How does it work?

Dexamfetamine sulphate belongs to the group of chemicals called amphetamines. It releases naturally-occuring substances which have stimulant actions in the brain and the body. This results in widespread effects including decreased tiredness, appetite supression, increased heart rate, euphoria and excitement. The psychological effects depend on personality, mood and dose. In lower doses, people may become more confident and happy; however in higher doses, there is an increase in nervousness and confusion. This medicine is used in attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) under specialist supervision. It works by increasing stimulation in all areas of the brain, but in children with ADHD, it seems to have a particular effect on the calming area of the brain. The way that this medicine works in this condition is not fully understood. It is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy (falling asleep at inappropriate times). In the past, amphetamines were used to supress appetite and to improve concentration. However, due to side-effects and dependence they are now only prescribed for limited uses.

What is it used for?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Sleep disorder associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, involuntary sleep during the day and disturbed sleep at night (narcolepsy)

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

During extended treatment careful monitoring of growth is necessary. In addition, periodic blood monitoring should be carried out. During drug withdrawal careful supervision is necessary since depression and chronic over-activity may be unmasked.

Use with caution in

Epilepsy

Mildly raised blood pressure

Not to be used in

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Excitable and overactive states

Glaucoma

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Hyperthyroidism

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Moderate to severe high blood pressure

People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days

Syndrome characterised by involuntary repetition of speech, particularly obscene or vulgar words (Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Dry mouth

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Sweating

Restlessness

Fits (convulsions)

Loss of contact with reality (psychosis)

Decreased kidney function

A state of well-being, optimism and cheerfulness (euphoria)

Dizziness

Loss of appetite

Night terrors - a condition that generally occurs in young children that differs from nightmares in that the child cannot be woken immediately and so cannot be comforted.

Muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)

Nervousness

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Heart problems such as irregular heart beats and fluid retention

Irritability

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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