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Who should not use amphetamine/dextroamphetamine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine.

• Adderall
• Adderall XR
• Amphetamine
• Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
• Dextroamphetamine
• Mixed amphetamine salts
• Mydayis
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amphetamine/dextroamphetamine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about amphetamine/dextroamphetamine before using it?

Do not take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share amphetamine/dextroamphetamine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep amphetamine/dextroamphetamine out of the reach of children. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store amphetamine/dextroamphetamine in a safe, preferably locked, place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

There are multiple forms of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine available. They may be used to treat different conditions and are taken in different ways. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to prepare, take, and throw it away properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine capsules should be swallowed whole. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, it can be opened and sprinkled over a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away, without chewing. Do not store the mixture for later use. 

If you need to dispose of unused or expired amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, bring it to a medicine take-back program at an authorized collection site, such as a pharmacy or police station. If no take-back program is available, mix it with a nontoxic and unattractive substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds and place it in a container like a sealed plastic bag. Throw away the mixture in household trash. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are not sure how to throw away this medicine safely.

Keep all appointments, including those for blood tests and heart checkups, before and during treatment with amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. This will help your health care provider make sure it is safe for you to take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine.

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine may affect the results of certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers that you are taking this medicine before any lab tests or bloodwork.

What should I tell my health care provider before using amphetamine/dextroamphetamine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Substance Use Disorder. Tell your health care provider if you have ever misused alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is a controlled substance and may be misused.

Mental Health Problems. Tell your health care provider if you or anyone in your family has had mental health problems, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, mania, depression, or suicide. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine may worsen certain mental health conditions.

Heart Problems. People who have serious heart disease or heart defects may be at risk of sudden death if they take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. Tell your health care provider if you have any heart problems, including heart disease, heart defects, cardiomyopathy, or an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Also tell your health care provider if anyone in your family has heart problems.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

• High blood pressure
• Circulation problems in the fingers or toes
• Seizures or an abnormal brain wave test, called an electroencephalogram (EEG) test
• Tics (repeated movements or sounds), Tourette syndrome, or a family history of tics or Tourette syndrome
• Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how amphetamine/dextroamphetamine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, you can sign up for the National Pregnancy Registry for ADHD Medications by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/adhd-medications. This registry collects safety information about the use of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are taking amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.