$Unique_ID{BRK01827}
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$Title{AMPHETAMINE}
$Subject{Amphetamine Sulfate (Lannett)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


AMPHETAMINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Amphetamine Sulfate (Lannett)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Amphetamine
INGREDIENT:
     amphetamine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (5 mg and 10 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     This medication is a central nervous system stimulant that increases
mental alertness and decreases fatigue.  It is used to treat narcolepsy (a
disorder involving uncontrollable desires to sleep or actual sleep attacks
that occur in a rapid and unpredictable manner) and abnormal behavioral
syndrome in children (hyperkinetic syndrome or attention deficit disorder).
The way this medication acts to control abnormal behavioral syndrome in
children is not clearly understood.
     Amphetamine is also used as an appetite suppressant during the first few
weeks of dieting (while you are trying to establish new eating habits).  It is
thought to relieve hunger by altering nerve impulses to the appetite control
center in the brain.  Its effectiveness as an appetite suppressant lasts only
for short periods (three to 12 weeks), however.

TREATMENT

In order to avoid stomach upset, you can take amphetamine with food or with a
full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If this medication is being used to treat narcolepsy or abnormal
behavioral syndrome in children, the first dose each day should be taken soon
after awakening.  Subsequent doses should be spaced at four- to six-hour
intervals.
     If this medication has been prescribed as a diet aid, it should be taken
one hour before each meal.
     In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, the last dose of this
medication each day should be taken four to six hours before bedtime.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, don't
take the missed dose at all, just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, false
sense of well-being, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, nausea,
overstimulation, restlessness, unpleasant taste in the mouth, or vomiting.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     In order to prevent constipation while taking this medication, increase
the amount of fiber in your diet (bran, fresh fruits and vegetables, salads,
whole-grain cereals and breads), drink more water, and exercise more (unless
your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Dry mouth can be relieved by sucking on ice chips or a piece of hard
candy or by chewing sugarless gum.
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or
lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred vision, confusion, fatigue, headaches, impotence, mental depression,
palpitations, rash, sweating, tightness in the chest, tremors, uncoordinated
movements, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

INTERACTIONS

     Amphetamine interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. The concurrent use of amphetamine and a monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitor (isocarboxazid, pargyline, phenelzine, tranylcypromine) should be
avoided, since the combination may result in convulsions or high fever.  At
least 14 days should separate the use of amphetamine and the use of an MAO
inhibitor.
     2. Barbiturate medications, phenothiazine tranquilizers (especially
chlorpromazine), and tricyclic antidepressants can antagonize (act against)
this medication.
     3. Amphetamine can decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
antihypertensive medications (especially guanethidine) and may alter insulin
and oral antidiabetic medication dosage requirements in diabetic patients.
     4. The side effects of other central nervous system stimulants, such as
caffeine, over-the-counter (nonprescription) appetite suppressants, and cough,
cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus preparations, may be increased by amphetamine.
     5. Acetazolamide and sodium bicarbonate can decrease the elimination and
prolong the duration of action of the amphetamines.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to amphetamine or other central nervous system
stimulants (albuterol, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, epinephrine,
isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, phenylephrine,
phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, terbutaline).
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug abuse, or if you have
ever had problems with agitation, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or blood
vessel disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid disease.
     * Amphetamine can mask the symptoms of extreme fatigue and can cause
dizziness.  Your ability to perform hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or
operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased.  Appropriate
caution should, therefore, be taken.  Before having surgery or any other
medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you
are taking this medication.
     * Amphetamine may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time
(both physical and psychological dependence can occur).  Therefore, you should
not increase the dose of this medication or take it for longer than 12 weeks
unless you first consult your doctor.  It is also important that you not stop
taking this medication abruptly--fatigue, sleep disorders, mental depression,
nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or pain can occur.  Your doctor may,
therefore, want to decrease the dose gradually in order to prevent these side
effects.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although studies have
not been done in humans, some of the amphetamines have caused heart, brain,
and biliary tract abnormalities in the fetuses of animals who received large
doses of these drugs during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
