Antidepressant Medications Anti-depressant Drugs Antidepressant: dextroamphetamine, Dexedrine
Antidepressant: dextroamphetamine, Dexedrine
Generic Name: dextroamphetamine
Brand Name(s): Dexedrine
Common Use: Psychostimulant
Potentiates antidepressants
Sympathomimetic
The adjunctive treatment of narcolepsy, minimal
brain dysfunction in children (e.g., hyperkinetic behavior),
epilepsy and parkinsonism.
Do not use in patients with a history of drug
abuse. Do not use during or within 14 days following the administration
of MAO inhibitors; hypertensive crises may result. Advanced
arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate
to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity
or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma and
agitated states. Amphetamines should not be used to combat fatigue
or to replace rest.
Adverse Side Effects
Palpitation, tachycardia, elevation of blood
pressure. There have been isolated reports of cardiomyopathy
associated with chronic amphetamine use.
Overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia,
euphoria, dysphoria, tremor, headache, exacerbation of tics,
Tourette's syndrome and psychotic episodes (rare at recommended
doses).
Dryness of mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea,
constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances. Anorexia
and weight loss may occur.
Impotence, changes in libido.
Overdose
The toxic dose of amphetamine varies widely according
to the degree of tolerance present. Blood levels are, therefore,
of little value in assessing the severity of the overdose. This
assessment must depend almost entirely on clinical signs.
Dilated and reactive pupils, shallow rapid respiration,
rhabdomyolysis, fever, chills, sweating, hyperactive tendon
reflexes. Central effects may include restlessness, aggressiveness,
anxiety, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, panic attacks
and even suicidal or homicidal tendencies. The stimulant effect
is usually followed by depression, lethargy, exhaustion. Cardiovascular
effects may include anginal pain, extrasystoles and other arrhythmias,
flushing, headache, hypertension or hypotension, pallor, palpitations,
tachycardia. Circulatory collapse and syncope may occur. Gastrointestinal
effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps.
Fatal poisoning is usually preceded by convulsions
and coma.
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