| DRUG | SUPPLIED | DOSE | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (Paeds) (Dexedrine, Dexedrine Spansule, Adderall XR (Mixed Amphetamine Salts)) Mechanism of action: CNS stimulant. Activates TAAR1 increasing cAMP production via adenylyl cyclase activation and inhibits the function of the dopamine transporter, norepinephrine transporter, and serotonin transporter, preventing re-uptake, as well as inducing the release of these monoamine neurotransmitters Ref: 44, 83, 112, 160, 234 Last update: 2021-08-02 |
Dextroamphetamine Tablet (Dexedrine): 5 mg (immediate release (IR)). Capsule (Spansule): 10 mg, 15 mg (sustained release). Mixed Amphetamine Salts Capsule (Adderall XR, other XR): 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg (extended release) |
ADHD: Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) >= 6 years old: 5 mg/24 hr PO QAM; increase by 5 mg/24 hr at weekly intervals to a maximum of 30 mg/24 hr. Some adults may require doses as high as 50 mg/24 hr. Usual maintenance dose: 0.1-0.5 mg/kg/24 hr IR: div. BID-TID during waking hours Spansule: once daily qAM or div. BID during waking hours Mixed Amphetamine Salts (Adderall XR, other XR) 6-12 years old: Initial: 5-10 mg PO QAM. May increase in 5-10 mg increments at weekly intervals to maximum of 30 mg/24 hr. >12 years old: Initial: 10 mg PO QAM. May increase in 10 mg increments at weekly intervals to usual maximum of 30 mg/24 hr. Doses up to 50 mg/24 hr have been studied in adults and adolescents. |
Adverse effects may include insomnia, restlessness, increased aggression, anorexia, anxiety, dysphoria/sadness, psychosis, headache, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dry mouth, growth suppression, arrhythmias, increased blood pressure, may cause/worsen tics, stereotypic movements Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease including structural abnormalities, hypertension, arrhythmias and personal/family history of sudden cardiac death: monitor heart rate and blood pressure. Obtain ECG prior to starting treatment in patients with identified cardiac abnormalities/risk profile. Dexedrine Spansules and Adderall XR contain 50% immediate release granules and 50% delayed release granules. Dexedrine Spansules and Adderall XR capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a soft food (e.g. yogurt, pudding) for easier administration. Amphetamine derivatives are commonly abused, and have a significant street value. Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of ADHD medications. Refer to the Health Canada website. Standard Prescription: dextroamphetamine IR__mg__(frequency) dextroamphetamine XR__mg__(frequency) |