Brand Names

Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis

What is dextroamphetamine and amphetamine used for? 

Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall/Mydayis) is in a class of medications called “stimulants” that are used for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (uncontrollable sleepiness).

How does it work? 

Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine works by helping release specific chemicals within the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine) which can help with symptoms of ADHD. 

Are there any major warnings when taking dextroamphetamine and amphetamine? 

Cardiovascular

Sudden death has been reported in children that have structural heart abnormalities or other serious heart problems. 

Other serious adverse reactions such as stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and sudden death has been reported in adults with structural heart abnormalities, cardiomyopathy,

serious heart rhythm problems, coronary artery disease, or other serious heart problems.

Behavioral

New or worse behavioral changes such as anger, mood swings, irritability, hallucinations and changes in thinking can happen when taking this medication.

Children are at higher risk if they (or family members) have pre existing psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression or if a family member has committed suicide. 

Growth Suppression 

Some studies have shown decreased growth (height and weight gain) in children less than 12 years of age that have been taking this medication for greater than 3 years consistently (7 days a week). Growth should be closely monitored by you and your child’s doctor. 

What are the most common side effects seen with dextroamphetamine and amphetamine? 

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

• Decreased appetite 

• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

• Abdominal pain

• Headache

• Emotional lability (moodswings, irritability) 

• Dry mouth

• Accidental injury (poisonings and procedural complications)  

Contraindications

• Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine should not be taken if your child has had an anaphylactic reaction (hives or swelling of the tongue) to it previously. 

• Amphetamine should not be taken if your child is currently taking or has taken a medication in a drug class called monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors include: 

  • Isocarboxazid

  • Phenelzine 

  • Selegiline 

  • Tranylcypromine 

  • Moclobemide

  • Linezolid

  • Methylene Blue 

Tips & Tricks to administration

• Immediate release tablets 

  • Take first thing in the morning when your child wakes up. To avoid sleep issues, do not take within 6 hours of bedtime. 

• Extended release capsule 

  • Adderall XR

    • Take with or without food or drink 

    • Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew or divide. 

  • Mydayis 

    • Can be taken with or without food, however it should be consistent. For example, if your child likes to take the medication with breakfast, always take the medication with breakfast. If your child likes to take the medicine on an empty stomach, keep taking the medicine with an empty stomach. 

Breast feeding considerations 

• Amphetamines are concentrated in breast milk if being taken by the mother. 

• Per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), amphetamine is contraindicated during breastfeeding. 

Storage Considerations 

Most ADHD medications have a high potential of abuse and misuse which can lead to addiction. Due to this risk, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has classified these medications as a controlled substance (C-II). In order to dispense these medications, pharmacies must follow a strict set of rules and regulations set by the DEA. 

At home, these medications should be stored in a safe location that cannot be easily found and accessed by guests, visitors or other family members.

How should I throw it out? 

Medication take back locations are the best ways to safely dispose of unused or expired medications. 

Before disposing medications at one of these locations, all personal information should be removed from the medication packaging. 

To find the closest medication take back location near you, visit https://www.fda.gov/drugs/disposal-unused-medicines-what-you-should-know/drug-disposal-drug-take-back-locations