Dexedrine Addiction, Overdose, and Treatment

Dexedrine is a stimulant medication indicated for narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.¹ Prolonged use or misuse of Dexedrine has the potential to lead to Dexedrine dependence and addiction.¹

This article will discuss Dexedrine side effects, signs of Dexedrine addiction, risk of overdose, and types of addiction treatment.

What Is Dexedrine?

Dextroamphetamine sulfate, the generic name for Dexedrine, is a commonly prescribed central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.¹ In combination with behavioral therapy, Dexedrine can serve to stabilize distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in people with ADHD ages 3 and older.¹Adderall is a medication that contains both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.¹¹

Generic dextroamphetamine comes in the form of immediate-release or sustained-release tablets, extended-release capsules branded as Dexedrine, and in liquid injectable form.²

Dexedrine and other amphetamines are Schedule II controlled substances under the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) drug schedule because of a high potential for misuse, with use potentially leading to physiological dependence.³ People with a history of drug misuse will generally not be prescribed amphetamines like Dexedrine.¹

Effects of Dexedrine Use

Common side effects of amphetamines like Dexedrine include:¹

• Fast heart rate.
• Tremors.
• Sleep issues.
• Decreased appetite.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Upset stomach.
• Weight loss.
• Dry mouth.

More serious side effects include slowed growth in children taking Dexedrine, seizures (mostly a risk in those who have a history of seizures), and changes in eyesight or blurry vision.¹

It is generally advised that Dexedrine not be taken by anyone with:¹

• Heart disease.
• Moderate to severe high blood pressure.
• Glaucoma.
• Hyperthyroidism.
• Anxiety, or who is tense and agitated.

People with bipolar disorder are generally not prescribed Dexedrine as it could worsen symptoms of mania.¹

Is Dexedrine Addictive?

Yes, taking Dexedrine has the potential to result in addiction. Like other drugs with addiction potential, such as fentanyl and cocaine, Dexedrine is considered a Schedule II drug due to the high potential for misuse and use that can result in severe physiological dependence.³

Dexedrine misuse occurs when it is taken in a way other than prescribed, such as being taken recreationally in an effort to get “high.”⁶ Misuse of prescription stimulants occurs when the drug is taken in a form other than prescribed. This includes crushing the pill or contents of a capsule and taking it orally, smoking or snorting the powder, or dissolving it in water and injecting it into the vein.⁶

Misuse of a prescription stimulant in this manner or at high doses can significantly increase the activity of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. This can cause a “rush” of euphoria that reinforces repeated use and quicken the development of tolerance and dependence. It also puts a person at risk of developing an addiction.⁶

In 2021, 3.2 million people aged 12 and older misused stimulants like Dexedrine and other prescribed amphetamines.⁷

Signs of Dexedrine Addiction

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health, 5th Edition (DSM-5), an addiction to prescription stimulants like Dexedrine is classified as a stimulant use disorder.⁸ Medical doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other qualified mental health clinicians diagnose a stimulant use disorder when 2 or more of the 11 criteria from the DSM-5 are met over a 12-month period. Some of the criteria include:⁸

• Taking the stimulant in larger amounts and for longer than intended.
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit using stimulants or cut down on use.
• Significant time spent engaged in activities to get stimulants, use them, and/or recover from stimulant use.
• A strong desire to use the stimulant.
• Repeated stimulant use that ends up in failure to fulfill major obligations at work, home, or school.
• Continuing to use the stimulant despite negative consequences.
• Important hobbies or activities are reduced or given up because of stimulant use.
• Repeated stimulant use in hazardous or unsafe situations.
• Continued use of stimulants when they know they have physical and/or psychological problems that may be exacerbated or caused by stimulants.
• Experiencing tolerance by needing to take more of the stimulant to get the desired effect, or not feeling the same effects when using the same amount of stimulants.
• Experiencing withdrawal and/or taking the stimulant to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

People who think they meet the criteria for a stimulant use disorder may benefit from seeking advice from their doctor or an addiction treatment professional.

Dexedrine Overdose

An overdose occurs when a person takes more of a substance than the body can process effectively and safely, leading to a life-threatening reaction.⁶ If someone is experiencing a drug overdose, call
9-1-1 immediately.

Response to amphetamines varies widely from person to person, so any amount may contribute to symptoms of overdose.¹

Some signs of prescription stimulant overdose include:¹⁶

• Tremor.
• Restlessness.
• Confusion.
• Hallucinations.
• Rapid breathing.
• Panic.
• Aggressive behavior.
• High body temperature/fever.
• Muscle pains and weakness.

Overdosing on a stimulant often leads to cardiovascular or heart problems. These can include:

• An irregular heartbeat leading to a heart attack.
• Nerve problems that can lead to a seizure.
• Intense stomach issues including cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

These all necessitate immediate medical attention.⁶ Medical professionals can attempt to restore blood flow to the heart or stop the seizure under a physician’s guidance.⁶

Dexedrine Addiction Treatment

There are several approaches to treating a stimulant use disorder that depends on each person’s needs and the severity of the addiction. A person may require detox under the supervision of medical professionals to help manage symptoms of withdrawal more comfortably.

Prescription stimulant withdrawal symptoms may include:⁶

• Vomiting.
• Headache.
• Light sensitivity.
• Fatigue.
• Depression.
• Sleep troubles.
• Appetite changes.

The level of care recommended for a person needing addiction treatment depends on:¹⁰

• Their willingness to engage in treatment.
• Their need for detox.
• Preexisting medical conditions or co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Relapse potential.
• The level of recovery support in their living environment.

Each of these areas is typically accounted for in an individualized treatment plan.¹⁰ Treatment settings may include, dexedrine detox, inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment may include living independently at home or in pre-arranged recovery housing. Treatment interventions in both inpatient and outpatient settings may include individual and/or group therapy, medication management, and aftercare planning to help with relapse prevention.¹⁰

If you or a loved one is ready to seek rehab for a substance use disorder, explore your options and reach out to a rehab center using our rehab directory tool today!