Amphetamines : Before Using

Amphetamines - Systemic

Amphetamines *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to using a medication, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For amphetamines, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, methamphetamine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, or terbutaline. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Studies have not been done. However, animal studies have shown that amphetamines may increase the risk of birth defects if taken during the early months of pregnancy.

In addition, overuse of amphetamines during pregnancy may increase the chance of a premature delivery and of having a baby with a low birth weight. Always the baby may become dependent on amphetamines and experience withdrawal effects such as agitation and drowsiness.

Breast-feeding problem

Amphetamines pass into breast milk. Although this drug has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies, it is best not to breast-feed while you are taking an amphetamine. Be sure you have discussed this with your family doctor.

Use for Children

When amphetamines are using for long periods of time in child, they may cause unwanted effects on behavior and growth. Before these medication are given to a child, you must discuss their use with your child's family doctor.

Elderly care

Many medication have not been studied specifically in elderly people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in adults people or if they cause various side effects or problems in elderly people. There is no special info comparing use of amphetamines in the elderly with use in other age groups.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in many cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, changes in dose or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking amphetamines, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

Amantadine - Symmetrel
Caffeine - NoDoz
Chlophedianol - Ulone
Methylphenidate - Ritalin
Nabilone - Cesamet
Pemoline - Cylert Use of these medication may increase the CNS stimulation effects of amphetamines and cause unwanted effects such as nervousness, irritability, trouble in sleeping and possibly convulsions - seizures

Appetite suppressants - diet pills
Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems
Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies - including nose drops or sprays Use of these medication may increase the CNS stimulation effects of amphetamines and cause unwanted effects such as nervousness, irritability, trouble in sleeping, or convulsions - seizures, as well as unwanted effects on the heart and blood vessels

Beta-adrenergic blocking agents - acebutolol " Sectral ", atenolol " Tenormin ", betaxolol " Kerlone ", carteolol " Cartrol ", labetalol " Normodyne ", metoprolol " Lopressor ", nadolol " Corgard ", oxprenolol " Trasicor ", penbutolol " Levatol ", pindolol " Visken ", propranolol " Inderal ", sotalol " Sotacor ", timolol " Blocadren " Use of amphetamines with beta-blocking agents may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart problems

Cocaine Use by people taking amphetamines may cause a severe increase in blood pressure and other unwanted effects, including nervousness, irritability, trouble in sleeping, or convulsions - seizures

Digitalis glycosides - heart drug Amphetamines may cause additive effects, resulting in irregular heartbeat

Meperidine Use of meperidine by people taking amphetamines is not recommended because the risk of serious side effects - such as high fever, convulsions, or coma may be increased

Monoamine oxidase - MAO inhibitor activity - isocarboxazid " Marplan ", phenelzine " Nardil ", procarbazine " Matulane ", selegiline " Eldepryl ", tranylcypromine " Parnate " Taking amphetamines while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase - MAO inhibitors may increase the risk of serious side effects such as sudden and severe high blood pressure or fever

Thyroid hormones The effects of either these medication or amphetamines may be increased; unwanted effects may occur in diseaseds with heart or blood vessel disease

Tricyclic antidepressants - amitriptyline " Elavil ", amoxapine " Asendin ", clomipramine " Anafranil ", desipramine " Pertofrane ", doxepin " Sinequan ", imipramine " Tofranil ", nortriptyline " Aventyl ", protriptyline " Vivactil ", trimipramine " Surmontil " Although tricyclic antidepressants may be using with amphetamines to help make them work better, using the two medication together may increase the risk of fast or irregular heartbeat, severe high blood pressure, or high fever

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of amphetamines. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Anxiety or tension - severe
Drug abuse or dependence - history of
Glaucoma
Heart or blood vessel disease
High blood pressure
Mental illness - severe, especially in child,
Overactive thyroid
Tourette's syndrome - history of or other tics Amphetamines may make the condition worse