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Printable Version Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine ER

Active Ingredients: Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine ER
Other Names: Adderall XR
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine ER?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine ER? (Back to top)
AMPHETAMINE; DEXTROAMPHETAMINE is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Federal law prohibits giving this medicine to any person other than the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.


What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • glaucoma
  • hardening or blockages of the arteries or heart blood vessels
  • heart disease or a heart defect
  • high blood pressure
  • history of alcohol or drug abuse
  • history of stroke
  • over-active thyroid gland
  • psychotic illness, depressed mood, or suicidal thoughts
  • recent weight loss
  • seizure disorder
  • Tourette's syndrome
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine, other amphetamines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is taken just one time per day, usually in the morning after waking up. Take with or without food. Do not chew or crush this medicine. You may open the capsules and sprinkle the medicine onto a spoon of applesauce. If sprinkled on applesauce, take the dose immediately and do not crush or chew. Always drink a glass of water or other liquid after taking this medicine. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.


What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

  • alcohol
  • certain migraine headache medicines like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
  • lithium
  • medicines called MAO inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
  • medicines to decrease appetite or cause weight loss
  • melatonin
  • meperidine
  • other stimulant medications like dexmethylphenidate, methylphenidate, modafinil
  • pimozide
  • procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following:
  • acetazolamide
  • ammonium chloride
  • ascorbic acid
  • glutamic acid
  • medicines for colds, sinus, and breathing difficulties
  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
  • medicines for high blood pressure and heart medicines
  • medicines for seizures
  • medicines for stomach acid
  • medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
  • methenamine
  • narcotic pain relievers
  • norepinephrine
  • sodium acid phosphate
  • sodium bicarbonate

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.


What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • anxiety, nervousness
  • changes in mood or behavior
  • chest pain
  • fast, irregular heartbeat
  • fever, or hot, dry skin
  • high blood pressure
  • muscle twitching
  • uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dizziness or light headedness
  • headache
  • nausea, vomiting
  • stomach cramps
  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your doctor and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your doctor every time you need a refill.

This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this medicine affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without talking to your doctor or health care professional.

Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your doctor if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medicine will be monitored closely.

If you are going to have surgery or will need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:April 03, 2008

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine ER

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine ER, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



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