Dextroamphetamine For Narcolepsy (Top voted first)

used for 10 years for narcolepsy

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I have been on stimulants since 1994. In 1997, I upgraded from Novartis Ritalin 20mg x 3 per day, to brand name
Dexedrine Spansule (Smith Kline Beecham/later Glaxo Smith Kline) 15mg plus before 5PM, daily took the Brand
Name either two (2) five mg Dexedrine Sulfate E-19 Orange hearts (again manufactured by either SKB or GSK) for 12 more years. In 2009 I switched, due to a skimpy insurance policy, to Generic Adderall Instant release, that
were made by Barr Labs, 10mg x 3 per day, (Teva bought out Barr Labs Dec 1998), all went well, for another five
years. In 2015, my insurance company took all forms of Adderall I/R off their formulary, thus the price went from a co-pay of $20.00 for 90 Generic Adderall to $180.00 cash out of pocket. Out of my budget. I went to my M.D, and
with my formulary, and my M.D switched me to 10mg x 2 tablets daily of Dextroamphetamine I/R. I have thus far
been "very disappointed" in the Walgreen's + CVS, who stock locally, Teva/Barr 10mg of dextroamphetamine, it feels only 50% of the strength of the now deleted SKF E-19 Dexedrine Tabs, in other words, one 5mg GSK Dexedrine, was as strong, as the Barr/Teva 10mg, to add insult to injury, I switched pharmacies, and after a two month trial, on 10mg x 2 per day of Wilshire Generic dextroamphetamine, it is equally weak, as the Barr/Teva 10 mg!!! The only medications left instant release of pure dextroamphetamine, are made by Wilshire Pharma of Atlanta GA, with their "Brand Name" Zenzedi, the pill looks 100% identical to the generic 10mg, only it comes in sizes from 2.5 all the way up to 30mg. Wilshire is 100% owned by Arbor Pharma, Atlanta GA. Mallinckrodt is one of two remaining choices, in a 5mg and a 10mg dextroamphetamine white tab, the last choice, is "Core Pharma" in my area, stocked at all Rite-Aid chain pharmacies. Core had a negative reputation, 5 years ago, when they, made their generic version of Adderall Instant Release.

Core since has a license agreement, with the newly formed Amedra Pharma, who bought out all licensing rights from Glaxo Smith Kline, for both instant release, and, the extremely (now) expensive "Dexedrine Spansule" brand name, (a ER version in 5mg, 10mg, 15mg of a slower release dextroamphetamine). Their are several generic versions on the market of Brand Dexedrine Spansules, such as Barr/Teva, and Mallinckrodt, but the prices of all amphetamine and dextroamphetamine products, from instant release to Extended Release has risen, profoundly, since 2009, especially in 2012, to the present day. My question is this, does anyone who has taken C-II stimulants for years, like I have, suddenly become very discouraged, with the quality of practically all of the old school Dexedrine, and/or Adderall products now available in the marketplace???? I am old enough to remember, how consistent and powerful the 4 hour lift was on the original Dexedrine that SKF manufactured for 62 years, 1937 until 2009, and, Richwood Pharma, (Kentucky) made a outstanding 5mg and a 10mg brand name "DextroStat" from 1994 until around 2003.... when ShireUS bought out the licensing rights to both DextroStat, as well as Adderall brand names "of equal high quality" until, they sold the generic and brand versions of Adderall I/R to Barr Labs around 2006/2007.

Now DextroStat, and, Dexedrine both AA Orange Book rated 5mg pills are extinct. DextroStat 10mg was far more powerful in focusing strength, and, motivation and energy, than what I interpret is left, as choices in 2014 and 2015!!! I still miss the demonized, "Biphetamine 20mg" (made from 1964 until 1998) and Biphetamine T 20mg, (RJS embossed, later made by Pennwalt and Fisons, and finally Abbott Labs Methamphetamine Extended Release Desbutal, made for nine years, 1964 until 1973. The DEA banned the production of stimulants combined with sedatives, thus, that, ended Biphetamine T and Desbutal in July of 1973. I needed the meds then when I struggled so very much in school, and the quality was far superior 40 years ago compared to the present. Even SKF's ER Dexamyl Spansule 15mg was finally removed from the marketplace in 1982, as the last combo stimulant with a sedative combined in the product. Am I the only one with a severe case of ADD inattentive type to notice the reduced quality of stimulants, and the outrageous price gouging that began in 2009, after 40 years of inexpensive stimulants, from as many as 34 different manufacturers, in the late 1960's and early 1970's???? Source PDR's 1965, 1966, 1968, 1971, 1973, 1978, 1980, 1985, 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2002, 2007, 2011. REDBOOK 2009 and 2010. I am convinced that the different cheap buffers and fillers, in all I/R 5mg and 10mg dextroamphetamine available in the "new age" of generic instant stimulants, is the root cause of differences, the FDA does not regulate the Bioavailability, only the Bioequivalence of a minimum 80% quality of the core formula against, the original Brand patented product.

