Dextroamphetamine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 22, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Narcolepsy

• Initial Dose: 10 mg orally per day
• Maintenance Dose: May raise daily dose in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.

Comments:

• The usual dose is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses, depending on the individual patient response.
• IR: Give the first dose on awakening; give 1 to 2 additional doses at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
• ER/SR: May use this formulation for once-a-day dosage wherever appropriate.

Use: Narcolepsy treatment

Usual Pediatric Dose for Attention Deficit Disorder

Immediate-Release (IR):
Age 3 to 5 Years:

• Initial Dose: 2.5 mg orally per day
• Maintenance Dose: May raise daily dose in 2.5 mg increments at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.

IR and Extended-Release (ER)/Sustained-Release (SR):
Age 6 to 17 Years:

• Initial Dose: 5 mg orally 1 or 2 times a day
• Maintenance Dose: May raise daily dose in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.
• Maximum Dose: Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed 40 mg per day.

Comments:

• IR: Give the first dose on awakening; give 1 to 2 additional doses at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
• ER/SR: May use this formulation for once-a-day dosage wherever appropriate.
• Where possible, occasionally interrupt drug administration to determine if continued therapy is required.

Use: As part of a total treatment program for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Usual Pediatric Dose for Narcolepsy

Age 6 to 11 Years:

• Initial Dose: 5 mg orally per day
• Maintenance Dose: May raise daily dose in 5 mg increments at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.

Age 12 Years and Older:

• Initial Dose: 10 mg orally per day
• Maintenance Dose: May raise daily dose in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.

Comments:

• The usual dose is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses, depending on the individual patient response.
• IR: Give the first dose on awakening; give 1 to 2 additional doses at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
• ER/SR: May use this formulation for once-a-day dosage wherever appropriate.
• Narcolepsy rarely occurs in children under 12 years of age.

Use: Narcolepsy treatment

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available.

Dose Adjustments

Narcolepsy Patients: Reduce dosage if bothersome adverse reactions (e.g., insomnia, anorexia) appear.

Precautions

US BOXED WARNINGS:

• Due to the high abuse potential, this drug should be prescribed/dispensed sparingly and particular attention should be paid to subjects possibly obtaining this drug for non-therapeutic use or distribution to others.
• Administering this drug for prolonged periods of time should be avoided as it may lead to drug dependence.
• Drug misuse may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events.

Long-term effects of amphetamines in children have not been well established.

• For ADHD treatment, the IR formulations are not recommended in patients younger than 3 years and the ER/SR formulation is not recommended in patients younger than 6 years.
• For narcolepsy treatment, all formulations of this drug are not recommended in patients younger than 6 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

US Controlled Substance: Schedule II

Dialysis

Data not available.

Other Comments

Administration Advice:

• Avoid late evening doses because of the potential for insomnia.
• Administer this drug at the lowest effective dosage, and individually adjust dosage.
• Take tablet doses at the same times on each day preferably with or immediately after meals.

Storage Requirements:

• Store this drug between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 Fahrenheit) and dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.

General:

• Individual patient response to amphetamines varies widely: toxic symptoms can occur at doses as low as 2 mg but are rare with doses of less than 15 mg; 30 mg can produce severe reactions yet doses of 400 to 500 mg are not necessarily fatal.
• Overdosage: Management is largely symptomatic and may include gastric lavage, activated charcoal, a cathartic, and sedation; insufficient data is available to recommend the use of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Monitoring:

• Cardiovascular: Blood pressure, heart rate, changes in fingers and toes
• General: Signs of abuse/dependence
• Musculoskeletal: Growth (height, weight, appetite)
• Psychiatric: New or worsening psychiatric disorders, including aggressive behavior/hostility, depression, psychosis, mania, and suicidal thoughts or behavior

Patient Advice:

• Avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities such as operating machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following on your fingers or toes during treatment: unexplained wounds, new numbness, pain, skin color change, or temperature sensitivity.

Frequently asked questions

• 'Black Beauties' capsules in the 1970's - What drug was that?
• Concerta vs Adderall - What's the difference between them?
• What pill has a half moon and 26 On same side. orange,and round?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer