Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, April 24, 1995 TAG: 9504250016
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Mild nervous system stimulant, available in standard and sustained-release tablets that are white or light or dark yellow depending on strength
Classified as Schedule II narcotic, which means no refills are allowed and orders are reported to the federal government; in its class are percodan, dexedrine and demerol.
No specific evidence of how drug actually works, but it presumably activates the brain stem arousal system and cortex to produce stimulant effect
Used in treatment of Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD) (Minimal Brain Dysfunction) and Narcolepsy, an uncontrollable desire to sleep
Need careful diagnosis of ADD before drug prescribed and then it's not for everyone
Adverse reactions: nervousness and insomnia are common; other reactions can include skin rash, anorexia, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, headache, drowsiness, blood pressure and pulse changes both up and down
Pill should be swallowed whole, never crushed or chewed
Warnings
Should not be given to children under 6 or to people with glaucoma or family history of Tourette's symdrome (severe twitching
Some supression of grwoth has been seen with long-term use of stimulants, so doctor will watch child carefully
Excessive doses over long period of time can lead to addiction
Should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients, such as those with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism, because such patients may increase dosage on their own initiative
Check with doctor before combining with anticonvulsants like Dilantin, antidepressants, blood thinners, blood presssure restorers,
Source: PDR Family Guide to Prescription Drugs and and Ciba
by CNB