Dexedrine: Effects, Interactions & Addiction

What is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine, the brand name for dextroamphetamine that is also sold under the name Dextrostate, is an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication.

It helps people with ADHD focus and remain calm. It is also used to treat narcolepsy and helps people with sleep disorders feel wakeful and energetic. Dexedrine has a high likelihood of abuse.

Dexedrine works by altering the natural chemicals in the brain. It’s a stimulant and, in addition to helping with focus, also makes it easier to organize and listen better.

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How to Take Dexedrine

Always use Dexedrine as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Follow all instructions carefully.

Take Dexedrine early in the day to avoid sleep problems. Take with or without food. Try not to take Dexedrine with fruit juice. Also, take it at the same time daily.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and revert to your normal time. Do not take two doses at the same time or extra doses.

If you are unsure how to take Dexedrine, ask your doctor to provide medical advice.

How to Store Dexedrine

Store Dexedrine at room temperature. Protect from light and keep it in a dry place. Do not store Dexedrine in the bathroom.

Keep all Dexedrine in a safe place and out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush Dexedrine down a toilet or pour it down a drain.

If you have any further questions regarding the best way to throw out Dexedrine, talk to your doctor.

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Mild Side Effects

Dexedrine is linked to several common side effects, including:

Symptoms are usually mild, but if they intensify, the person taking Dexedrine should contact their doctor. People taking Dexedrine are sometimes encouraged to test their blood pressure regularly.

Rare & Serious Side Effects

Rare but more serious side effects associated with Dexedrine include:

• Numbness, coldness, or skin color changes that could indicate circulation problems
• Unusual finger or toe wounds
• Behavior changes or mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts
• Muscle twitching or shaking
• Uncontrolled movement
• Vocal outbursts
• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Changes in sexual interest or ability
• Prolonged or frequent erections
• Extreme fatigue
• Significant unexplained weight loss

Several serious side effects warrant immediate medical attention. These include:

• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Pain in the chest, left arm, or jaw
• Irregular or pounding heartbeat
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Blurred vision

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Serotonin Syndrome and Overdose Symptoms

Dexedrine use can also cause serotonin syndrome by increasing serotonin levels to toxic levels. The condition is especially a risk when Dexedrine users are taking other serotonin-increasing medications.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Loss of coordination
• Hallucinations
• Severe nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Twitching
• Unexplained fever
• Agitation and restlessness
• Overdose

It is possible to overdose on Dexedrine. Overdose symptoms include:

• Shakiness
• Hallucinations
• Hyperactivity
• Fast breathing
• Confusion
• Aggressiveness
• Fever
• Muscle pains

Medication and invasive medical procedures could be necessary if a person overdoses on Dexedrine.

Precautions

Before taking Dexedrine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or other sympathomimetic drugs like amphetamine or lisdexamfetamine. Or, let them know if you have any other allergies.

Dexedrine may contain inactive ingredients, which can lead to allergic reactions or other issues.

You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history before taking this medication, especially if you have:

• Blood circulation issues (such as Raynaud's disease)
• Certain mental or mood conditions (such as severe agitation or psychosis)
• Personal or family history of mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, or suicidal thoughts)
• Heart problems (including irregular heartbeat or rhythm, coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or issues with the heart structure such as valve problems)
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Glaucoma
• Seizures
• Personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol)
• Personal or family history of uncontrolled muscle movements (such as Tourette's syndrome)

Dexedrine may make you dizzy. Do not use it with alcohol or marijuana, as this can make you feel dizzier unless you require cannabis for medical reasons. In this case, speak with your doctor if you are using marijuana.

If you require surgery, make sure you tell your doctor or dentist about all the drugs you are using, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, or herbal supplements.

Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Dexedrine, especially weight loss. This medicine may also slow down a child’s growth.

Your doctor may suggest temporarily stopping use from time to time to reduce this risk. If your child is taking Dexedrine, be sure to monitor their weight and height.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Dexedrine, especially chest pain, weight loss, or trouble sleeping.

Risks of Dexedrine

Dexedrine users face multiple risks. The drug can cause liver damage, and that risk is higher for people with pre-existing liver health issues.

Users also face a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.

Dexedrine overdose is a risk and can be fatal.

Finally, Dexedrine is a mind-altering medication. This means there is an increased risk for hallucinations, mania, paranoia, and panic attacks. Users might also experience mood swings or violent tendencies.

Dexedrine vs Adderall

How does Dexedrine compare to another popular ADHD medication, Adderall?

The two are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating the disorder. They both come in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) forms. They are also both stimulants, and both contain d-amphetamine.

The difference between the two drugs is that Adderall also contains d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine in the ratio of 3:1. In an even dose, Adderall would be more potent than Dexedrine. Both are powerful and help manage ADHD symptoms, but Adderall is a stronger stimulant.

This doesn’t mean that someone with a “worse” case of ADHD, or someone with milder symptoms of the disorder, should choose one drug over the other. Both are effective, but they might work differently depending on the person using them.

Dexedrine and Depression

Some studies have shown that Dexedrine is useful for augmenting the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and treating depression in the elderly.

Dexedrine and other psychostimulants also appear to be useful for treating post-stroke depression, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated depression and helps those who have difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation.

There is also evidence patients with cancer and depression benefit from stimulants when it comes to managing mood and other symptoms associated with major depressive disorder. However, more data is needed concerning the use of psychostimulants in the treatment of depression.

Is Dexedrine Addictive?

Yes, Dexedrine has a high risk of abuse, as well as addiction and dependency.

Stimulants trigger a euphoric high when taken in larger-than-prescribed doses.

Dexedrine also enables users to stay awake and focused for long periods. For this reason, students consider it a “study drug” because it allows them to spend hours focused on their work.

Tolerance and eventually dependence are possible as the brain adjusts to the drug. The Dexedrine-dependent brain struggles to function without the drug, and users who stop taking the drug experience withdrawal.

When someone develops an addiction to Dexedrine, they are willing to take action to acquire the drug that puts them at risk. They’ll continue to use the drug even if they are aware of the harmful effects.

Dexedrine addiction symptoms include:

• Hazardous use
• Problems with personal relationships
• Neglect of responsibilities
• Failed attempts to stop using
• Physical or psychological problems linked to the drug
• Giving up activities that were once enjoyed
• Cravings
• Withdrawal

Dexedrine triggers changes in the brain’s neurotransmitters. It also affects dopamine levels. When a person stops using the drug, their brain is unable to function normally without it.

Someone who tries to stop using Dexedrine might experience withdrawal symptoms, including:

Dexedrine Addiction Treatment

There is no specific Dexedrine addiction treatment.

People trying to break an addiction and/or dependency on Dexedrine should undergo a medically supervised detoxification process, followed by drug addiction therapy.

Medically supervised detox is an important part of the recovery process because it eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of relapse.

The detox period begins with a crash as the effects of Dexedrine wear off. This period might trigger fatigue, depression, and general malaise. It usually lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Approximately 24 hours after the last dose of Dexedrine, the dependent person will experience fatigue and extreme hunger and thirst. These and the symptoms of withdrawal listed above last anywhere from five days to two weeks. However, some psychological symptoms might linger for several months, increasing the likelihood of relapse.

During and after the detox period, the person addicted to Dexedrine can participate in rehabilitation programs, support groups, 12-step programs, and therapy.

Treatment programs can be either residential or outpatient or a combination of the two. Though the initial period of treatment tends to last a few weeks or months, continued long-term support shows the best success for maintaining sobriety.

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