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Dextroamphetamine oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it's takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctorBoxed warning
Doctors prescribe dextroamphetamine oral tablet for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. You take it by mouth one or more times per day.
Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Scheffel, PharmD
Updated on

This article describes dextroamphetamine oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for dextroamphetamine. If you want to know more about dextroamphetamine oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Dextroamphetamine oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s not available in a brand-name version. Dextroamphetamine also comes in other forms that you take by mouth, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

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Boxed warning: Risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction

Dextroamphetamine has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Form and strengths of dextroamphetamine

Dextroamphetamine oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg) and 10 mg

Dosage of dextroamphetamine

This article describes the recommended dosages for dextroamphetamine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of dextroamphetamine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of dextroamphetamine in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of dextroamphetamine oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of dextroamphetamine oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

ConditionRecommended doseFrequency
narcolepsy5 to 60 mg per dayfirst dose upon awakening, then additional 1 or 2 doses 4 to 6 hours apart
ADHD5 to 40 mg per dayfirst dose upon awakening, then additional 1 or 2 doses 4 to 6 hours apart

Dosages of dextroamphetamine in children

Dosages in children are based on age. The table below provides the recommended starting dosages. Your child’s doctor may increase this dosage over time.

ConditionAgeRecommended starting dosageFrequency
narcolepsy6 to 12 years5 mg per dayfirst dose upon awakening, then additional 1 or 2 doses 4 to 6 hours apart
narcolepsy12 years and older10 mg per dayfirst dose upon awakening, then additional 1 or 2 doses 4 to 6 hours apart
ADHD3 to 5 years2.5 mg per dayfirst dose upon awakening, then additional 1 or 2 doses 4 to 6 hours apart
ADHD6 years and older5 mg once or twice per dayfirst dose upon awakening, then additional 1 or 2 doses 4 to 6 hours apart

Dosage adjustments for dextroamphetamine

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of dextroamphetamine oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have

Missed dose of dextroamphetamine

If you miss a dose of dextroamphetamine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to when you usually take your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose. Doses should be taken 4 to 6 hours apart on the same day.

If you’re unsure whether you should take the missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For tips on how to plan your doses of dextroamphetamine oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about dextroamphetamine oral tablet and its dosage.

Do older adults need to take a lower dose of dextroamphetamine?

It depends. The recommended starting dosage is the same for all adults. However, older adults may be more likely to have other medical conditions or be more sensitive to medications. This may affect their dosage of dextroamphetamine.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the dosage of dextroamphetamine for older adults.

Is dextroamphetamine taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe dextroamphetamine oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take dextroamphetamine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How dextroamphetamine is taken

You’ll swallow dextroamphetamine oral tablet by mouth one or more times per day.

You should take the first dose as soon as you wake up. If you need to take additional doses, they should be taken 4 to 6 hours apart.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

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Overdose of dextroamphetamine

It’s important that you do not take more dextroamphetamine oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of dextroamphetamine overdose

Some symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much dextroamphetamine

If you think you’ve taken too much dextroamphetamine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for dextroamphetamine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of dextroamphetamine oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take dextroamphetamine oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • How long will I need to take dextroamphetamine oral tablet?
  • How often will my dosage of dextroamphetamine change?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?

Boxed warning for dextroamphetamine

Dextroamphetamine has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Dextroamphetamine has a risk of misuse. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed.

Misusing dextroamphetamine can cause serious side effects, overdose, and possibly death. It can also lead to addiction. Addiction means taking a drug even if it’s causing harm. Doctors sometimes refer to misuse and addiction as substance use disorder.

These risks are increased with higher doses of dextroamphetamine, as well as when the drug is used in a way it’s not supposed to be taken, such as through injection or snorting.

Before you start taking dextroamphetamine, your doctor will assess your risk of misuse and addiction. They’ll also tell you about the risks and how to store and dispose of dextroamphetamine safely. Your doctor will also monitor you for signs of misuse or addiction while you’re taking this medication.

You can talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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