Dexedrine Warnings and Precautions

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• Stimulants (including Dexedrine) are often abused. Taking high doses of the medication for long periods of time can lead to a dependence on Dexedrine (see Dexedrine Abuse and Dextroamphetamine Withdrawals for more information). Because Dexedrine is so commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing it (see Dexedrine: A Controlled Substance for more information).
   
• Dexedrine may affect your ability to perform tasks that require complete concentration, such as driving, operating machinery, or piloting an airplane, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting the medication.
   
• In people with psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder), Dexedrine can worsen psychotic symptoms that include thought disorders and behavioral problems. Also, Dexedrine may worsen bipolar symptoms, especially manic symptoms.
   
• Sudden death has been reported in children and adolescents with heart problems who took normal doses of medications similar to Dexedrine. If your child has heart problems, ask your child's healthcare provider whether Dexedrine is appropriate for your child's situation. Also, let your child's healthcare provider know if your child develops any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
   
• Sudden death, stroke, and heart attacks have also been reported in adults taking normal doses of medications similar to Dexedrine. This seems to occur more often in adults with heart problems. If you have heart problems, ask your healthcare provider if Dexedrine is appropriate in your situation. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop any chest tightness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
   
• Dexedrine can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In most cases, the increase is small and does not cause problems. However, there is an increased risk for people who already have high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, certain irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), or have recently had a heart attack.
   
• Dexedrine can cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less than an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time.
   
• Dexedrine may cause an increase in aggressive behavior in people with ADHD. Let your healthcare provider know of any increase in aggressive behavior.
   
• Dexedrine can increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had seizures before. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking the medication if you have a history of seizures.
   
• Dexedrine can cause blurred vision and other vision problems.
   
• Dexedrine can interact with certain medications (see Dexedrine Drug Interactions).
   
• Dexedrine is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that Dexedrine may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider before using Dexedrine during pregnancy (see Dexedrine and Pregnancy for more information).
   
• Dexedrine passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about this.