Type of Drug:

Central nervous system stimulants: “Bennies,” “dexies,” “speed”, or “crystal.”

How the Drug Works:

These synthetic drugs are a stronger form of the natural body stimulant adrenaline. They work by altering natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain and can affect other body systems (eg, circulatory system) in high doses.

Uses:

Indicated as an integral part of a total treatment program of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity that includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in children 3 to 16 years of age with a behavioral syndrome characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional 13 ability, and impulsivity.

To improve wakefulness in patients with excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy.

Methamphetamine only: For short term (eg, a few weeks) use in a weight reduction program based on caloric restriction, for patients who have failed alternative therapy (eg, repeated diets, group programs, other drugs).

Unlabeled Uses: Dextroamphetamine has been used to treat cocaine dependence and autism.

Precautions:

Use with caution in the following situations: High blood pressure Turreted syndrome

Abuse: Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. Use in weight reduction programs only when alternative therapy (diets, group programs, other drugs) has been ineffective. Use for prolonged periods may lead to drug dependence.

Attention deficit disorders: Drug treatment is not indicated in all cases. The decision to use amphetamines depends on the chronicity and severity of the child’s symptoms and appropriateness for his/her age. When symptoms are associated with acute stress reactions, treatment with amphetamines is usually not indicated.

Chronic intoxication: Severe skin rash, marked sleeplessness, irritability, hyperactivity, personality changes, disorganization of thoughts, poor concentration, hallucinations, and compulsive behavior often occur. The most severe side effect of chronic intoxication is psychosis, often indistinguishable from paranoid schizophrenia.

Diabetes: Insulin requirements may be altered with the use of amphetamines and diet restriction.

Do not use: Do not use to combat fatigue or to replace rest.

Drug dependence: Tolerance, extreme dependence and severe social disability have occurred with amphetamine abuse. Patients may gradually increase the dosage to many times that recommended. Abrupt discontinuation following a long period of using high doses results in extreme fatigue, mental depression, and changes in sleep habits.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women, or animal studies may have shown a risk to the fetus. Birth defects have been reported with amphetamine use in pregnancy. Usually If clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazardsto the fetus. Infants born to mothers dependent on amphetamines have an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight may experience symptoms of amphetamine withdrawal demonstrated by restlessness including agitation and weakness.

Breastfeeding: Amphetamines appear in breast milk. Discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Long-term effects in children have not been well established.

Amphetamines are not recommended in children younger than 3 years of age. Do not use methamphetamine as a weight loss medication in children younger than 12 years of age. Extended-release amphetamine mixture capsules are indicated for children 6 years of age and older. Effects of extended-release amphetamine mixture capsules in children 3 to 5 years of age have not been studied. In psychotic children, amphetamines may worsen symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder. Amphetamines may precipitate or worsen Tourette syndrome. Monitor growth during treatment. Chronic administration may be associated with growth inhibition.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain tartrazine dye (FD&C Yellow No.5), which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package labeling when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any overthe-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with amphetamines:

• Antihypertensives (eg, methyldopa)
• Furazolidone (Furoxone)
• Guanethidine (lsmelin)
• MAOls (eg, phenelzine)
• Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine)
• Urinary acidifiers (eg, ammonium chloride)
• Urinary alkalinizers (eg, acetazolamide)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many amphetamine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dosage, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; constipation; appetite loss; dry mouth; unpleasant taste sensation; indigestion; nausea; vomiting.

Nervous System: Dizziness; sleeplessness; depression; irritability; restlessn; nervousness; headache; tremor; exacerbation of motor and phOnic tics and Tourette syndrome; exaggerated sense of well-being; overvaluation; difficulty moving; unpleasant feelings; weakness; drowsiness between doses or after stopping medicine.

Circulatory System : pounding in the chest (palpitation); rapid or irregular heartbeat; high blood presser.

Other: Impotence; changes in sex drive; hives; weight loss; suppression of growth in children (long-term use).

Guidelines for Use:

• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless directed by your doctor.
• Do not take more frequently than prescribed. These drugs can be addicting.
• Do not chew or crush sustained- or extended-release products.
• Extended-release amphetamine mixture capsules may be taken whole, or the capsule may be opened and the entire contents sprinkled on applesauce. The sprinkled applesauce should then be consumed immediately; it should not be stored. Take the applesauce with sprinkled beads in its entirety without chewing. The dose of a single capsule should not be divided.
• May cause insomnia. Avoid taking these medications late in the day.
• This medicine may cause dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.
• May cause nervousness, restlessness, sleeplessness, dizziness, appetite loss, dry mouth, and digestive tract disturbances. Contact your doctor if these become troublesome.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not take any prescription or OTC medications or dietary supplements, unless directed by your doctor.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
• Use of many of these drugs to improve athletic skills, mental alertness, or to stay awake is dangerous and illegal. Never share drugs with others.
• Attention deficit disorder in children - Your doctor may occasionally interrupt drug therapy to determine if there is a recurrence of symptoms.
• Weight control - Appropriate lifestyle changes (eg, diet and exercise) should be made while on therapy in order to avoid continued use of the drug.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F) in a tight, light-resistant container.

