Also known by brand names like Dexedrine Spansules, Dextrostat, Liquadd, and Dexedrine, dextroamphetamine is a prescription central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (sleep disorder.) Dexedrine helps people with ADHD by treating increasing attention and decreasing restlessness and impulsivity. While this medication is effective for many people with ADHD, there are always factors to consider when deciding whether or not to take a medication. With that said, here are some dextroamphetamine side effects you should know about.
How Does Dexedrine Work?
Like other stimulants – including Adderall and Ritalin – Dexedrine works by acting on the CNS to increase the number of neurotransmitters in the brain. As you can guess from the term “stimulant,” amphetamine/dextroamphetamine-based products like Dexedrine stimulate chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine to improve mood, energy levels, attention, and motivation in people with ADHD.
Dexedrine tablets are also fast-acting, meaning that they kick in within half an hour, and effects usually last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. For this reason, short-acting Dexedrine is usually taken several times a day, depending on the severity of the person’s symptoms.
Dexedrine Spansule, on the other hand, is extended-release, meaning that effects may take a bit longer to kick in but may last up to 12 hours. This means fewer doses throughout the day.
Short & Long-Term Dexedrine Side Effects
Dexedrine side effects can kick in as quickly as 30 minutes after the person takes their dose. Short-term dextroamphetamine side effects may include:
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- Headaches
- Reduced appetite
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Agitation
Dexedrine effects can be more severe depending on how much of the drug the person takes. In cases when dextroamphetamine is abused, an individual may take up to double the normally prescribed dose or more to experience a high.
Additionally, in cases of abuse or chronic use, serious long-term dextroamphetamine side effects may include:
- Tolerance
- Dependence
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thoughts
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Seizures
- Heart problems
- Circulatory problems
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
- Twitching
- Amphetamine-induced psychosis
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Manic behavior
- Aggressive behavior
Severe long-term side effects of dextroamphetamine are less likely to occur in people who take the medication as directed by their prescribing doctors. Unfortunately, stimulants like ADHD medications have become a growing source of drug abuse.
Is Dexedrine Addictive?
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is addictive, meaning that long-term abuse can lead to a substance use disorder. Dexedrine addiction is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to use the drug.
Stimulant addiction has become a common problem in the U.S., especially among college students and people working high-stress jobs. These individuals may abuse stimulants like Dexedrine to improve their performance at school or work, all the while possibly contributing to chronic disease.
Many people who become addicted to prescription drugs also turn to illegal alternatives – such as opioids to heroin or Ritalin to cocaine – for a cheaper but just as effective high. In most cases, illegal drugs produce more intense problems in the individual’s health and life.
Early detection of Dexedrine addiction increases the individual’s chances of long-term recovery. Common dextroamphetamine addiction signs include:
- Using more Dexedrine than prescribed
- Using Dexedrine without a prescription
- Mood swings
- Social withdrawal
- Doctor shopping
- Neglect of significant roles at home, school, or work
- Repeated attempts to control Dexedrine use or quit
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cravings for Dexedrine
- Lying to or stealing from loved ones to get more of the drug
Dexedrine Addiction Treatment
Many people start using Dexedrine because they believe it’s quick to enhance their performance at school or work. Many don’t understand the drug’s risk of addiction until they’re struggling to stop using it on their own.
If you’re addicted to dextroamphetamine, you’re not alone. Help is available at our California detox center in various forms. In addition to medical detox, our Palm Springs rehab also offers inpatient and partial hospitalization treatment for people in different stages of recovery.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, don’t wait until it’s too late to reach out for support. Call Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our Southern California rehab programs.
Related Reading:
