Dexamfetamine - Oral

Dexamfetamine is used to treat narcolepsy (a long-term sleep disorder that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times).

This medicine is also used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. ADHD is a behavioural condition characterised by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Dexamfetamine is meant to be taken as part of a complete ADHD care programme which includes psychological, educational, and social measures.

Take Dexamfetamine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Dexamfetamine is available as a conventional tablet, oral solution, or extended-release capsule.

If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

If you are taking the extended-release type of capsule (usually labelled as "ER"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the capsule.

Dexamfetamine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart disease e.g. abnormally thick heart muscle, narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart, irregular or abnormal heartbeat, heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
• cerebrovascular disease (disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain) e.g. stroke
• hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)
• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• phaeochromocytoma (rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
• moderate to severe high blood pressure
• history of drug or alcohol abuse

as Dexamfetamine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Dexamfetamine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• mild hypertension
• current or history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• tic disorders or Tourette's syndrome (a disorder characterised by sudden, repetitive, and uncontrollable body movements or vocal sounds)
• pre-existing mental health conditions e.g. mood disorders, bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression])
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Guanfacine to a child and the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. certain urine tests), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Complete assessment for the presence of heart disease or history of substance abuse must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to take.
• Your blood pressure and heart rate may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment.
• Regular monitoring of signs of behavioural or sleep changes, tics or Tourette's syndrome, and worsening of mood disorders may also be needed.

Dexamfetamine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, dry mouth, fast and irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, nervousness, and joint pain.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
• weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision problems, changes in balance or coordination
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
• pain, numbness, tingling sensation, cold feeling or changes in the skin colour of your hands or feet
• eye pain, swelling, or redness, and changes in eyesight
• fits or seizures

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Dexamfetamine if you are currently taking or have taken medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other medicines used to treat depression e.g. imipramine
• medicines for high blood pressure e.g. guanethidine, reserpine, clonidine, propranolol
• medicines for epilepsy e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, ethosuximide
• strong painkillers e.g. pethidine, morphine, fentanyl, tramadol
• lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
• buspirone (medicine for anxiety)
• disulfiram (medicine used in the management of alcohol dependence)
• sodium bicarbonate (medicine that neutralises stomach acids)
• ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dexamfetamine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid foods that may affect the acidity of your urine. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the types of food you should avoid.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.