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I am a sufferer of Narcolepsy. I was originally only able to take name brand Dexedrine, if they messed up and have me a generic, I could tell in a matter of hours the difference in the strength and effectiveness. When they stopped producing the name brand Dexedrine, I again floundered trying to find something as effective. I was pretty happy with BAR and more in the past 3 months have been told that it is no longer available. I am trying Wilshire and have seen a serious variance in quality and effectiveness. I tried a white diamond shape one that had no affect what so ever. With Narcolepsy, these pills are the difference between me being able to stay awake and function normally or basically checking out of life entirely. The prices have also gone up and up but I'm more frustrated that the quality doesn't have to be the same. I just recently learned of the 80% rule for the fda. I'm appauled!!!!

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Me too!! Narcolepsy - Exactly same situation. After taking dextroamphetamine reliably for years, I noticed the tablet changed with Barr-Teva in one prescription fill and it was not working, suddenly caused bad side effects. Walgreens showed the same NDC # from previous orders. Totally inconsistent and changed without control or warnings. (Policy control changes make it nearly impossible to get the stupid paper script and fill it compared to years ago. Nearly abusive to a Narcolepsy patient, but FDA/DEA doesn't hold manufacturers to reasonable production control standards! Narcolepsy patients depend on consistent, reliable medication action times or even driving home from work is dangerous.) Adderall was useless. Took 10mg and went right to sleep! Mallinckrodt (white diamond shape) I found I had to take twice as much and it last half as long, also side effects. Trying Zenzedi now, but had to get insurance authorization by doctor, a local family pharmacy to special order it, and it cost more. (Found coupons after purchase.)

Want to try CorePharma Dextrostat/Global generic. I called manufacturer and they have it in stock, but three main distributors they use aren't stocking it even though they have contracts with manufacturer. 8 local pharmacies I called couldn't order it even though they used the 3 distributors. The manufacturer has product in stock ready to ship but can't sell direct to a patient with a prescription and cash in hand. Walgreens had to contact distributor (they won't talk to me) and get product added to system for me but it is still not available to order! Now Walgreens doesn't take the market place insurance!

I resigned from my job and have no income because I couldn't stay awake after trying 4 medications but the same one had worked reliably for me for the past 20 years - until now.

This is not fair to narcolepsy patients!!! Treated like a criminal when I have a disability.

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The rising cost of Dextroamphetamine can be traced back to the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) and the unlimited and unrestricted power given to the Insurance industry allowing them to collude now more than ever.

I used to work for UHC so I have a little knowledge in the area.

Dex is not the only drug going through this issue though. The majority of pharmaceuticals are experiencing sharp price increases. It can all be traced back to the way the health insurance companies do their accounting/book keeping. By raising the cost of the medications and services they are able to "justify" the extremely high monthly premiums they are charging. They also have a large hand in setting the prices at the pharmacies and with the suppliers and manufacturers. When I was still working there I saw them exclude Suboxone from the Rx Formulary only to replace it with Zubsolv. Here is an excerpt from a press release...

"Uppsala, Sweden – March 12, 2014 – Orexo AB, the manufacturer of ZUBSOLV® (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets (CIII), announced a multi-year agreement with UnitedHealth Group® and OptumRx® providing preferred coverage and reimbursement of ZUBSOLV®." (orexo.com/en/Investor-Relations/Press-releases/?guid=862323)

Anyway hope that helped someone!

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I am taking 5mg Percocet (4 a day) and I asked my doc if there's any research that shows that may cause negative side effects. I was assured that the med mixed would cause no harm to my body. I also asked will this cause any damage to my liver or any other organs once again I was told no there will be no problems. I'm not a doc and I can only take the advice of the professional in that field. Hope it helps you feel better!

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Well the deal between GSK, CorePharma, (& Amedra Pharms.) regarding GSK relinquishing "control" over Dexedrine was back in 2010. Additionally the company announcement from 10/22/2010 states "Dexedrine is manufactured by third party suppliers who will continue to supply CorePharma."

"GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer." - They aren't really a manufacturer.

I've been taking almost every form of stimulant, amphetamine and non amphetamine based(at first) for 15+ years for Narcolepsy. I find myself having to take less (over last 3 months) of the most recent Rx's filled at Walgreens which are Barr 956. The loss of that "zip" or 4 hour power could be due to tolerance, in my opinion.

Not trying to pick your info apart, you clearly have a good knowledge base.

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Hello, I don't see an answer to your question. I am not a doctor or a pharmacist but have a bit of knowledge.
I think you should be safe taking Dextroamphetamine and Methadone together. It seems to me like the Dex. would counteract the negative effects of the Methadone and almost act as a safety net if that makes sense.(Slowed heart rate and breathing with Methadone counteracted by Dex.)

Can always hit up WebMD interaction checker for an overview as well.

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This is a update to my post on Dexedrine Spansule 15mg brand dated July 21, 2015. "Dexedrine Spansule Brand Name" as published today on a USA well known coupon website, states this: Dexedrine Spansule Brand Name, 1/2 Brown patented tapered end, with embossment 3514, and 1/2 clear tapered end with the pink and white beads, with embossment of SB just like I got my RX from CVS pharmacy in North Carolina in the years 2000 until my last year of 2008, or, 2009, "is still available for the below published prices" in 2017. Dexedrine Spansule Brand 15 mg x 60 capsules is $1,120.97 US @RiteAid Dexedrine Spansule Brand 15 mg x 60 is $1,116.72 @CVS

Note: direct quote - "Some USA pharmacies may not honor RX coupons for 'controlled substances', nor, keep brand name in shelf stock".

More quotes from internet printed up today 30 June 2017, Dexedrine Spansule Brand name with an RX coupon, may be as low as US 298.61 @Rite Aid, $194.99 @Kroger Pharmacy, $198.95 @Safeway Pharmacy. Also for a direct price of US $347.36 this week at WalMart in North Carolina, "with a direct discount from Walmart without an RX
coupon".

Note this is important! I have been on and off of this exact brand name product since the year 1969 in North Carolina!!! Since the end of 2010, when Glaxo Smith Kline stopped production of Dexedrine Spansule 15 mg, by subcontractors (two) both Cardinal pharma, (I think perhaps Kentucky) and by Catalent Pharma in Albuquerque, New Mexico under strict quality control Orange Book rating "A", I have requested face to face from several, independent and chain pharmacies, such as "Rite Aid" during years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and, I was told they did not regularly stock brand name Dexedrine Spansules, but they did have generics, I did once back 3 or 4 years ago the Mallinckrodt white capsule, 15 mg embossed, on white cap a burgundy "M" and embossed 8962 15 mg and, I was personally
disappointed with the results, "only so-so results" as the price, can't quote what I paid but it was much more than my long familiar price cash in fist 2000 to 2009 of around $86.00 US either at CVS or at Eckerds (now Rite Aid). 60 x 15 mg Dex Spansules with the tapered end, and the long familiar embossments of 3514 and a soft "SB" a old code for Smith Beecham, a former division of Glaxo Smith Kline of the UK, USA headquarters, Research Triangle Park, NC.

