Dextroamphetamine Sulfate (Zenzedi) Uses

Dextroamphetamine sulfate is a stimulant prescription medication for treating ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children 3 to 16 years of age. It helps to control ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention problems. The medicine is used as part of a total treatment program for ADHD, including behavior therapy, social skills training, parent training, and educational support.

Dextroamphetamine sulfate is also used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, which is characterized by sudden attacks of sleepiness and excessive daytime drowsiness.

There may be other uses of dextroamphetamine sulfate—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.

Dextroamphetamine Sulfate (Zenzedi) Mechanism of Action

Dextroamphetamine sulfate works by regulating the levels of certain natural substances in the brain that control attention and focus. Scientists believe that a change in the levels of these natural chemicals causes the central nervous system dysfunction responsible for ADHD symptoms.

Dextroamphetamine Sulfate (Zenzedi) Doses

Dextroamphetamine sulfate comes in the following dosage forms:

• Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets, USP): 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg.
• Dextroamphetamine sulfate extended-release capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg.
• Dextroamphetamine sulfate oral solution: 5 mg/5 mL.

The usual dose of dextroamphetamine sulfate is as follows:

For Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

• In children 3 to 5 years of age: An initial dose of 2.5 mg daily, which may be increased by 2.5 mg per day at weekly intervals. 
• In children 6 to 17 years of age: An initial dose of 5 mg once or twice daily, which may be increased by 5 mg per day at weekly intervals.

Note: The dose can be increased until maximal dextroamphetamine plasma concentrations and optimum clinical response are achieved (control of the pediatric patient’s symptoms of ADHD). A total daily dose of more than 40 mg is needed only rarely. 

For Narcolepsy

Usual dose range of dextroamphetamine sulfate for treating narcolepsy in adults ranges between 5 mg and 60 mg per day, given in divided doses. 

Dextroamphetamine sulfate may be used to treat narcolepsy in children 3 years of age and older, if needed. However, narcolepsy is uncommon in children under 12 years of age. 

• The recommended initial dose for pediatric patients between 6 and 12 years of age is 5 mg daily, which can be increased by 5 mg per day at weekly intervals until the optimum response is achieved. 
• In patients 12 years of age and older, the starting dose is 10 mg daily, which may be increased by 10 mg per day at weekly intervals until optimum clinical response is achieved.

Note: The dose of dextroamphetamine sulfate may need to be reduced if bothersome side effects like insomnia or loss of appetite occur.