Basic Information
- Habit forming? Yes
- Prescription needed? Yes
- Available as generic? Yes
- Drug class: Central nervous system stimulant
Uses
- Prevents narcolepsy (attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness).
- Controls hyperactivity in children.
Dosage & Usage Information
How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.
Extended-release capsules and tablets--Swallow each dose whole
with liquid; do not crush.
Elixir--Swallow with liquid.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
Short-acting form--Don't take later than 6 hours before bedtime.
Long-acting form--Take on awakening.
If you forget a dose:
Short-acting form--Take up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next dose (don't double this dose).
Long-acting form--Take as soon as you remember. Wait 20 hours
for next dose.
What drug does:
Narcolepsy--Apparently affects brain centers to decrease fatigue
or sleepiness and increase alertness and motor activity.
Hyperactive children--Calms children, opposite to effect on
narcoleptic adults.
Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.
Don't take with:
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
SYMPTOMS:
Rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, high fever, hallucinations,
suicidal or homicidal feelings, convulsions, coma.
WHAT TO DO:
- Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance
or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
- See EMERGENCY Information.
Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
Life-threatening:
In case of overdose, see Overdose section.
Common:
- Irritability, nervousness, insomnia, euphoria.
- Dry mouth.
- Fast, pounding heartbeat.
Infrequent:
- Dizziness; reduced alertness; blurred vision; unusual
sweating.
- Headache.
- Diarrhea or constipation, appetite loss, stomach pain,
nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diminished sex drive, impotence.
Rare:
- Rash, hives; chest pain or irregular heartbeat; uncontrollable
movements of head, neck, arms, legs.
- Mood changes, swollen breasts.
Warnings & Precautions
Don't take if:
- You are allergic to any amphetamine.
- You will have surgery within 2 months, including dental
surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
- If you plan to become pregnant within medication period.
- If you have glaucoma.
- If you have heart or blood-vessel disease, or high blood
pressure.
- If you have overactive thyroid, anxiety or tension.
- If you have a severe mental illness (especially children).
Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and
severe than in younger persons.
Pregnancy:
Risk to unborn child outweighs benefits of drug. Don't use.
Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing.
Infants & children:
Not recommended for children under 12.
Prolonged use:
- Habit forming.
- Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical
examinations or laboratory studies to check blood pressure,
growth charts in children, reassessment of need for continued
treatment.
Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.
Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't
climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if
you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and
reflexes.
Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.
Others:
- This is a dangerous drug and must be closely supervised.
Don't use for appetite control or depression. Potential
for damage and abuse.
- During withdrawal phase, may cause prolonged sleep of
several days.
- Don't use for fatigue or to replace rest.
Possible Interaction with Other Drugs
