What is Dexedrine?
Dexedrine is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults as well as narcolepsy. Stimulants influence the parts of the brain and central nervous system that control hyperactivity and impulses.
Is there a generic version of Dexedrine available?
Yes, the generic version of Dexedrine is called dextroamphetamine and is available for purchase and may be cheaper than purchasing the brand name drug.
When did the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve Dexedrine
Dexedrine was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1976.
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Are there any major differences between Dexedrine and other stimulants used to treat ADHD?
There are a lot of similarities between central nervous systems stimulants used to treat ADHD. They are all habit-forming and classified as Schedule II controlled substances. Therefore, if you have a history of substance use problems, you should talk to your doctor about this before taking either medication. The major distinction is the different release formats of the medications. Some medications come in instant release, whereas others come in extended release. Talk to your doctor about other medical conditions you have and they can help you make an informed choice.
Can children take Dexedrine?
Children over the age of 6 may be prescribed Dexedrine for ADHD. They should take the medication in the exact amount prescribed by their doctor. It’s also important to tell your child’s doctor about other medication complications or past substance use history and to monitor their growth while on the medication.
Are there potential interaction issues for people taking Dexedrine and any other drugs?
Do not take Dexedrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks, as a dangerous interaction effect could occur. There are also hundreds of drugs which are known to interact with Dexedrine in major, moderate, or mild ways, so let your doctor know what other medications you are taking before you begin taking the medication.
Are there any other medical conditions that would make someone ineligible for Dexedrine therapy?
You should not take Dexedrine if you have heart disease or other heart problems, hypertension, glaucoma, extreme agitation, or hyperthyroidism. If you have a history of substance use problems or mental illness, talk to your doctor about the risks.
What is the typical dose that would be prescribed to someone taking Dexedrine?
For patients ages 6 and over, the starting dosage is typically 5 mg once or twice a day. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 40 mg.
How long does Dexedrine work?
Dexedrine Spansule capsules are the extended release form and are only taken once a day. Dexedrine tablets can last from 4-6 hours and are taken 2-3 times per day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take the dose of Dexedrine when you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is already or almost evening, as it can cause problems with sleeping. You should never take extra doses of the medication to make up for missed doses.
What are Dexedrine’s common side effects?
Common side effects of Dexedrine can include:
- upset stomach
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- dry mouth.
Children who take Dexedrine sometimes may experience a temporary slowing in their rate of growth. If you experience major side effects, report them to your doctor immediately and stop using the medication. Major side effects can include seizures, blurred vision, hypertension, and stroke. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online.
Are there any possible psychiatric side effects that come from taking Dexedrine?
Dexedrine can also cause or worsen symptoms of mental illness, including psychosis and mania, and it may increase aggressive behavior among children or teens.
Is it safe for a woman who is pregnant, about to become pregnant, or nursing to take Dexedrine?
There have been no controlled human pregnancy studies on the effects of Dexedrine, but there is a heightened risk of premature birth and lower weight at birth for babies of mothers who are dependent on amphetamines. Amphetamines can be transferred via breast milk in small amounts and harm a baby. Therefore, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are nursing before you take Dexedrine.
Can symptoms occur if Dexedrine is discontinued?
Withdrawal symptoms of Dexedrine can also include depressed mood, extreme fatigue, irritability, hunger, seizures, aggressive outbursts, and confusion. Symptoms are sometimes experienced within a day of discontinuing the medication. Maintain contact with your doctor and seek medical attention if necessary when discontinuing the drug.
An overdose of Dexedrine could be fatal, so seek immediate help or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if you overdose. Overdose symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid breathing or heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures, and severe mood swings.
Dexedrine is a Schedule II controlled substance and can be habit-forming, as users may develop a tolerance to the drug over time. Make sure that you keep track of the medication and never take more than prescribed. It is illegal to give or sell the medication to others. Talk to your doctor if you have a past history of substance dependence before you begin taking the medication.
Sixty tablets of 5 mg of dextroamphetamine range from $30 to $100.
The biggest disadvantage of Dexedrine is that it is very habit-forming. The drug is frequently abused as a “study drug” for school performance among college students, and it is also abused for weight loss. If you have a history of abusing substances or have a history of substance use in your family, then the drug may not be right for you. Also, the common side effects may outweigh the benefits.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other healthcare providers. This article mentions drugs that were FDA-approved and available at the time of publication and may not include all possible drug interactions or all FDA warnings or alerts. The author of this page explicitly does not endorse this drug or any specific treatment method. If you have health questions or concerns about interactions, please check with your physician or go to the FDA site for a comprehensive list of warnings.