Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine, also known by the brand name Dexedrine, is a prescription stimulant medication primarily used to treat narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as certain cases of depression. Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, it is recognized for its potential for abuse. The drug is the dextro-isomer of amphetamine sulfate and is typically administered orally in various forms, though it can also be misused by snorting or injecting.
Since its FDA approval in 1976, the use of dextroamphetamine has increased, particularly among high school and college students, who may misuse it to enhance focus, lose weight, or achieve a euphoric high. While it effectively increases attention and reduces symptoms of ADHD, it also carries risks, including increased blood pressure and potential dependence with long-term use. Abrupt cessation can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue and depression.
As of the mid-2020s, the medication remains a reliable option for managing ADHD and narcolepsy, but it faces competition from newer treatments like Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) and is subject to shortages, affecting patient access. Given the rise in adult ADHD diagnoses, healthcare providers emphasize the importance of discussing the risks of misuse with patients and their families.
Subject Terms
Dextroamphetamine
ALSO KNOWN AS: Dexedrine
DEFINITION: Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant used medically for narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and in the treatment of depression.
STATUS: Legal by prescription in the United States (US) and other countries, including Australia and Great Britain
CLASSIFICATION: Schedule II controlled substance
SOURCE: Dextroamphetamine sulfate is the dextro-isomer of the compound d,1-amphetamine sulfate. Dextroamphetamine is categorized as an amphetamine and is a sympathomimetic amine of the amphetamine group.
TRANSMISSION ROUTE: Oral ingestion of tablets, capsules, or solution. Crushed tablets can be snorted or injected.
History of Use
Dextroamphetamine is classified as a stimulant. The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1976 and is available in generic and brand formulations. The abuse of this and other stimulant pharmacologic compounds and the prescription rates for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications have vastly increased since 2000. Prescription amphetamines, including dextroamphetamine, are abused to enhance focus, to lose weight, and to get high. Abuse is widespread among high school and college students. Dextroamphetamine is approved for patients as young as three years old.
Effects and Potential Risks
Dextroamphetamine produces both central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral effects. In the CNS, dextroamphetamine has a stimulant effect; peripherally, it raises blood pressure and produces weak bronchodilatory and respiratory stimulation. Additionally, stimulants, in general, are known to increase focus and attention, which can help students during their studies. Teenagers and young adults abuse Dextroamphetamine as a diet aid. The drug suppresses feelings of hunger, leading the abuser to eat less and lose weight.
Short-term risks associated with dextroamphetamine are similar to those seen with other stimulants. Persons with preexisting hypertension or cardiovascular conditions are at a higher risk for cardiac complications. Increased aggression, hostility, and mixed or manic episodes in people with preexisting psychiatric conditions have been reported. Long-term use can lead to dependence, and abruptly stopping the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, depression, and sleep abnormalities.
In the mid-2020s, dextroamphetamine remained a safe and reliable medication for narcolepsy and ADHD. However, several newer medications, such as Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), had begun to be prescribed more often. The mid-2020s also saw shortages in many ADHD medications, which complicated their use and often led to long periods in which patients struggled to obtain their medications. This issue was further complicated by the fact that adult diagnoses of ADHD reached an all-time high. It remained essential for healthcare providers to discuss the potential for misuse and abuse of the drug with patients and their families.
Bibliography
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