
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
If you or a family member has a history of certain health conditions, including:
+ Blood vessel disease
+ High blood pressure
+ Heart structure problems or other heart-related issues
+ Tourette's syndrome or tics
If you have been diagnosed with any of the following health conditions:
+ Glaucoma
+ Agitation
+ Anxiety
+ Overactive thyroid
If you have a history of:
+ Drug abuse
+ Stroke
If you are currently taking or have recently taken certain medications, including:
+ Acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate
+ Antidepressant or Parkinson's disease medications (such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline) within the last 14 days, as this may increase the risk of very high blood pressure
+ Linezolid or methylene blue
If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you have. This will help ensure your safety while taking this medication. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
Precautions & Cautions
It is crucial that you inform all of your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This will help ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Caution When Performing Daily Activities
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and engaging in other activities that require alertness and clear vision. This will help prevent accidents and ensure your safety.
Tolerance and Dependence
If you have been taking this medication for an extended period or at high doses, you may develop tolerance, which means that the medication may not work as well as it initially did. In this case, you may need higher doses to achieve the same effect. However, do not take more than the prescribed dose. Additionally, long-term or regular use of this medication can lead to dependence. If you need to stop taking this medication, do not do so abruptly, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. Instead, consult your doctor, who will provide guidance on how to safely taper off the medication.
Monitoring Your Health
Before starting this medication, you may need to undergo certain heart tests. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Additionally, this medication may cause high blood pressure, so it is essential to monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor. If you experience severe headache, dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision, seek medical attention immediately.
Interactions with Other Medications
Certain over-the-counter (OTC) products, such as cough and cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and some natural products or aids, may interact with this medication and increase your blood pressure. Before taking any of these products, consult your doctor.
Lab Tests and Seizure Risk
This medication may affect certain lab tests, so it is essential to inform all of your healthcare providers and lab workers that you are taking this medication. Additionally, this medication may increase the risk of seizures in some individuals, particularly those with a history of seizures. If you have a history of seizures or are concerned about your risk, discuss this with your doctor.
Mental Health and Mood Changes
In some cases, this medication may cause changes in behavior and mood, including hallucinations, anger, and depression. If you or a family member have a history of mental health problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or if a family member has committed suicide, inform your doctor. If you experience any unusual changes in your mood or behavior, such as hallucinations, changes in thinking, or thoughts of suicide, seek medical attention immediately.
Growth and Development in Children and Teens
This medication may affect growth in children and teens. If you are a parent or caregiver, be sure to discuss this with your doctor, who may recommend regular growth checks.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor, who will discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Tremor
- Hyperreflexia
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Assaultiveness
- Hallucinations
- Panic states
- High fever
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension or hypotension
- Circulatory collapse
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Death
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Management is primarily supportive, focusing on controlling symptoms like hyperthermia, seizures, and cardiovascular effects.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - risk of hypertensive crisis
- Linezolid (reversible MAOI activity)
- Methylene blue (reversible MAOI activity)
Major Interactions
- Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort) - risk of serotonin syndrome
- Antihypertensives - may reduce hypotensive effect
- Urinary alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide, thiazide diuretics) - increase dextroamphetamine levels and prolong half-life
- Urinary acidifiers (e.g., ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid) - decrease dextroamphetamine levels and shorten half-life
- Antipsychotics (e.g., phenothiazines, haloperidol) - may antagonize stimulant effects
- Propoxyphene - risk of seizures and psychosis
- Alcohol - may increase CNS adverse effects
Moderate Interactions
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may increase cardiovascular effects of dextroamphetamine
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists - may increase dextroamphetamine absorption/levels
- Antacids containing magnesium or aluminum - may increase dextroamphetamine absorption
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine) - may increase dextroamphetamine levels
- Adrenergic blockers (e.g., beta-blockers) - may exacerbate hypertension
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Risk of cardiovascular adverse events (hypertension, tachycardia).
Timing: Prior to initiation and periodically during treatment.
Rationale: Risk of growth suppression in pediatric patients and weight loss in all patients.
Timing: Prior to initiation and periodically during treatment (especially in children).
Rationale: Risk of new or worsening psychiatric symptoms (psychosis, mania, aggression).
Timing: Prior to initiation.
Rationale: Risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Timing: Prior to initiation.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: At each visit or every 3-6 months
Target: Within normal limits for age/patient
Action Threshold: Sustained elevation (e.g., >95th percentile for age/sex/height in children, or clinically significant hypertension in adults) warrants dose reduction or discontinuation.
Frequency: Every 3-6 months (pediatric); periodically (adult)
Target: Normal growth trajectory (pediatric); stable weight (adult)
Action Threshold: Significant growth deceleration or weight loss warrants evaluation and potential dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: At each visit
Target: Stable or improved symptoms, absence of new psychiatric symptoms
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of psychotic symptoms, mania, severe anxiety, or aggression warrants immediate evaluation and potential discontinuation.
Frequency: At each visit
Target: No signs of abuse or diversion
Action Threshold: Signs of abuse or diversion warrant intervention and potential discontinuation.
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Syncope
- Palpitations
- New or worsening aggression
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Mania
- Severe anxiety
- Unexplained weight loss
- Insomnia
- Tics or dyskinesias
- Peripheral vasculopathy (e.g., Raynaud's phenomenon)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Category C. Dextroamphetamine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Amphetamines can cause fetal growth restriction and premature birth. Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., agitation, irritability, lethargy, poor feeding) have been reported in neonates born to mothers who used amphetamines chronically during pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Dextroamphetamine is excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants (e.g., irritability, poor feeding, insomnia, weight loss, cardiovascular effects), a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers amphetamines to be a drug for which the effect on the nursing infant is unknown but may be of concern.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy have been established in pediatric patients 6 years and older for ADHD and narcolepsy. Long-term effects on growth and weight should be monitored. Psychiatric adverse events (e.g., psychosis, mania) and cardiovascular events can occur. Use with caution in children with pre-existing cardiac conditions or family history of sudden cardiac death.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of dextroamphetamine did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the cardiovascular and CNS stimulant effects.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse and dependence; careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial.
- Monitor cardiovascular parameters (BP, HR) regularly due to risk of hypertension and tachycardia.
- Monitor growth and weight in pediatric patients due to risk of growth suppression.
- Assess for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, mania, aggression) and tics.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation after prolonged high-dose therapy to prevent withdrawal symptoms (e.g., severe fatigue, depression).
- Educate patients on proper storage to prevent diversion and accidental ingestion.
- Urinary pH significantly affects elimination; avoid concurrent use with urinary alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) which can increase amphetamine levels and toxicity.
Alternative Therapies
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv)
- Clonidine (Kapvay)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin - off-label for ADHD)
- Modafinil/Armodafinil (for narcolepsy)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which is a valuable resource that provides important information about your treatment. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of your medication. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred, as this information will be crucial in determining the best course of action.