Amphetamine salts: What are they and what do they do?

Experiencing difficulty concentrating, staying focused, or paying attention might be signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Doctors and healthcare professionals may use amphetamine salts, also called amphetamine salt combo drugs, to help treat this condition.

They may also use these medications to help treat narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a long-term (chronic) condition that affects how your brain manages your sleep-wake cycle, also known as daytime sleepiness.

What are amphetamine salts?

Amphetamine salts are CNS stimulants that help restore brain imbalances. They do this by raising mental alertness and improving the ability to focus.

There’s not much difference between amphetamine salt drugs and amphetamine salt combo drugs. They both contain amphetamine and dextroamphetamine combined, which is the same as Adderall.

The medication changes specific brain chemicals by boosting the effects of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Amphetamine dextroamphetamine (Adderall) is federally controlled and only available on prescription. You should only take it with strict medical guidance.

The medication also has a boxed warning. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), using this medication without a prescription can lead to misuse or dependence.

Drug interactions

Some medications can interact with the amphetamine salts. Examples include the following:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Using MAOIs with CNS stimulants can cause a severe and sudden increase in blood pressure called a hypertensive crisis. You should not take them at the same time as or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs. Examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid (Marplan) and phenelzine (Nardil).
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Using SSRIs like citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Lexapro) with CNS stimulants can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when your body has too much serotonin.
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Amphetamine dextroamphetamine (Adderall) can increase the effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Silenor). There may also be effects on the cardiovascular system.
• Antihistamines: Amphetamine dextroamphetamine (Adderall) can counter the sedating effects of antihistamines.

Be sure to let a doctor or healthcare professional know about all medications and supplements you take. This can help them create the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

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Dosage

Amphetamine dextroamphetamine (Adderall) comes in dosages of:

• 5 milligrams (mg)
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg

The dosage you begin with will depend on the condition you have.

In ADHD, the drug is not suitable for children under 3 years. Children ages 3–5 years will typically start on 2.5 mg daily. Children ages 6 years and older will typically start on 5 mg daily.

In narcolepsy, a typical dosage is 5–60 mg daily. The condition is rare in children under 12 years.

What do amphetamine salts treat?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), amphetamine dextroamphetamine (Adderall) helps treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

ADHD

ADHD affects behavior and can cause hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Children, young adults, and adults alike can experience any one of these three symptoms of ADHD.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, less than 20% of adults with ADHD have received a diagnosis and treatment, and even fewer than that seek help.

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a rare, chronic sleep disorder in which you’re unable to prevent yourself from suddenly falling asleep. This happens because of the brain’s inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles.

People with narcolepsy may wake up feeling as though they’ve had enough sleep, but as the day goes by, they often feel increasingly tired. This may feel frustrating and can affect school, work, and social life.

How will these drugs affect me?

Amphetamine dextroamphetamine (Adderall) may make you feel more awake and stimulated during the day.

Some common side effects of amphetamine salts may include:

• stomach pain
• nervousness
• decreased appetite

Your doctor will make sure that your medications are the correct type and dosage for your condition.

Due to the risk of addiction and misuse, a doctor will typically monitor you closely to keep you safe.

Summary

If your doctor prescribes amphetamine salts, it’s usually because you’ve received a diagnosis of ADHD or narcolepsy. Another name for amphetamine salts is amphetamine dextroamphetamine, or Adderall.

You may experience some side effects with this medication. The medication has various possible drug interactions, so it’s important to speak with a doctor or healthcare professional before taking it.

It’s important to work closely with a healthcare team to avoid potential misuse or addiction and to effectively manage your condition.

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