I am not a Doctor, I have 3 degrees in Psychology, and Chemical Dependency as a Substance Abuse Counselor, and one Masters degree in Drug, Alcohol and Misuse Prevention from Univ of London UK. I have had ADD as a child, and,
have been on Dexedrine, since 1969, mfg then by SKF in Phil PA USA and have been on this Orange Book rated drug Grade A and Dexedrine Sulfate 5 mg E-19 hearts, (discontinued in USA) in 2009, but not in Canada. for this last time, off and on for 40+ years in a row. The now HTF med and mega price increase has taken my breath away! Thank God, I did stockpile only two bottles of old school Dexedrine Spansules, my Psychiatrist prescribed to me back in 2005 and 2006 only 2 bottles of 60 x 15mg Dexedrine Spansules stored in my walk in closet in air tight bottles, in closet away from bathroom humidity and, the temp in my condo is always from 72 to never over 77 degrees F and the old Dexedrine Spansules are my gold standard, comparing to any substitute I locate now on the current USA market! My shrink told me of 19 years in a row, quote, the DEA and FDA does not care about the USA consumer, in terms of price, the facts are only the very rich USA citizens can now obtain the very high quality medications, such as C-II Brand Dexedrine, and the rest of USA citizens will take the left overs, actually, the FDA and DEA thinks the current situation is funny": unquote from my 71 yr old shrink. The USA consumer must do their research to locate a accommodating pharmacist, in the USA, and good luck to you, as, the pharmacy inventory is out of my hands"

My experience the past 5 years is no one in my city of 715,000 population carries Dexedrine Spansules direct on the shelf, due to low sales, due to high price, and, I have been even told my Rite Aid and/or Walgreen's we do no special orders for this drug. I have learned from the school of hard knocks if one presents a valid prescription for Dexedrine Spansules 15 mg x 60 capsules "DAW" for dispense as written, and, I have a one on one with either the pharmacy mgr or preferably with a family owned independent pharmacy owner/operator, my chances of getting a special order are much greater, if I give assurance, I want to return for continuous repeat business I am a very local resident, and, I will even order or have my MD a Psychiatrist, write up the order so that, the bottle of Dexedrine Spansules, will, be a single full order, (usually Dexedrine Spansules come in 90 count bottles since at least the year 1995 until 2010. This is good for the pharmacist inventory control as he does not want to get stuck with a partial bottle of Dexedrine Spansules, for likely the only customer he might have in my city !!! I do not have the current NDC codes, but in 2010 the NDC codes were 00007-3514-59, but, that is most likely now changed as that was 7 years ago with GSK. It is made by now another licensee in the USA for brand Dexedrine Spansules 15 mg.

I will add only this, each of us processes our Narcolepsy or ADHD meds perhaps differently but the only substitute I could cope with besides, Dexedrine Brand name was, the very recently discontinued Barr Labs, a division of Teva Inc Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Extended Release 15 mg, that, my resources tell me has been discontinued this year, and, I found also in very short supply since around the year 2012. I have tried "many" C-II substitute dexamphetamine products, and, they are less expensive, but due to bioavailability issues not regulated by USA FDA I have been very disillusioned at best "so-so to grade B- effects of any substitute, of a generic, or, other generic of Dex or amphetamine, such as, generic Wilshire adderall, generic mallie adderall, generic Mallinckrodt Instant release 10 mg pure dextroamphetamine sulfate, I rate Grade B, as FDA orange book rates the same, but live with the very inexpensive price!!! I can't stand the side effects of auro bindo C-II products, nor, of core Adderall generic products, in instant release both versions, nor, of Barr Labs of Sellersville, PA 10 mg of I/R Dextroamphetamine Sulfate generic for the former brand name, former Grade A Dextrostat, long gone from Richwood and Shire US pharmaceutical firms (the only FDA grade A Dexedrine pure formerly on the USA market, from 1993 until, 2009). The worst stimulant I ever tried in 40 years of use was, the thank god now deleted Ranbaxy generic Adderall instant Release tabs available as recently as the yr 2009!

Sorry for my "wall of text", I have been a Narcolepsy, and ADHD advocate for 25 years and used to attend national conventions for health care professionals, by ADDA (National Adult ADD Conferences) from Wash DC to Orlando Fla. still held once per year in the USA and they have their own website with coach's now!

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I have been useing dextroamphetamine 5mg tablets for 4 years for narcolepsy. I also use methadone for pain. Is this a bad together.

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Is d-amphetamine salt combo 20mg used for narcolepsy? I have a serious case of narcolepsy. I also have sleep apnea, so it's like a yoyo. I want to sleep during the day and can't, and at night I might get 3 to 4 hours of sleep. Going for a test in a week for a C-Pap machine. Can't wait.

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