Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names:

Generic Name: amphetamine (Pronunciation: am FEH ta mean)

• What is amphetamine ()?
• What are the possible side effects of amphetamine ()?
• What is the most important information I should know about amphetamine ()?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amphetamine ()?
• How should I take amphetamine ()?
• What happens if I miss a dose ()?
• What happens if I overdose ()?
• What should I avoid while taking amphetamine ()?
• What other drugs will affect amphetamine ()?
• Where can I get more information?

What is amphetamine ()?

Amphetamine is a stimulant and an appetite suppressant. It stimulates the central nervous system (nerves and brain) by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the body. This increases heart rate and blood pressure and decreases appetite, among other effects.

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

Amphetamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of amphetamine ()?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amphetamine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• an irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
• hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take amphetamine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• restlessness or tremor;
• anxiety or nervousness;
• headache or dizziness;
• insomnia;
• dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• diarrhea or constipation; or
• impotence or changes in sex drive.

Amphetamine is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about amphetamine ()?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Amphetamine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, or restlessness, and it may hide the symptoms of extreme tiredness. If you experience these effects, avoid hazardous activities.

Amphetamine is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually.

Do not crush, chew, or open any "once-daily" amphetamine tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole.