What is amphetamine?

Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the

brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.

Amphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The Evekeo brand of amphetamine is used to treat ADHD and also narcolepsy. Evekeo
is sometimes used to treat obesity in people who have not lost weight with diets or
other treatments.

Important information
Amphetamine may be habit-forming, and this medicine is a drug of abuse. Tell your
doctor if you have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse.

Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high
blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

Do not use amphetamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such
as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or
tranylcypromine.

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Amphetamine may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior),
especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder.

You may have blood circulation problems that can cause numbness, pain, or
discoloration in your fingers or toes.
Call your doctor right away if you have: signs of heart problems - chest pain, feeling
light-headed or short of breath; signs of psychosis - paranoia, aggression, new
behavior problems, seeing or hearing things that are not real; signs of circulation
problems- unexplained wounds on your fingers or toes.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use amphetamine if you are allergic to any stimulant medicine, or if you
have:

moderate to severe high blood pressure;

overactive thyroid;
severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (stimulant medicine can make these
symptoms worse); or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Do not use amphetamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A
dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid,
methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Some medicines can interact with amphetamine and cause a serious condition
called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take opioid
medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's
disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and
vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take
your medications.

Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in certain
people. Tell your doctor if you have:

heart problems or a congenital heart defect;

high blood pressure; or
a family history of heart disease or sudden death.
To make sure amphetamine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you or anyone in your
family has ever had:

depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or

actions;
problems with drug or alcohol abuse;
motor tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome;
 kidney disease;
a thyroid disorder;
seizures or epilepsy;
an abnormal brain wave test (EEG);
coronary artery disease (clogged arteries); or
blood circulation problems in the hands or feet.
It is not known whether amphetamine will harm an unborn baby. However, taking the
medicine during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal
symptoms in the newborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant.

Amphetamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Amphetamine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but not late in the day. Skip the missed
dose if it is almost evening. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An
overdose of amphetamine could be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing,
hostility, violence, panic, muscle pain or weakness, and dark colored urine. These
symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Overdose may also cause
seizure or coma.

What should I avoid while taking amphetamine?

Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Avoid drinking fruit juices or taking vitamin C at the same time you take amphetamine.
These can make your body absorb less of the medicine.
Amphetamine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do
anything that requires you to be alert.

Amphetamine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to
amphetamine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

signs of heart problems - chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling like you
might pass out;
signs of psychosis - hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not
real), new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia;
signs of circulation problems - numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained
wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers
or toes;
a seizure (convulsions);
muscle twitches (tics); or
changes in your vision.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome,
such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle
stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Amphetamine can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing
at a normal rate while using this medicine.

Common amphetamine side effects may include:

stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

loss of appetite, weight loss;
mood changes, feeling restless or nervous, sleep problems (insomnia);
dry mouth, unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;
runny nose, nosebleeds;
increased heart rate;
headache, dizziness;
itching; or
impotence, sexual problems.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for
medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-
1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

Amphetamine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Amphetamine for Narcolepsy:

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:

-Initial Dose: 10 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Comments:
-The first dose should be given on awakening; additional doses should be given at
intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
-The usual dose is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses depending on the individual
patient response.
-Reduce dosage if bothersome adverse reactions (e.g., insomnia, anorexia) appear.

Use: Narcolepsy treatment

Usual Adult Dose of Amphetamine for Obesity:

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:

-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally 30 to 60 minutes before each meal
-Maximum Dose: 30 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Duration of Therapy: Should not exceed a few weeks

Use: Short-term adjunct in a weight reduction regimen based on caloric restriction; for
patients in whom obesity is refractory to alternative therapy (e.g., repeated diets, group
programs, other drugs).

Usual Pediatric Dose of Amphetamine for Narcolepsy:

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:

Age 6 to 11 Years:
-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Age 12 Years and Older:

-Initial Dose: 10 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Comments:
-The first dose should be given on awakening; additional doses should be given at
intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
-The usual dose is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses depending on the individual
patient response.
-Reduce dosage if bothersome adverse reactions (e.g., insomnia, anorexia) appear.
-Narcolepsy rarely occurs in children under 12 years of age.

