The factors that drive an appropriate dextroamphetamine dose are similar to those affecting most medications. A few of the many are the nature of the condition, the concentration of the medicine, and the demographics of the person taking dextroamphetamine. These factors need be taken into account by any health care provider if he or she wishes to effectively prescribe a dextroamphetamine dose.
Dextroamphetamine is a drug commonly used in the treatment of multiple medical conditions, most frequently ADHD and narcolepsy. Its effectiveness in treating these conditions is based on the fact that this drug is said to induce wakefulness, attention, and energy. In the case of narcolepsy, dextroamphetamine can counter the associated fatigue-plaguing effects. For those suffering from ADHD, increased focus helps wandering minds stay on task.
Like most drugs, dextroamphetamine can come in differing concentrations. Properly aligned, these concentrations and frequency of a dextroamphetamine dose are important aspects of using it effectively. If a dose is too high, it may cause overtreatment, and if too low, a dose may be ineffective. There are also extended release treatments that need to be taken less frequently or fast-acting versions taken many times throughout the day. Identifying the dose needs and prescribing accordingly can be the difference between effective treatment or no positive reaction.
One way health care professionals decide which dextroamphetamine dose to prescribe is through studying patient demographics. A heavy or large person, for example, usually needs more of a drug than a smaller individual. This is due to the ratio of tissue to medication, hence the probable difference between child and adult doses. There are, of course, other factors too, such as resistance, severity of diagnosis, and other medications a person may be on.
The severity of the diagnosis can play a major role in determining treatment. Mild ADHD, for example, could be treated as needed, while more severe versions may require daily intervention. Deciphering which dextroamphetamine dose is needed requires multiple health care professionals. It is wise to seek a second or third opinion before committing to any drug that targets the mind.
Many experimental uses for this particular drug are also being explored through ongoing research for potential use down the road. Regardless of which type of prescription medicine a person is taking, it is always imperative to directly follow the orders of a clinician and pharmacist to ensure that the drug is utilized as planned. Prescription drug misuse and abuse can lead to a plethora of dangerous problems far exceeding the ones that initiated the prescription in the first place.