Methamphetamine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat attention deficit disorder and obesity.
• Another use may be treatment of narcolepsy.

How does it work?

• Methamphetamine acts as a stimulant in adults and has a stabilizing effect in children with attention deficit disorder. This medicine acts on the brain and decreases appetite this way.

How is it best taken?

• Take early in the day to avoid sleep problems.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake.
• Do not use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Separate use by 2 weeks. This combination can cause life-threatening high blood pressure.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that may affect blood pressure. This includes cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Lightheadedness. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• It may also prevent you from knowing how tired you really are.
• Nervousness, restlessness, or inability to sleep.
• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood pressure regularly.
• If for weight loss, follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Severe headaches.
• Chest pains or fast heartbeats.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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