Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) Addiction

What Is Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)?

Dexedrine is a brand-name prescription drug, also known by its generic name dextroamphetamine. Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is primarily used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is occasionally used to treat narcolepsy. It is sometimes recreationally abused to enhance athletic and cognitive ability, and as a euphoria-creating drug. Dextroamphetamine is also sold under other brand names likeDextrostat. When someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD takes this drug, it can promote a sense of calm and focus. When Dexedrine is recreationally abused, however, it can a sensation of euphoria as well as increased energy and wakefulness.

Dexedrine is similar to the brand-name prescription drugAdderall, which is also prescribed to treat ADHD. Both drugs are central nervous system treatments that are also approved for the treatment of narcolepsy. Both have more stimulant effects than Ritalin, and both contain amphetamines. Tolerance and dependence can form with both Dexedrine and Adderall and, as a result, it’s important for people to use these drugs with caution. Dexedrine is believed to affect brain neurotransmitters that control alertness and attention.

What Does Dexedrine Look Like?

Dexedrine is usually prescribed in tablet form and is taken once a day; however, in some cases a person may be prescribed divided doses that are taken throughout the day. For Dexedrine, the starting dose is usually between 2.5 mg and 5 mg, taken daily. For adults, dosages usually range from 5 to 60 mg each day. Children who are prescribed Dexedrine usually take doses that range from 2.5 mg to 40 mg each day. There are immediate-release and extended-release versions of Dexedrine as well. The extended-release version of the drug is called Dexedrine Spansule. Dexedrine comes in the following forms:

• In the 5 mg dosage, Dexedrine is orange and three-sided. The pill imprinted with “SKF E19.”
• Dexedrine Spansule 5 mg is a brown capsule, imprinted with “3512” and “5 mg.”
• Dexedrine Spansule 10 mg is a brown capsule, imprinted with “3513” and “10 mg.”
• Dexedrine Spansule 15 mg is a brown and clear capsule, imprinted with “3514” and “15.”

There are other variations and dosages of the drug, but they look similar to the tablet and capsule descriptions above. They are imprinted with different numbers and have different colors that are intended to reflect the different dosages.

Is Dexedrine Addictive?

Dexedrine is addictive. Along with other amphetamines, Dexedrine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. Based on this classification, the U.S. government has determined that Dexedrine has a high potential for abuse, addiction and dependence. Dexedrine also comes with a black box warning, indicating the high abuse potential as well as the risk of sudden cardiovascular events and even death, associated with its misuse and abuse. People who use Dexedrine as prescribed and who follow dosage instructions are less likely to become addicted. Dexedrine is often recreationally abused because it affects neurotransmitters, including dopamine. In high doses, Dexedrine can cause a euphoric high. People who abuse Dexedrine also find its aphrodisiac and sociability effects to be desirable, as well as the increased energy and alertness that they feel. Some people who abuse Dexedrine recreationally will open capsules or crush the tablets, allowing them to snort or inject Dexedrine.

We work with people who struggle with addiction and help them on their journey to recovery. ContactThe Recovery Villageto learn more.