Use: Narcolepsy treatment

Usual Pediatric Dose of Amphetamine for Obesity:

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:

Age 12 Years and Older:
-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally 30 to 60 minutes before each meal
-Maximum Dose: 30 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Duration of Therapy: Should not exceed a few weeks

Use: Short-term adjunct in a weight reduction regimen based on caloric restriction; for
patients in whom obesity is refractory to alternative therapy (e.g., repeated diets, group
programs, other drugs).

Usual Pediatric Dose of Amphetamine for Attention Deficit Disorder:

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLETS:

Age 3 to 5 Years:
-Initial Dose: 2.5 mg orally per day
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 2.5 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Age 6 to 17 Years:
-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally 1 or 2 times a day
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.
-Maximum Dose: Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed 40 mg per day.

EXTENDED-RELEASE ORAL SUSPENSION:

Age 6 to 17 Years:
-Initial Dose: 2.5 or 5 mg orally once a day in the morning
-Maintenance Dose: Dose may be raised in increments of 2.5 to 10 mg per day every 4
to 7 days until optimal response is obtained.
-Maximum Dose: 20 mg orally per day

Comments:
-IMMEDIATE-RELEASE: The first dose should be given on awakening; 1 to 2 additional
doses should be given at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
-EXTENDED-RELEASE: When switching from other amphetamine products, this product
should be titrated using the usual dosing schedule after the other amphetamine product
is discontinued.
-EXTENDED-RELEASE: Substituting this product for other amphetamine products should
not be done because of different amphetamine base compositions and differing
pharmacokinetic profiles.
-EXTENDED-RELEASE: The bottle should be shaken before each dose, and an oral dosing
syringe or other suitable measuring device should be used.

Use: As part of a total treatment program for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD), a behavioral syndrome characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short
attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity.

What other drugs will affect amphetamine?

Ask your doctor before using a stomach acid medicine (including Alka-Seltzer or sodium
bicarbonate). Some of these medicines can change the way your body absorbs
amphetamine, and may increase side effects.

Many drugs can interact with amphetamine. This includes prescription and over-the-
counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed
in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any
medicine you start or stop using.
 Amphetamine Side Effects
Consumer
Side Effects

Dosage
Professional
Interactions
Pregnancy
More

For the Consumer

Applies to amphetamine: oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet
extended release disintegrating

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by

amphetamine. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require
medical attention.

Major Side Effects

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur
when taking amphetamine:

Rare

Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

severe mental changes

Incidence not known:
Agitation
blurred vision
confusion
diarrhea
 dizziness
false or unusual sense of well-being
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
fever
headache
nervousness
overactive reflexes
pounding in the ears
restlessness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
shivering
slow or fast heartbeat
sweating
talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
trouble sleeping
twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face,
arms, or legs
uncontrolled vocal outbursts or tics (uncontrolled repeated body movements)
If any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking amphetamine,
get emergency help immediately:

Symptoms of overdose:

Abdominal or stomach cramps

dark-colored urine
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or
sitting position
fainting
muscle cramps or spasms
muscle pain or stiffness
nausea
seizures
sweating
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting

Minor Side Effects

Some of the side effects that can occur with amphetamine may not need medical
attention. As your body adjusts to the medicine during treatment these side effects may
go away. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to
reduce or prevent some of these side effects. If any of the following side effects
continue, are bothersome or if you have any questions about them, check with your
health care professional:

Incidence not known:

Decreased interest in sexual intercourse

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

dry mouth

hives or welts, itching, or skin rash

inability to have or keep an erection

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of appetite

redness of the skin

unpleasant taste

weight loss

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to amphetamine: oral suspension extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet
disintegrating extended release

Cardiovascular
Frequency not reported: Palpitations, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure,
cardiomyopathy
Postmarketing reports: Peripheral vasculopathy[Ref]

Psychiatric
Rare (less than 0.1%): Psychotic episodes
Frequency not reported: Euphoria, dysphoria, insomnia, restlessness[Ref]

Nervous system
Frequency not reported: Overstimulation, dizziness, dyskinesia, tremor, headache,
exacerbation of motor/phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis[Ref]

Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Upper abdominal pain
Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, other GI
disturbances[Ref]

Endocrine
Frequency not reported: Impotence, libido changes, frequent or prolonged erections[Ref]

Immunologic
Frequency not reported: Urticaria[Ref]

Metabolic
Frequency not reported: Anorexia, weight loss[Ref]

Respiratory
Common (1% to 10%): Epistaxis, allergic rhinitis[Ref]

References
1. "Product Information. Evekeo (amphetamine)." Arbor Pharmaceuticals, Atlanta, GA.
2. "Product Information. Dyanavel XR (amphetamine)." Tris Pharma Inc, Monmouth Junction, NJ.

Not all side effects for amphetamine may be reported. You should always consult a
doctor or healthcare professional for medical advice. Side effects can be reported to the
FDA here.

Amphetamine Dosage
Consumer
Side Effects
Dosage

Professional
Interactions
Pregnancy
More
o

Applies to the following strength(s): 5 mg ; 10 mg ; 2.5 mg/mL ; 3.1 mg ; 6.3 mg ; 9.4 mg

; 12.5 mg ; 15.7 mg ; 18.8 mg

The information at Drugs.com is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your
doctor or pharmacist.

Usual Adult Dose for:

Narcolepsy

Obesity

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

Narcolepsy

Obesity

Attention Deficit Disorder

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments

Liver Dose Adjustments

Precautions

Dialysis

Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:
-Initial Dose: 10 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Comments:
-The first dose should be given on awakening; additional doses should be given at
intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
-The usual dose is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses depending on the individual
patient response.
-Reduce dosage if bothersome adverse reactions (e.g., insomnia, anorexia) appear.

Use: Narcolepsy treatment

Usual Adult Dose for Obesity

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:
-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally 30 to 60 minutes before each meal
-Maximum Dose: 30 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Duration of Therapy: Should not exceed a few weeks

Use: Short-term adjunct in a weight reduction regimen based on caloric restriction; for
patients in whom obesity is refractory to alternative therapy (e.g., repeated diets, group
programs, other drugs).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Narcolepsy

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:
Age 6 to 11 Years:
-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Age 12 Years and Older:

-Initial Dose: 10 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Comments:
-The first dose should be given on awakening; additional doses should be given at
intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
-The usual dose is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses depending on the individual
patient response.
-Reduce dosage if bothersome adverse reactions (e.g., insomnia, anorexia) appear.
-Narcolepsy rarely occurs in children under 12 years of age.

Use: Narcolepsy treatment

Usual Pediatric Dose for Obesity

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLET:
Age 12 Years and Older:
-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally 30 to 60 minutes before each meal
-Maximum Dose: 30 mg orally per day in divided doses
-Duration of Therapy: Should not exceed a few weeks

Use: Short-term adjunct in a weight reduction regimen based on caloric restriction; for
patients in whom obesity is refractory to alternative therapy (e.g., repeated diets, group
programs, other drugs).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder

IMMEDIATE-RELEASE ORAL TABLETS:
Age 3 to 5 Years:
-Initial Dose: 2.5 mg orally per day
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 2.5 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.

Age 6 to 17 Years:
-Initial Dose: 5 mg orally 1 or 2 times a day
-Maintenance Dose: Daily dose may be raised in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals
until optimal response is obtained.
-Maximum Dose: Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed 40 mg per day.

EXTENDED-RELEASE ORAL SUSPENSION:

Age 6 to 17 Years:
-Initial Dose: 2.5 or 5 mg orally once a day in the morning
-Maintenance Dose: Dose may be raised in increments of 2.5 to 10 mg per day every 4
to 7 days until optimal response is obtained.
-Maximum Dose: 20 mg orally per day

Comments:
-IMMEDIATE-RELEASE: The first dose should be given on awakening; 1 to 2 additional
doses should be given at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
-EXTENDED-RELEASE: When switching from other amphetamine products, this product
should be titrated using the usual dosing schedule after the other amphetamine product
is discontinued.
-EXTENDED-RELEASE: Substituting this product for other amphetamine products should
not be done because of different amphetamine base compositions and differing
pharmacokinetic profiles.
-EXTENDED-RELEASE: The bottle should be shaken before each dose, and an oral dosing
syringe or other suitable measuring device should be used.

Use: As part of a total treatment program for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD), a behavioral syndrome characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short
attention span, hyperactivity, emotional lability, and impulsivity.