What is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is an amphetamine that works on the central nervous system (CNS) as a stimulant. It is a prescription medication and can be obtained in five, 10 or 15 mg dosages. It’s used to treat the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity and increase attention span in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dexedrine is also used to address the excessive sleepiness caused by narcolepsy.

Historically, Dexedrine was used as a weight loss medication, but it is no longer FDA-approved for this purpose. Dexedrine is prescribed to children over the age of six, adolescents and adults. Dexedrine is generally a short acting medication but is also available in an extended release capsule.

CNS stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamine and prescription amphetamines like Dexedrine. These drugs increase the effect of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain creating enhanced alertness and sometimes euphoric feelings.

People taking stimulants can also experience increased awareness and energy and enhanced mental abilities resulting in increased productivity and performance. However, misuse and abuse of any amphetamine or other CNS stimulant can cause increased tolerance, dependency and addiction, requiring intervention and treatment.

Dexedrine vs Adderall

Dexedrine and Adderall are not the same medications, although they are related. Dexedrine contains one amphetamine, dextroamphetamine. Adderall contains two: dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Adderall is a combination medication often prescribed for ADHD.

Dexedrine can be obtained in an extended release tablet but is generally a short acting medication that requires multiple doses throughout the day. Adderall is a longer acting medication.

Dexedrine vs Vyvanse

Dexedrine and Vyvanse are also different but related. Vyvanse contains a different type of amphetamine called lisdexamfetamine. Both are from the same amphetamine family but are different types of stimulants.

Vyvanse is also a long acting medication that is taken once a day while Dexedrine is taken up to three times a day unless obtained in a time release dose. Vyvanse is used to treat the same types of conditions as Adderall and Dexedrine but has been approved to treat binge eating disorder as well.

All stimulant medications have the same potential side effects and are at high risk for abuse and addiction.

Dexedrine Side Effects

Adverse side effects to Dexedrine and other CNS stimulants have been observed in children, adolescents and adult patients. These may include cardiovascular problems like raised blood pressure, rhythm abnormalities and cardiomyopathy.

Anyone with any type of heart problem should not take Dexedrine or other CNS stimulants without consulting their doctor as sudden death has occurred.

Central nervous system reactions may include overstimulation that looks like agitation and aggression, psychosis presenting as escalated mania, bipolar disorder and euphoria. Allergic reactions to the dyes used in the manufacturing of the medication can also occur.

Some people experience weight loss due to the lack of appetite that accompanies using Dexedrine or other amphetamine stimulants. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and cramps can accompany misuse of stimulants.

Some patients report thyroid-related problems. The slowing of growth in children and adolescents has been recorded also. However, growth patterns normalize upon discontinuing the medication.

Is Dexedrine Addictive?

Dexedrine is a Schedule II controlled substance which means it has a high potential for dependency and addiction when misused. Repeated misuse of Dexedrine will induce tolerance over a period of time and ultimately result in physical dependence which may lead to addiction.

Tolerance is when more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effect, while dependency is a physiological need for the drug apparent when withdrawal symptoms occur. Addiction is defined by a compulsive seeking of more of the drug despite negative consequences. Misuse of any type of drug can lead to addiction.

Dexedrine Misuse, Signs and Symptoms

According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health 3.7 million people reported using prescription stimulants such as Dexedrine and Adderall as a recreational drug. A further study in 2023 indicated that Dexedrine was the one of the most often abused prescription stimulants second only to Adderall.

The age group with the highest level of use was 18 to 25 year olds. This corresponds with the highest number of people of the same age group seeking and entering treatment for substance use disorder. This is an indication of how hard it is to stop using Dexedrine and other CNS stimulants once addicted.

Dexedrine should only be used under medical supervision and with a prescription. Taking Dexadrine without a prescription or in doses exceeding those prescribed is a form of misuse.

Misuse may also involve crushing up prescription medication and snorting it to experience a higher euphoric effect than if taken as prescribed. It may also include mixing the powder with other substances like water in order to inject it directly into the bloodstream.

Another method of misuse is mixing the powder from the Dexedrine capsules with other chemicals to cook it into a crystallized form (rocks) to be smoked.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Dexedrine addiction or misuse creates an open door to start a conversation. Missing medication and more frequent requests for refills than prescribed can be evidence of selling, overuse and abuse.

A noticeable increase in appetite when a person has not been eating regularly, oversleeping after a long period of no sleep, being down after a period of euphoria and cravings for Dexedrine are all symptoms of misuse.

Extreme levels of depression can also be a symptom as the brain readjusts to less sustained dopamine or norepinephrine in the system. Noticeable skin lesions are also a symptom of abusing Dexedrine and other amphetamines because they have been mixed with other chemicals for smoking or injection.

Can Dexedrine Cause Overdose?

The simple act of taking more Dexedrine than prescribed can be a form of misuse and may cause overdose. Buying prescription medications from other people has become dangerous as “fake” pills laced with lethal fentanyl makes taking even one pill potentially deadly.

Headaches, tremors, dizziness and insomnia can be signs of too much stimulant in the system and could cause overdose. If you notice someone experiencing rapid breathing, confusion, panic or hallucinations, they may be overdosing on a stimulant and need immediate medical attention.

Treatment Options for Addiction to Dexedrine

A qualified treatment provider will assess a person according to the criteria presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (2022, DSM-5-TR) to determine if there is a substance use disorder present.

The provider will then make recommendations for treatment based on several issues such as the level of discomfort from withdrawal symptoms, length of use of the substance, amount of use and ability to stop using.

Providers will work with patients to determine what treatment modalities and programs will serve the client’s best interest for obtaining recovery. Providers will also involve family and spouses in the treatment planning process, if the client is willing to include them in their treatment plan.

Different levels of treatment are available for clients diagnosed with substance use and stimulant use disorders. The best level of treatment is determined by the provider and client based on need for treatment, willingness to participate in treatment, desire level to change behavior, affordability and lifestyle accommodation.

Inpatient

Inpatient treatment may include a detox and stabilization stay for a few days to ease withdrawal symptoms, but this is not always necessary. Generally, stimulant use disorder does not require detox, but some clients may want medication support while withdrawing from stimulants.

Most inpatient treatment programs last 25 to 30 days and provide housing, meals and individual and group counseling sessions. There is often a peer support component and case management to assist in planning aftercare. Other treatment modalities may include exercise, yoga and art or other expressive therapies.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) are day treatment programs where a client remains at home but attends a treatment program for four to six hours a day. Treatment includes psychoeducation, counseling, peer support groups and other programming to support recovery.

Intensive Outpatient

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) meet for nine to 12 hours a week, usually three times a week. These sessions are often conducted in groups with one individual session per week. The program usually continues for nine to 12 weeks depending on the severity of the addiction.

Both process groups and psychoeducational groups assist clients in evaluating core issues that are related to substance use behaviors.

Outpatient

Outpatient treatment is an ongoing maintenance program whereby the client determines how often they will see their provider. Once a week individual counseling sessions are often used initially and then tapered to an as-needed basis. Peer support alumni groups are also included in outpatient treatment.

The choice to seek treatment for stimulant use disorder is a life changing decision. High quality addiction recovery treatment can be found in cities and states across the U.S. All it takes is the first step.