Dexamfetamine

Beskrivelse

Dexamfetamine tablets contain dexamfetamine sulfate (dextroamphetamine sulfate), a potent amphetamine-class stimulant. It is indicated for ADHD in children (from age 3–6 years depending on region) and adults, and for narcolepsy in adults and children over 12 years, as part of a comprehensive treatment programme.

How Dexamfetamine Works Dexamfetamine stimulates the release and inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. This improves executive function, concentration, and wakefulness while decreasing hyperactivity and impulsivity in ADHD, and reducing excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy.

Main Uses:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – as part of a total treatment plan including psychological, educational, and social interventions
• Narcolepsy (to control excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks)

Dosage and Administration For ADHD: Starting dose is usually 5 mg once or twice daily (morning and early afternoon), increased gradually by 5 mg per week as needed. Maximum daily dose typically 40 mg in divided doses. For narcolepsy: Starting dose 10 mg per day, titrated up to 60 mg/day in divided doses if required. Tablets are taken orally with or without food. Avoid late-day dosing to prevent insomnia. Treatment should be regularly reviewed and the lowest effective dose used for the shortest necessary time.

Quality and Formulation Dexamfetamine is available as immediate-release tablets, commonly in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths (scored for easy dose adjustment). Produced under GMP standards by various manufacturers (e.g., Aspen, generics). It is a Schedule II controlled drug requiring special prescription handling.

Warnings and Precautions Dexamfetamine has a high potential for tolerance, dependence, addiction, and diversion. Serious risks include cardiovascular events (increased heart rate and blood pressure, sudden death in patients with heart conditions), psychiatric effects (aggression, hallucinations, mania), and growth suppression in children.

Common side effects: decreased appetite, insomnia, headache, dry mouth, anxiety, irritability, and weight loss. Contraindicated in advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic heart disease, moderate/severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, history of drug abuse, or during/within 14 days of MAO inhibitor use. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight is essential.

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients must not drive or operate machinery until they know how the medication affects them.