These drugs should be avoided in individuals who have the following conditions:

- Psychotic symptoms caused by schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or any other brain disorder, because they are likely to worsen the condition

- People with cardiovascular disorders such as abnormal heart defects, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or any disorder of the blood vessels or the heart

- Overactive thyroid

- Glaucoma

- Uncontrolled seizures

- History of drug abuse

- Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Sudden unexplained death (SUD) has been associated with amphetamine abuse, and SUD has been reported in children and adults with and without underlying cardiac abnormalities taking the recommended doses of amphetamines, including Adderall and AdderallXR.

Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are known to produce euphoria or feeling high, increased energy, and wakefulness, which carry a potential for abuse if more of the drug is used than prescribed. Therefore, the potential for abuse has made it a highly regulated drug in the United States. Pharmacies carefully regulate the storage and dispensing of these medications, and in some states, physicians must write prescriptions on tamper-proof pads. Several studies have shown that taking stimulants for ADHD may prevent an individual from developing a substance abuse problem. The high risk for developing substance abuse lies in not treating the ADHD. However, if a person does have an active substance abuse disorder and is not motivated to get off the drugs, the health care provider should not prescribe amphetamines but should look for another medication without abuse potential.

Amphetamines should not be used within 14 days of taking drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to treat depression. Taking these two drugs together can cause serious and sometimes fatal reactions, which include high fevers, high blood pressure, seizures, and possibly coma. If a woman is pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, amphetamines are not a good choice. Studies in mice have shown that these drugs can cause fetal malformation and death when administered at high doses. One report showed severe congenital deformity in a baby born to a woman who took dextroamphetamine along with other medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. Infants have an increased risk of premature delivery and low birth weight and may show symptoms of withdrawal such as agitation and lack of energy. Several case reports indicate that the use during pregnancy may influence the development of children up to at least 10 years. Amphetamines are excreted in breast milk and should be avoided by mothers who are breast-feeding.

Amphetamines must be taken orally, in the morning, with or without food, and exactly as the healthcare provider prescribes. Different forms are available for easier swallowing, fewer side effects, and for taking the medication fewer times during the day. The following forms are available:

- Tablets. Swallow whole because chewing gives an unpleasant taste and can irritate the mouth and throat. Take one to three times daily as instructed by the doctor.

- Sprinkle capsules. Dexedrine spansules may be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled onto food such as applesauce or pudding. These capsules should not be chewed and taken once daily as the doctor has prescribed.

- Long-acting capsules. AdderallXR and Dexedrine spansule can be taken once daily. Do not cut, crush, or chew these capsules.

The absorption of amphetamine medications can be reduced if strong organic acids are present in the stomach at the time of taking the drug. The following foods should be avoided for 1 hour before and after taking the medication: citrus fruit, citrus juices, soda/carbonated beverages, lemonade, Gatorade, and vitamins and food supplements containing vitamin C.

If a dose of amphetamine is missed, it may be taken as soon as remembered as long as it is not too close to the time for the next dose. If it is close to the time, wait until that time. Do not double the dose or take more than has been prescribed. If an overdose does occur, immediate attention is necessary because high fever, abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, seizure, coma, and death can occur.

The following address the side effects of amphetamines:

- Upset stomach is one of the most common side effects. Taking it on a full stomach or lowering the dose can manage the effect.

- Loss of weight and appetite can be improved by serving the person favorite foods when the stimulant effects are low. This time is in the morning before medication or at night when the medication effects are lower. Use nutritional supplements.

- Give the medication as early in the day as possible to avoid afternoon or evening dosing. Some physicians may prescribe sedative medications at night. Melatonin may effectively manage insomnia related to the ADHD medicine.

- If abnormal movements or muscle twitches develop, the medication does should be lowered. These movements may include excessive eye blinking, nose scrunching, or shoulder shrugging.

- Reducing the dosage or changing medications usually manages mild anxiety or restlessness.

- Severe anxiety, panic attacks, mania, hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions are all possible with this medication. If these occur, discontinue use and contact the health care provider immediately.

- Certain medications, such as those used to treat depression, antacids, or urinary medications, can interact with amphetamines with serious reactions.

Amphetamines can be useful medications for some people with ADHD. Following the guidance of the health care provider is imperative to avoid side effects and abuse.

Free term papers are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can use our professional writing services to buy a custom written research paper, term paper, or essay on ADHD at affordable price. CustomTermPapers is the best solution for those who seek help in writing term papers, essays, and research papers related to ADHD and other relevant topics.