Tagged under:amphetamines, blood pressure, CNS Stimulants, human durgs, nervous system treatment

Pemoline - Guidelines for Using Pemoline - Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Central nervous system stimulant.

How the Pemoline Product Works:

Pemoline stimulates the central nervous system. How it does this is not fully understood.

Uses of The Pemoline:

To aid in treatment of children with behavior problems (attention deficit disorder) characterized by hyperactivity, moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, impulsive behavior, and extreme mood changes.

Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe pemoline for narcolepsy (irresistible periods of sleep lasting less than 15 minutes during normal waking hours) and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Precautions:

• Drug dependence: The similarity of pemoline to other brain stimulants with known dependence liability suggests that psychological and physical dependence might also occur. There have been isolated reports of temporary psychotic symptoms occurring in adults following the long-term misuse of excessive doses. Pemoline should be given with caution to emotionally unstable patients who may increase the dosage on their own initiative.

• CNS stimulants: CNS stimulants, including pemoline, have been reported to precipitate motor and phonic tics, and Tourette syndrome. Therefore, clinical evaluation for tics and Tourette syndrome in children and their families should precede use of stimulant medications.

• Potential liver toxicity: Report any unexplained appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, general body discomfort, weakness, or yellowing of the skin or eyes to your doctor.

• Total treatment program: Pemoline therapy should be part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational psychological, educational, and social measures.

• Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

• Breastfeeding: It is not known if pemoline appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

• Children: Safety and effectiveness in children less than 6 years of age have not been established. Pemoline use may worsen symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in psychotic children. Aggravation of Tourette syndrome and seizure disorders have been reported after starting pemoline therapy. Chronic administration of stimulants to children may be associated with growth inhabiting. Therefore, growth must be monitored during treatment. Long-term effects in children have not been well established. Treatment is not indicated in all cases of attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. The decision to prescribe pemoline should depend on the assessment of the severity of the child’s symptoms for his or her age, and not depend solely on the presence of one or more of the behavioral characteristics.

• Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required before and during pemoline therapy. Tests may include periodic liver function evaluation.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over-­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking pemoline. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. Decreased seizure thresh­old has been reported in patients also taking anti epileptic medications (eg, phenytoin).

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many pemoline users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

• Digestive Tract: Nausea; stomachache; loss of appetite.

• Nervous System: Sleeplessness; seizures; hallucinations; dizziness; drowsiness; increased irritability; involuntary movements of tongue, face, arms, and legs; Tourette syndrome; depression; headache; abnormal eye movements.

• Other: Rash; yellowing of skin or eyes; dark urine; abnormal liver function tests; weight loss; liver dysfunction.

Guidelines for Use:

• Do not use pemoline until you have discussed with your doctor the risks and benefits of treatment. A written informed consent is required before beginning therapy.
• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed. Administer as a single dose each morning.
• Do not stop taking or change the dose unless directed your doctor.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Clinical improvement with pemoline is gradual. Significant benefit may not be evident until after 3 to 4 weeks of therapy.
• Because of its association with life-threatening liver failure, pemoline should not ordinarily be considered as first-line drug therapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity until tolerance is determined.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Notify your doctor immediately if you experience darkening of urine, appetite loss, general body discomfort, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or uncontrolled movement.
• Notify your doctor if sleeplessness occurs and is bothersome.
• Chronic use may suppress growth in children.
• Your doctor may interrupt treatment occasionally to determine if there is a recurrence of behavioral symptoms sufficient to require continued therapy.
• Pemoline therapy should be stopped if no benefit is noted after 3 weeks of taking the maximum do.
• Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at room temperature (59° to 86°F).

Tagged under:antihypertensives, blood pressure drugs, cardiomyopathy, carvedilol, chronic bronchitis, CNS Stimulants, congestive heart failure, consult your doctor, diabetic medications, drug interactions, fetus, medicine, Pemoline drugs, prescription medications thiazide diuretics

Anorexiants Information - Side Effects, Uses and Benefits

Type of Drug:

Anorectic or anorexigenic drugs.

How the Drug Works:

Benzphetamine, diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, and phentermine ar central stimulants similar to amphetamine. These drugs reduce app title and may have other central or metabolic effects. Sibutramine pr longs the activity of central neurotransmitters.

Uses:

For the management of exogenous obesity as a short term adjunct (a flow weeks) in a regimen of weight reduction based on caloric restriction.

Precautions:

• Psychological disturbances: Psychological disturbances have occurred in patients who received an anorexiant together with a restrictive diet.

• Tolerance: Tolerance may develop within a few weeks. If tolerance develops, do not exceed the recommended dose to increase the effect; rather, discontinue the drug.

• Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Anorexiant use in pregnancy is not recommended. Do not use benzphetamine in pregnant women.

• Breastfeeding: Anorexiants are excreted in breast milk. It is not known if sibutramine appears in breast milk. Anorexiants are not recommended for nursing mothers. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

• Children: Safety and effectiveness of diethylpropion, phentermine, and sibutramine in children younger than 16 years of age have not been established. Phendimetrazine and benzphetamine are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years of age.

• Phentermine - Safety and effectiveness of Adipex-P have not been established. lonamin is not recommended in children younger than 16 years of age.

• Elderly: Use sibutramine with caution in elderly patients.

• Lab Tests:Lab tests  or exams may be required to monitor treatment. Tests may include blood pressure, pulse rate, and heart rhythm monitoring.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with an anorexiant. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with anorexiants:

• drugs that may raise blood pressure or increase heart rate (eg, certain decongestants;cough, cold, and allergyrine or pseudoephedrine)
• MAOls (eg, phenelzine)
• methyldopa (Aldomet)
• serotonergic agents (eg, SSRls, medications that contains ephed-oids, lithium, tryptophan)
• igraine drugs, certain opitricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many anorexiant users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

• Digestive Tract: Appetite changes; constipation; nausea; indigestion; vomiting; intestinal inflammation; stomach pain; diarrhea; dry mouth; gas.

• Nervous System: Headache; migraine; sleeplessness; dizziness; nervousness; anxiety; depression; drowsiness; restlessness; general body discomfort; euphoria; agitation; jitteriness; emotional instability; abnormal involuntary movements; tremor; leg cramps; abnormal thinking.

• Circulatory System: Increased heart rate; flushing; increased blood pressure; palpitations (pounding in the chest); chest pain; heart rhythm disturbances.

• Respiratory System: Increased cough; shortness of breath.

• Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Irregular vaginal bleeding; difficult or pain fulmination; changes in urinary frequency; impotence; changes in sex drive; increased breast size in males.

• Skin: Rash; sweating; itching; hair loss; flushing.

• Other: Abnormal lab tests; muscle, chest, neck, or back pain; joint pain or disorder; taste sensation changes; fever; fluid retention; double vision; weakness; blurred vision; pupil dilation.

Guidelines for Use:

• If there is a patient package insert available with your prescription, read it before starting therapy and reread it each time your prescription is renewed.
• Dosage is individualized. Take exactly as prescribed.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking, unless directed by your doctor. These drugs can be addicting.
• A single daily dose of benzphetamine is preferably given in the mid­morning or mid-afternoon, according to your eating habits. In an occasional patient, it may be desirable to avoid late afternoon administration.
• Take diet hyperopic 1 hour before meals, and in mid-evening if needed to overcome night hunger. Take diet hyperopic controlled-release once daily at mid-morning.
• Take immediate-release phendimetrazine 1 hour before meals. Take sustained-release phendimetrazine once daily in the morning, 30 to 60 minutes before the morning meal.
• Take 15 or 37.5 mg phentermine as a single daily dose before break­fast or 10 to 14 hours before bedtime. Take Adipex-Pcapsules and tablets before breakfast or 1 to 2 hours after breakfast; the tablet dosage may be adjusted to the patient’s need.
• Swallow loamingcapsules and all sustained-release products whole. Do not crush or chew.
• Take sibutramine once daily with or without food.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Wait at least 2 weeks before starting treatment with an anorexiant after stopping MAOls and before starting MAOls after stopping an anorexiant.
• Notify your doctor immediately if you experience rash, hives, or other allergic reactions; shortness of breath; chest pain; palpitations (pounding in the chest); nervousness; dizziness; fainting; swelling of the legs; pronounced dry mouth or constipation; deterioration of exercise tolerance; seizures; or sleeplessness.
• Discontinue sibutramine and contact your doctor if seizures occur.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.
• Do not take other medications or dietary supplements without your doctor’s approval. This includes nonprescription medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.
• Avoid alcohol and other mental depressants (eg, narcotics, tranquilizers, antidepressants, hypnotics, antihistamines) while you are taking this medicine unless approved by your doctor.
• Inform you doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential should use adequate contraception while taking these drugs.
• Appetite suppressants are not a substitute for proper dieting. Lifestyle changes (eg, diet, exercise) are necessary to lose and then maintain weight loss.
• Diabetic patients - Insulin requirements in diabetes mellitus may change in association with the use of anorexiants and the concomitant diet restrictions.
• Avoid taking late in the day because of the possibility of sleeplessness.
• The long-term effects of this medicine are unknown.
• Lab tests or exams may be required to monitor treatment. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F) in a tightly closed container. Protect from heat and moisture.

Tagged under:anorexiants drugs, antihypertensive, CNS Stimulants, consult your doctor, coronary insufficiency, dietary supplements, digestive tract, drug interactions, prescription medications, product works, sleep disturbances, Uncategorized withdrawal