amphetamine sulfate
Immediate-release amphetamine, also known under the brand name Evekeo, is a stimulant. It's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 3 years and older. This medication can also help adults and some kids with narcolepsy. It's also approved to be used for a few weeks as an add-on treatment for obesity in people 12 and older. Immediate-release amphetamine comes as a tablet that you swallow with liquid. The dosage depends on why you're taking it and how well it works for you. Side effects can include loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. There are brand-name and generic versions. But there are special restrictions to get it because it's a controlled substance.
What is Amphetamine (Evekeo)?
What is Amphetamine (Evekeo) used for?
- Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy
- Short-term add-on treatment for obesity
How Amphetamine (Evekeo) works
Amphetamine (Evekeo) is a stimulant medication. It's not exactly known how this medication works. But researchers do know that it raises the amount of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain. These chemicals are thought to play a role with how well you pay attention, how you sleep, and how much you want to eat.
Drug facts
Risks and warnings for Amphetamine (Evekeo)
Amphetamine (Evekeo) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of misuse and addiction
- Risk factors: History of substance or alcohol use disorder | Taking more amphetamine (Evekeo) than prescribed
Amphetamine (Evekeo) has a high risk that it could be misused. Misusing this medication can be harmful and lead to serious side effects. These include fast heart rate, high blood pressure, nightmares, aggressive behavior, and even thoughts of hurting yourself or others. It can also raise your risk of addiction and a deadly overdose.
To stay safe, take amphetamine (Evekeo) exactly as prescribed to you. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber first. Talk to your prescriber if you're worried about these risks.
Risks to people with serious heart conditions
There have been reports of sudden death in people with certain heart problems taking stimulants like amphetamine (Evekeo). Before starting this medication, tell your prescriber about any heart issues that you have. This can include coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart rhythm problems. Also let them know if you have any problems with the structure of your heart. Your prescriber can make sure amphetamine (Evekeo) is safe for you.
Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
Your blood pressure and heart rate can go up while taking stimulants like amphetamine (Evekeo). On average, blood pressure can get 2 mmHg to 4 mmHg higher. And, heart rate can get 3 to 6 beats per minute faster.
Let your prescriber know if you have high blood pressure or a history of having a fast heart rate. They can make sure amphetamine (Evekeo) is safe for you. Tell your care team if your blood pressure is higher than normal or if you feel your heart racing.
Strange thoughts or behaviors
- Risk factors: History of psychotic episodes or other manic psychiatric conditions | Personal or family history of depression | Family history of suicide or bipolar disorder
Stimulants like amphetamine (Evekeo) can sometimes make you act strange or have unusual thoughts. This can include being irritable, acting recklessly, or having too much energy. Some people might start to see or hear things that aren't there (hallucinations). And others might start to have delusions, or believe things that aren't true.
Although rare, changes in thoughts and behaviors can happen in people who've never had these problems before. But they can be worse or more likely to happen if you already have a mental health condition like psychosis or bipolar disorder. Your prescriber will check your risk before you start amphetamine (Evekeo).
If you start acting in a strange way or have unusual thoughts, tell your prescriber. You might need to stop taking amphetamine (Evekeo).
Slow growth in children
Stimulants like amphetamine (Evekeo) have been linked to weight loss in children. There's also a possibility that children might grow in both height and weight more slowly. Your child's care team will measure their height and weight often. If your child isn't growing as well as they should, their primary care provider might say to take a break from the medication.
Speak to your child's primary care provider or prescriber if you notice your child has lost a lot of weight. Talk to their care team if you're worried about your child's growth.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | High risk of seizures
It's rare, but stimulants like amphetamine (Evekeo) might make it easier for seizures to happen. The risk is higher if you've had seizures before. If you have a seizure, get medical help right away. You'll probably have to stop taking amphetamine (Evekeo).
Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
Stimulants such as amphetamine (Evekeo) have been linked to problems with blood flow in the arms and legs. This includes Raynaud's phenomenon, which affects blood flow to your fingers and toes.
Raynaud's phenomenon can make your fingers and toes change color from pale, to blue, to red. They can also hurt or feel cold or numb. These symptoms happen with changes in how much blood gets to your fingers and toes. Symptoms are usually mild and they happen every so often. But rarely, it can lead to other problems like sores or tissue damage.
