Sign inBefore taking dexamfetamine
Before taking dexamfetamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have heart or thyroid problems.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you have mental health problems such as psychosis or bipolar disorder.
- If you have epilepsy, tics (twitching of the muscles without control from the patient) or Tourette's syndrome (outbursts of uncontrollable obscene speech).
- If you have problems with your eyesight such as glaucoma.
- If you have arteriosclerosis (thickening of the arteries).
- If you have had problems with drug or alcohol misuse.
- If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take dexamfetamine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take dexamfetamine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take dexamfetamine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you do forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose in which case skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking dexamfetamine.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. Children need to have their height and weight measured regularly while they are taking dexamfetamine.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first as stopping suddenly may cause problems such as extreme tiredness and depression.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with dexamfetamine.
- Taking dexamfetamine can lead to your becoming dependent on these tablets. If you are concerned about this, discuss the problem with your doctor.
Can dexamfetamine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness, tiredness, problems with eyesight | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly. Avoid alcohol |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets |
| Sweating | Take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather |
| Feeling sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Difficulty sleeping, restlessness, irritability, excitability, feeling 'high' or 'low', nightmares, shakiness, lack of appetite, palpitations, chest pain, hair loss, rash, unusual movements, altered sexual drive and ability | Talk to your doctor about these |
- fever (high temperature)
- swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store dexamfetamine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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