Dexedrine Warnings

According to GlaxoSmithKline, dextroamphetamine sulphate, or Dexedrine, is a "central nervous system stimulant prescription medicine" commonly used for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. As a stimulant, dexedrine is a federally controlled substance because it can be easily abused or cause dependence. As with any prescription medication, patients should speak with their healthcare providers in order to understand all the risks associated this medication.

Cardiac Warnings

• Patients, both adults and children, should be screened for possible heart problems before taking Dexedrine. Heart-related problems may occur while on this medication, including sudden death in patients with pre-existing heart defects or cardiac illness, stroke and heart attack in adults and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Discuss any family history of cardiac problems and have your or your child's heart rate and blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Any symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting should be taken seriously and immediately reported to your health care provider.

Mental Health Issues

• Dexedrine may cause an increase in aggressive behaviours in children and adults with ADHD. Additionally, people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or other psychotic disorders, or a family history of these disorders, may experience increased psychotic symptoms and behavioural problems when taking this medication. You should speak to your physician if you have a family history of depression, suicide or bipolar illness. If you or your child experiences worsening mental symptoms, especially seeing or hearing things, call your doctor right away.

Dependence Issues

• Taking Dexedrine for long periods of time can lead to a dependence on it. Therefore, Dexedrine is not recommended for anyone with a history of drug abuse. Keep this medication in a safe place to prevent misuse or abuse by others. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, in 2008 "15.2 million Americans age 12 and older had taken a prescription pain reliever, tranquilizer, stimulant or sedative for nonmedical purposes at least once in the year prior to being surveyed." It is illegal to take Dexedrine in any manner other than that in which it was prescribed, and it is illegal to buy Dexedrine without a prescription.

Pregnancy

• The FDA classifies Dexedrine as a Category C medication, meaning that it should only be taken during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. A Category C medication is one for which studies in animals have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no available studies in women.

Children

• Children taking Dexedrine may experience a temporary slowing of growth. In most cases, this slowing is a small one of less than two pounds and under an inch of difference, and over time, children do make up the difference. Your child's height and weight should be regularly monitored, and treatment with Dexedrine should be stopped if problems arise.

Other Warnings and Side Effects

• Patients with a number of pre-existing conditions such as a history of seizures, an overactive thyroid, severe anxiety and vision problems, like glaucoma, should not take Dexedrine. Caution is advised during the first weeks of treatment, as Dexedrine may impair your concentration and ability to perform such tasks as operating machinery and driving. Always check with your physician and pharmacist to ensure that there will be no drug interactions with any pre-existing medications you or your child may be taking. Common side effects experienced by patients taking Dexedrine include stomach upset, weight loss, decreased appetite, dry mouth, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, headache, tremors and fast heartbeat.