Dexamfetamine

In Aotearoa New Zealand dexamfetamine is available as tablets (5 mg). 

• The dose of dexamfetamine will be different for different people, depending on your age and your response to the medication.
• Your doctor will start you on a low dose and increase it gradually over a few weeks. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces side effects. 
• Always take dexamfetamine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much dexamfetamine to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Timing: Dexamfetamine is usually taken 1 to 3 times a day. Take your first dose when you wake up in the morning. If more doses are prescribed, take them by early afternoon. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). 
• Swallow your tablets with a glass of water: You can take dexamfetamine with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Don't take double the dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Avoid taking dexamfetamine in the late afternoon or evening because it can cause sleep problems.

Here are some things to know when you're taking dexamfetamine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Taking other medicines

Dexamfetamine interacts with some medications, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting dexamfetamine and before starting any new products.

Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking dexamfetamine

Dexamfetamine and alcohol affect your heart and blood pressure, increasing your risk of side effects. Dexamfetamine is a stimulant that increases your body’s activity, while alcohol is a depressant and lowers your level of functioning. Since they have opposite effects, dexamfetamine can mask the effects of alcohol making it take longer to feel the effects of alcohol which can risk alcohol poisoning.

Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you

Dexamfetamine may cause blurred vision, make you feel dizzy, or affect your focus – especially when you start taking it.

You may need to take dexamfetamine for several months or even years, but it's unlikely that you'll need to take it for the rest of your life. If you’re taking dexamfetamine for ADHD you may become better at managing your symptoms as you get older by developing better coping strategies.

• Regular check-ups: You'll have regular check-ups, usually every 6 months or so, to see how well the medicine is working and if any changes are needed. Your healthcare provider will check your blood pressure, heart rate and weight.
• Medicine holiday: Your doctor may recommend stopping dexamfetamine for a while, or reducing the dose. For children, this will normally be during the school holidays and can be called 'a medicine break'. This is to check whether it’s still helping.
• Teenage reassessment: As your child gets to puberty, or just after, they will be assessed to see if the medicine is still needed. If the medicine is still helping, it may be recommended your child keeps taking it, even as an adult. 
• Don't stop dexamfetamine suddenly: Talk to your doctor first, as it might be best to reduce the dose gradually. This reduces the risk of having side effects when you stop taking this medicine.

Like all medicines, dexamfetamine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.