Brand/Other Name

This drug is not available on the market. Its use must be with a prescription and under the supervision of a doctor. This drug belongs to the psychotropic group.

How it works

Amphetamines are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system by increasing the activity of chemical compounds in the brain such as dopamine and norepinephrine. As previously known that dopamine functions in making attention focus, feeling happy, calm and helping regulate sleep.

Indication

This medicine is used for the treatment of diseases ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Dissorders) namely a disease where the sufferer has a disorder in focusing attention that occurs in children. In addition, amphetamines are used in patients with narcolepsy (excessive sleep that does not know time and place).

Contraindications

This medicine cannot be given in some medical conditions as below:

• Allergy to amphetamine drugs
• Hypertensive patients
• Anxiety disorder
• Hyperthyroid patients (thyroid gland disease)
• Have a history of heart failure, heart attack disease, heart rhythm disorders, protruding blood vessels (aneurysm) and blood vessel disorders.
• Visual impairment in glaucoma patients (damage to the eye nerves)

Side Effects

There are several side effects that often occur after using this medicine, namely:

• Increased heart rate
• Sleep disturbance
• Pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Decreased appetite and decreased weight
• Headache or dizziness
• Mood changes and anxiety disorders
• Mouth is dry and hard stools (constipation)
• Disorders of the reproductive organs such as impotence in men

In addition, there are fatal side effects that can threaten life such as excessive allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) after using amphetamines with symptoms of difficulty breathing and swelling of the face, lips, mouth and throat.

Preparation

This medicine is available in tablet and syrup forms.

Dose

The dose of the drug given is in accordance with the age and purpose of treatment and must be under the supervision of a doctor.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Dissorders)

• Adults, the dose of the drug starts from 5 mg taken 1-2 times a day. The dose can be increased according to the patient's condition. However, the daily dose does not exceed 40 mg.
• Children aged 3-5 years, the dose of the drug is 2.5 mg per day, which can be increased depending on the patient's response.

Narcolepsy

• Adults, the initial dose is 10 mg per day, taken in the morning. Next, the dose is increased as needed, with a maximum dose of 60 mg per day.
• Children aged 6-11 years, the dose of the drug 5 mg per day is taken in the morning.

Security

During pregnancy, this drug is included in category C. This drug in experimental animals shows adverse effects on the fetus, but in humans no studies have been conducted. Meanwhile, in breastfeeding mothers, this drug is not recommended, because it can be absorbed into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Amphetamine interaction with other drugs produces the following effects:

• Co-administration of gastrointestinal drugs (antacids, omeprazole) may increase the adverse effects of amphetamines.
• Interactions with tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline may increase blood pressure and the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
• It can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure lowering drugs such as valsartan, lisinopril and furosemide.
• If used in conjunction with anticonvulsant drugs such as phenitoin and phenobarbital, it can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.

Want to know information about other medicines? Check it out here, yes!