What is Dexedrine?
Dexedrine is an amphetamine. This is the original ADHD medication, approved for use by the FDA over 50 years ago.
How is Dexedrine taken?
Dexedrine comes in both long and short acting forms. The short acting tablet comes in 5 mg dosages. This dose usually lasts about 2 hours. The longer-acting spansule is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg sizes and is typically effective for eight to 10 hours after administration. This permits once daily dosing with the spansule.
Why would someone take Dexedrine instead of Ritalin?
When taken in equal doses, Dexedrine is a stronger medication than Ritalin.
For whom is this medication intended?
Dexedrine has been approved for use in patients age 3 years and older.
What are the side effects of Dexedrine?
Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common: False sense of well-being; irritability; nervousness; restlessness; trouble in sleeping. Note - after these side effects have worn off, the patient may experience drowsiness, trembling, unusual tiredness or weakness, or mental depression
Less common: Blurred vision; changes in sexual desire or decrewased sexual ability; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness; dryness or mouth or unpleasant taste; fast or pounding heartbeat; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting; stomach cramps or pain; weight loss
Check with your doctor as soon as possible of any of the following side effects occur:
More Common: Irregular hearbeat </dd> <dt>
Rare: Chest pain; fever, unusally high; skin rash or hives; uncontgrolled movements of head, neck, arms, and legs </dd> <dt>
With long-term use or at high doses: Difficulty in breathing; dizziness or feeling faint; increased blood pressure; mood or mental changes; pounding heartbeat; unusual tiredness or weakness
Is Dexedrine addictive?
Dexedrine has a high potential for abuse and addiction, especially among people who do not have ADHD.
For more information about Dexedrine and amphetamines, see (Note: this link will open a new browser window. Close the window to return to additudemag.com)
