Amphetamines

"VSports手机版" What’s the difference between amphetamine and dextroamphetamine?

Dextroamphetamine is a subtype of amphetamine. Amphetamine is a 50-50 mix of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. These two are the same molecule, but they’re mirror images of each other. It’s similar to how your hands have the same structure but are mirror images of each other.

Dextroamphetamine’s effects are stronger than levoamphetamine’s. Because of this, some drugs only contain dextroamphetamine or have it in greater proportions.

V体育官网 - What forms do amphetamines come in?

Amphetamines come in many forms, including:

• Tablets. These are often immediate-release forms of a medication.
• Capsules. These contain a mix of immediate-release and extended-release granules. That’s why these medications are effective for longer periods.
• Oral solution. Some amphetamines come in liquid forms that you take by mouth.
• Skin patches. Dextroamphetamine patches let your body slowly absorb this medication through your skin.

"VSports app下载" What dosage strengths does amphetamine come in?

The dosage strengths for amphetamines vary widely depending on the drug. Some pills have dosages as low as 3.1 mg, while others go as high as 70 mg. And other forms, like patches or oral solution, have their own dosages.

In general, your healthcare provider will recommend starting your dosage as low as possible. They’ll then gradually increase it until the medication is effective. If the side effects of a medication start to outweigh the benefits, your provider can lower your dose or recommend a different medication.

What are the side effects of amphetamines?

Amphetamines can cause a wide range of side effects. Most of these are minor or manageable. But a few of them can be severe.

The most common side effects of prescribed amphetamines include:

• Decreased circulation in your hands and feet (making them feel cold or causing color changes, like Raynaud’s phenomenon)
• Decreased hunger (which may cause unintended weight loss)
• Dizziness
• Fast heart rate or higher blood pressure
• Feeling anxious, jittery, restless or irritable
• Headaches
• Insomnia or other sleep-related issues
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sex drive changes and/or sexual dysfunction
• Stomachache (abdominal pain)
• Tremors
• Vision changes like blurring

Some side effects are less common but are more serious. They can include:

• Allergic reactions, including ones severe enough to cause anaphylaxis
• Bruxism (tooth-grinding)
• Compulsive skin-picking (dermatillomania)
• Dependency and addiction
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Heart-related symptoms chest pain (angina) or heart palpitations
• Mania or symptoms that look like it
• Psychosis
• Serotonin syndrome
• Unexplained wounds appearing on your fingers or toes

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can tell you more about possible or likely side effects. They can also tell you which side effects need immediate care and which can wait for an appointment.

What other medications interact with amphetamines?

Amphetamines can interact with many other medications. Your healthcare provider or a pharmacist are the best experts to tell you about medications to avoid so you don’t have interactions. These may include:

• Antacids
• Antihistamines
• Blood pressure medications
• Insulin and other blood sugar-affecting medications
• MAOIs
• Medications that increase serotonin levels
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Tricyclic antidepressants

Make sure your healthcare provider knows about every medication, herbal remedy or supplement you take. Even ones available over the counter might interact with prescription medications like amphetamines.

Can I drink alcohol with amphetamines?

You shouldn’t drink alcohol too soon after taking an amphetamine. These drugs can interact with alcohol and have unwanted effects. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about how long you should wait after taking your medication before it’s OK to drink alcohol.

Do amphetamines cause withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, amphetamines can cause withdrawal symptoms. But these are unlikely when you take your medications exactly as prescribed.

Amphetamines can also have another effect when they wear off. People who take these medications often describe it as a “crash,” causing them to suddenly feel:

• Anxious, irritable or tired
• Hungry
• Depression-like feelings
• Like they can’t concentrate

If you’re regularly experiencing this crash effect and it’s disrupting your life, talk to your healthcare provider. They may offer solutions like changing your dose or shifting when you take your medication. They may even recommend changing you to another form of the medication, like an extended-release form.

"V体育官网" Amphetamine prescription shortages

In October 2022, the FDA announced shortages of some amphetamine medications, especially drugs containing amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine. Those shortages affect various dosages and formulations (immediate release vs. extended release) into 2025 and possibly beyond. That might affect the availability of some of these medications from your pharmacy.

If you have questions about whether or not a shortage might affect you, ask your provider or a pharmacist. They may also be able to offer suggestions on how to avoid running out of your medications.