Tell your care team if you have any of these symptoms while taking amphetamine (Evekeo). Usually, they get better after your prescriber lowers your dose or after you stop the medication.
Serotonin syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within 14 days of amphetamine (Evekeo) | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain
There's a risk of a rare but serious problem called serotonin syndrome if you take amphetamine (Evekeo) with some other medications. Serotonin syndrome happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain.
Medications that raise the risk of this problem are those that make serotonin levels go up in the brain. Some examples are antidepressants, MAOIs, and migraine medications called triptans. Let your care team know about all the medications you take or plan to take. They can look for drug interactions and make changes to keep you safe if needed.
Get medical help right away if you have signs of serotonin syndrome. Watch for signs like a fast heart rate, sweating, high fever, stiff muscles, changes in behavior, and confusion.
Side effects of Amphetamine (Evekeo)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Low appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
Less Common Side Effects
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Higher blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
Amphetamine (Evekeo) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Changes in thoughts or behavior: manic episodes, hallucinations, delusional thinking
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, fever, stiff muscles, muscle spasms, confusion
- Seizure
- Allergic reaction: rash; hives; trouble breathing; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
The following Amphetamine (Evekeo) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome
- Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Prolonged or painful erection
- Raynaud syndrome—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
- Seizures
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite with weight loss
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Trouble sleeping
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Pros and cons of Amphetamine (Evekeo)
Pros
- One of the first-choice medications for ADHD
- Typically works within 45 minutes
Cons
- Has a risk of misuse and dependence
- Lasts just 4 to 6 hours, so might need to take more than one time each day
- Can cause higher blood pressure
Pharmacist tips for Amphetamine (Evekeo)
- Take your first dose of amphetamine (Evekeo) in the morning as soon as you wake up. Don't take the medication late in the evening because you might have trouble sleeping.
- Take amphetamine (Evekeo) exactly the way your prescriber tells you. Don't change your dose or stop taking it suddenly without talking to them first. If you do, you might have withdrawal symptoms, like feeling uneasy or having trouble sleeping. Your prescriber will help you lower the dose slowly to stop safely. Be sure to follow their instructions.
- Sometimes, you might not feel as hungry while taking amphetamine (Evekeo). When you do eat, make sure your diet is healthy and balanced so that you still get enough nutrition. Speak with your care team if you're worried about your nutrition.
- Try to limit how many acidic things you eat or drink. This includes fruit juice, citrus fruits, and other foods rich in vitamin C. They might make amphetamine (Evekeo) not work as well.
- It's best to drink coffee (or other drinks with caffeine) in moderation while taking amphetamine (Evekeo). Both can make you feel nervous and have trouble sleeping. Ask your care team if there are other ways to help you stay awake and alert when you're tired.
- Don't drink alcohol while you're taking amphetamine (Evekeo). Mixing alcohol with stimulant medications can make some side effects worse. This can include feeling dizzy and jittery. It can also make it hard for you to think and make your heart have to work harder. Talk to a healthcare professional if not drinking is a problem for you.
- Avoid driving the first few days after you start amphetamine (Evekeo) and after your dose changes until you know how it affects you. Amphetamine (Evekeo) might make you dizzy and make driving dangerous.
- Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications you take. Don't start any new ones while taking amphetamine (Evekeo) without letting them know first. Amphetamine (Evekeo) can interact with other medications. Examples are some antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Your care team can make sure your medications are safe to take together.
- Speak to your prescriber if you have tics or Tourette syndrome. Amphetamine (Evekeo) might make these problems worse, so your prescriber can help you figure out the best plan for you.
Common questions about Amphetamine (Evekeo)
In general, it takes about 45 minutes for amphetamine (Evekeo) to start working after you take it. It usually takes 2 to 3 hours after taking the medication for full effects of a single dose. Ask your prescriber if you have questions about how long the medication takes to help with your condition.
