Antimanic Medications Anti-manic Drugs

Anti-ADD : Amphetamines, Adderall

Adderall is prescribed in the treatment of attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity, the condition in which a child exhibits a short attention span and becomes easily distracted, overly emotional, excessively active, and highly impulsive. It should be used as part of a broader treatment plan that includes psychological, educational, and social measures.

Adderall is also prescribed for narcolepsy (uncontrollable attacks of sleep).

Adderall, like all amphetamines, has a high potential for abuse. If used in large doses over long periods of time, it can cause dependence and addiction. Be careful to take Adderall only as prescribed.

Never take more Adderall than your doctor has prescribed. Do not take it for a longer time or for any other purpose than prescribed.

Take the first dose upon awakening. If additional doses are prescribed, take them at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. Avoid late evening doses, which can interfere with sleep.

If you miss a dose if you are taking 1 dose a day, and at least 6 hours remain before bedtime, take the dose as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.

If you are taking more than 1 dose a day, and you remember within an hour or so of the scheduled time, take the missed dose immediately. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

Warnings:

If you have even a mild case of high blood pressure, take Adderall with caution. Be careful, too, about driving or operating machinery until you know how this drug affects you. It may impair judgment and coordination.

Adderall can make tics and twitches worse. If you or a family member has this problem (or the condition called Tourette's syndrome), make sure the doctor is aware of it.

If the problem is attention-deficit disorder, the doctor will do a complete history and evaluation before prescribing Adderall, taking particular account of the severity of the symptoms and the age of your child. If the problem is a temporary reaction to a stressful situation, Adderall is probably not called for.

At present, there has been no experience with long-term Adderall therapy in children. However, other amphetamine-based medications have been known to stunt growth, so your doctor will need to watch the child carefully.

Food and drug interactions:

If Adderall is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining

Adderall with the following:
• Acetazolamide (Diamox)
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton
• Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
• Drugs that make the urine more acid, such as Uroquid-Acid No. 2
• Fruit juices and vitamin C
• Glutamic acid (an amino acid related to MSG)
• High blood pressure medications such as Calan, Esimil, HydroDIURIL, Hytrin, Procardia, and Serpasil
• Lithium (Lithonate)
• Major tranquilizers such as Haldol and Thorazine
• Meperidine (Demerol)
• Methenamine (Urised)
• Norepinephrine (Levophed)
• Propoxyphene (Darvon)
• Seizure medications such as Dilantin, phenobarbital, and Zarontin
• "Tricyclic" antidepressants such as Norpramin, Tofranil, and Vivactil

Adverse Effects:

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you or your child to continue taking Adderall.

Side effects may include:
Changes in sex drive, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, exaggerated feelings of well-being, headache, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, insomnia, loss of appetite, mental disturbances, overstimulation, rapid or pounding heartbeat, restlessness, stomach and intestinal disturbances, tremor, twitches, unpleasant taste, weakened heart, weight loss, worsening of tics (including Tourette's syndrome)

Do not use Adderall if you have any of the following conditions:
• Heart disease
• Hardening of the arteries
• High blood pressure
• High pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
• Overactive thyroid gland

Never take Adderall within 14 days of taking an antidepressant classified as an MAO inhibitor, including Nardil and Parnate. A potentially life-threatening spike in blood pressure could result.

Your doctor will not prescribe Adderall if you have ever had a reaction to similar stimulant drugs. The doctor will also avoid prescribing Adderall if you appear agitated or are prone to substance abuse.

Overdosage:

A large overdose of Adderall can be fatal. Warning signs of a massive overdose include convulsions and coma.

Symptoms of Adderall overdose may include:
Abdominal cramps, assaultiveness, changes in blood pressure, confusion, diarrhea, hallucinations, heightened reflexes, high fever, irregular heartbeat, nausea, panic, rapid breathing, restlessness, tremor, vomiting

If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency treatment immediately.

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