What is Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is a prescription medication drug that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) in users. That means Dextroamphetamine affects the chemicals in the brain and the nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Dextroamphetamine stimulates the release of dopamine, the pleasure hormone, and blocks excess dopamine from being transported away. This medication creates higher amounts of these pleasure endorphins, which occur at lower levels. Because of these effects, Dextroamphetamine is often prescribed by medical professionals to treat conditions such as narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
You should not use Dextroamphetamine if you have any of the following health conditions:
- Glaucoma
- Overactive thyroid
- Severe agitation
- Moderate to severe high blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- A history of drug or alcohol addiction
Dextroamphetamine comes as both a pill tablet that’s taken by mouth or as a liquid medicine that’s taken by mouth. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the pill tablets and only take medication as prescribed by a medical professional. Other brand names for Dextroamphetamine include:
- Dexedrine
- Dexedrine Spansules
- Dextrostat
- Liquadd
- ProCentra
- Zenzedi
Some drugs can interact negatively with Dextroamphetamine. Consult your doctor if you take any of the following medications:
- An antacid
- An antidepressant
- Blood pressure medication
- Seizure medication
Dextroamphetamine Effects
Like other medications, Dextroamphetamine may cause adverse side effects. Consider seeking medical attention right away if you or a loved one experiences any of these common side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite or eating disorder
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Fast heartbeat
- Sleep problems or insomnia
More serious drug side effects include:
- Signs of heart problems such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or feeling like you’re going to pass out
- Signs of psychosis-like hallucinations, aggression, hostility, and paranoia
- Signs of circulation problems like numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes
- Seizures
- Muscle twitches
- Changes in vision
Signs of Dextroamphetamine Abuse and Addiction
Since Dexedrine is an amphetamine, it can be highly addictive if misused or abused. Only use this medication as prescribed by a medical professional. Signs you or a loved one may be abusing this drug include:
- Restlessness and insomnia
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite or eating disorder
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Increased blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Agitation
- Weight loss
- Circulation problems
- Tremors
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thoughts
- Seizures
- Amphetamine-induced psychosis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Difficulty thinking clearly manic behavior
- Aggressive behavior
The more Dexedrine is abused, the higher your risk of addiction. When people misuse this amphetamine for a period of time, the brain stops producing feel-good hormones on its own.
Dextroamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms
Dexedrine abuse and addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the user stops using their drug of choice for a period of time. Those who have been taking Dextroamphetamine in large doses or for an extended period of time are at a high risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Common Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Vivid dreams
- Inability to sleep or sleeping more than normal
- Increased appetite
- Slow movements
- Agitation
- Depression
Symptoms will vary person by person based on the dose, frequency, individual physiology, mental health history, and abuse of other drugs.
Long Term Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine Abuse
Those who have a Dextroamphetamine addiction and use the drug for an extended period of time are at a higher risk of serious heart or blood vessel problems, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Check with your doctor right away if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting while on this medication.
Dextroamphetamine Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one suffers from Dexedrine addiction, it may be time to seek medical treatment for substance abuse. Help is available in many forms, including at addiction treatment facilities like TruPath. As a top detox and rehab center for addiction, you have your choice between inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment. Either way, you’ll gain access to mental health resources such as individual therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more to help combat symptoms of substance abuse. Receive comprehensive care on your road to recovery from a TruPath treatment facility.