Dexedrine: ADHD Medication FAQ
Dexedrine is an amphetamine medication used to treat ADHD via a long- or short-acting capsule. Here, get essential treatment information about uses, side effects, dosages, potential for abuse, and more.

What is Dexedrine?
The Dexedrine spansule is an amphetamine medication delivered via a long- or short-acting capsule, taken orally, that is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) in children ages 3-12, adolescents, and adults. It was approved for use as an ADHD medication by the FDA more than 50 years ago.
How does Dexedrine treat ADHD symptoms?
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 8 to 10 hours after administration. This permits once-daily dosing with the spansule.
Why take Dexedrine for ADHD instead of Ritalin?
When taken in equal doses, Dexedrine is a stronger medication than Ritalin.
Who can take Dexedrine?
Dexedrine has been approved for use in patients age 3 years and older.
What are the side effects associated with Dexedrine?
More common: False sense of well-being; irritability; nervousness; restlessness; trouble 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 decreased 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 heartbeat
Rare: Chest pain; fever, unusually high; skin rash or hives; uncontrolled movements of head, neck, arms, and legs 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 habit forming?
Dexedrine has a high potential for abuse, especially among people who do not have ADHD.
More Information on Dexedrine and Other ADHD Medications:
Read Our Full Medication Overview and User Reviews of Dexedrine
Adderall: Complete ADHD / ADD Medication Overview
Free Download: A Parent’s Guide to ADHD Medications