Evekeo (Amphetamine Sulfate) Prescription Facts

Evekeo is a brand-name amphetamine and stimulant drug. Evekeo was only recently approved by the FDA, and it’s primarily used in adults and children for the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Evekeo can also be used as a narcolepsy and obesity treatment. Evekeo can be prescribed for children aged three years and up, and the dosage is usually started low and then gradually adjusted upward as needed. Evekeo shouldn’t be used by people with heart problems, high blood pressure or a history of substance abuse. Evekeo may not be the right choice for patients with a history of certain mental health conditions.

Evekeo Regulations

Evekeo is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. This means that, according to the DEA, Evekeo has a high potential for abuseas well a high risk of severe psychological and physical dependence. If someone uses Evekeo without a prescription or outside of how it’s prescribed, it’s illegal since the drug is a controlled substance. A Schedule II drug is the most regulated type of drug, second only to Schedule I drugs -which are illegal drugs with no accepted medical use. Other Schedule II drugs include Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, Vicodin, and OxyContin.

Most Commonly Abused Stimulants

Evekeo is classified as a central nervous system stimulant and an amphetamine drug. When someone takes a stimulant like Evekeo, it affects neurotransmitters in the brain and also speeds up certain essential functions. For example, stimulants can cause a rise in blood pressure and the heart rate. Prescription stimulants have a high abuse rate because they can lead to effects, such as euphoria, high energy levels, sociability, feelings of self-confidence, and the ability to focus on tasks for long periods of time. Some people who abuse stimulants feel that the drugs give them cognitive and physical advantages. Stimulants that are similar to Evekeo include other ADHD drugs like Adderall and Dexedrine. For people who don’t have ADHD, these drugs can have effects that are similar to those of cocaine.

How Evekeo Affects the Brain and Body

As an amphetamine and central nervous system stimulant, Evekeo is believed to affect dopamine and norepinephrine. These are chemicals that are believed to play a role in hyperactivity and impulse control. Someone with ADHD who uses Evekeo at a therapeutic, prescribed dose, will likely feel calmer and better able to concentrate. Someone who abuses Evekeo, on the other hand, is likely to feel a euphoric, energizing high. Side effects of Evekeo that can occur when it’s used either by prescription or abused can include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Nervousness
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Changes in mood
  • Increased heart rate
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

Half-Life of Evekeo

The starting dose of Evekeo in children who are six years and older and for adults is usually 5 mg, taken one or two times a day. The dose can be increased by 5 mg at weekly intervals, but it would rarely exceed more than 40 mg each day for the treatment of ADHD. The half-life of Evekeo, on average, ranges from 10 to 30 hours. It usually takes around five half-lives for a drug to be fully eliminated from the body. 

Factors That Influence How Long Evekeo Stays in Your System

While there are estimates that indicate how long a drug like Evekeo will stay in your system, the specifics depend largely on the individual and the specific situation. Factors that influence how long Evekeo stays in your system include:

  • Hydration and urinary pH are important because amphetamines are excreted via urine. If someone drinks a lot of water before taking Evekeo or while they’re on the drug, they’re likely to eliminate it more quickly than someone who hasn’t consumed a lot of water. Also, if someone has more acidic urine, they tend to excrete drugs more quickly.
  • Older people, people with organ impairment, or people with chronic health issues can take longer to excrete drugs like Evekeo from their systems.
  • People with faster metabolisms are going to excrete drugs more quickly than people with slower metabolisms, in most cases.
  • If someone has taken another drug or substance with Evekeo, it can take them longer to excrete the drug from their system.

How Long Does Evekeo Stay in Your Urine, Hair, and Blood?

People often wonder if a drug like Evekeo would show up on a standard drug screening panel. Evekeo is an amphetamine drug, and it will show up on a drug test in most cases. Both a 5-panel and 10-panel standard drug test are likely to show the use of Evekeo. Amphetamines can be detected in a urine test for up to three days after someone has taken them. They initially show up within two to eight hours after a dose is taken. In a hair test, the use of amphetamines can show up for a month or more.

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Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.