ABSTRACT
This chapter describes trade name, classification, approved indications for psychological disorders, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, usual dosage and administration, relative contraindications, and clinically significant drug interactions of Amphetamines. Decrements in predicted growth have been associated with long-term mixed amphetamines pharmacotherapy among children. Children and their parents should be encouraged to ask questions about the prescribed amphetamine pharmacotherapy as active consumers of comprehensive psychologic services. Interrupt amphetamine pharmacotherapy periodically to determine if behavioral signs and symptoms sufficiently persist to justify the continuation of amphetamine pharmacotherapy. The amphetamines are chemical members of the phenylisopropylamine family. The exact mechanism of action of the amphetamines, when prescribed as adjunctive pharmacotherapy for the symptomatic management of A-D/HD, is unknown. Although an amphetamine withdrawal syndrome has not been specifically identified, abrupt discontinuation following long-term high-dosage pharmacotherapy, or regular personal use, may result in extreme fatigue, mental depression, and sleep pattern changes on EEG.