Yes, you can have withdrawal symptoms if you've been taking amphetamine (Evekeo) for a long time and then suddenly stop. Withdrawal can feel very uncomfortable. You might feel tired or uneasy, have strange dreams, or have trouble sleeping. To lower your chance of withdrawal, don't stop taking amphetamine (Evekeo) without talking to your prescriber first. If you want to stop, your prescriber will slowly lower your dose so you can stop it completely. Follow their instructions carefully.
Not quite. Both amphetamine (Evekeo) and Adderall are stimulants. Some forms of amphetamine (Evekeo) and Adderall can be used for ADHD and narcolepsy. And, they have the same side effects and risks. The main difference is what they're made of. Adderall is a mixture of different types of amphetamines, one of which is amphetamine sulfate. This is why Adderall is sometimes called "mixed amphetamine salts." But amphetamine (Evekeo) has only one type of amphetamine — amphetamine sulfate. Ask your prescriber about comparing the medications.
Amphetamine (Evekeo) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are both stimulants used to treat ADHD. Both are first-choice options for ADHD in adults and children and typically work as well as one another. But they can be taken by different ages of kids with ADHD. Amphetamine (Evekeo) is approved for kids as young as 3 years old, whereas Vyvanse is for children 6 years and older. The two medications also have other unique uses for certain people. Amphetamine (Evekeo) can also be used for narcolepsy and, rarely, short-term add-on therapy for obesity. Vyvanse is also used to treat binge-eating disorder. Talk to your prescriber to compare and see which might be right for you.
Yes, amphetamine (Evekeo) is a schedule 2 controlled substance. It has a high potential to be misused (used in the wrong way). Some people misuse the medication to feel "high" or lose weight (if a prescriber didn't give it to them for weight loss). Another way people misuse it is by taking it to help them focus, even if it isn't prescribed to them. Amphetamine (Evekeo) also has a high risk of causing dependence. Taking the medication for a long time can make your body get used to it and need it to function. If you stop too quickly or lower the dose too fast when you're dependent, you could have withdrawal symptoms. These include feeling uneasy or having trouble sleeping. Misuse and dependence can lead to addiction. To help lower these risks, take amphetamine (Evekeo) exactly as prescribed to you.Speak to them if you're worried about these risks.
If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your prescriber or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN). They can help you understand the risks and benefits of taking amphetamine (Evekeo). We don't know for sure if it's safe during pregnancy. Some research suggests that taking stimulants during pregnancy might put you at risk of needing to deliver early or having a baby with low birth weight. Newborns might also have withdrawal symptoms. This can look like high-pitched crying, trouble eating, and trouble sleeping. If you take amphetamine (Evekeo) while pregnant, your prescriber might have you join a pregnancy registry. This helps researchers learn more about how safe stimulant medications are during pregnancy.
It's not recommended to breastfeed while taking amphetamine (Evekeo). This medication can pass into breast milk, and we don't completely know if it's safe for you and your baby. But there's a potential risk that your baby could have side effects from the medication. Talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking amphetamine (Evekeo). Speak to your prescriber or lactation specialist about options to feed your baby.
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Amphetamine (Evekeo) dosage
Typical dosage for Amphetamine (Evekeo)
Your dose will depend on what you're taking amphetamine (Evekeo) for. Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on how well it's working for you and if you have side effects.
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ADHD
- Age 6 years and older: The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once or twice daily. Take the first dose in the morning after waking up. If needed, take any additional doses 4 to 6 hours apart.
- Age 3 to 5 years old: The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. Any additional doses should be taken 4 to 6 hours apart.
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Narcolepsy
- Age 6 years and older: The typical dose is 5 mg to 60 mg by mouth per day, split into multiple doses throughout the day. Take the first dose of the day right after waking up. Take the rest of your doses of the day every 4 to 6 hours.
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Obesity (as a short-term add-on)
- Age 12 years and older: The typical dose is up to 30 mg by mouth per day, split into multiple doses throughout the day. Take each dose 30 to 60 minutes before meals.
How much does Amphetamine (Evekeo) cost?
Amphetamine (Evekeo) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Amphetamine (Evekeo) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to amphetamine products
- Currently take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), linezolid (Zyvox), or methylene blue (ProvayBlue) in the last 14 days
What are alternatives to Amphetamine (Evekeo)?
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