A psychostimulant drug called dextroamphetamine, or dexdrine, is prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dexedrine acts on the central nervous system and raises brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, similar to other stimulant drugs for ADHD. Increased levels of these neurotransmitters help lessen hyperactivity and impulsive behavior in ADHD sufferers while increasing attention and concentration.
How to Take Dexedrine for ADHD
Dexedrine is the brand name for a medication that contains dextroamphetamine, a stimulant. Dextroamphetamine is the generic name for Dexedrine.Generic forms of Dexedrine Spansule capsules and short-acting tablets are both accessible.
Both forms of Dexedrine have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in kids six years of age and older.
Forms and Doses
The drug is available as Dexedrine Spansule tablets and capsules. The four to six hours that dexedrine tablets are effective are short-acting. Typically, they are taken twice or three times daily. Extended-release Dexedrine Spansule usually lasts eight to twelve hours. The first dose of a capsule is released immediately upon ingestion, with the remaining medication being released gradually over time. It is taken just once day.
There are two strengths of short-acting Dexedrine tablets: 5 mg and 10 mg. The dosage forms for Dexedrine Spansule are 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg capsules.
To determine the appropriate dosage for you or your kid, your provider will collaborate closely with you. The lowest dose is usually attempted initially. Up until a dose is discovered that helps with ADHD symptoms, the dosage can be progressively increased by 5 mg. Doses of dexedrine vary from 5 mg to 40 mg.
How to Store It
Store your medication out of the reach of children and animals in a secure location. Keep it out of direct sunlight and at room temperature (68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) in a cool, dry environment.
Why Is Dexedrine Not Prescribed Anymore?
Even so, it is prescribed for ADHD less frequently than more recent medications—dexedrine. One of the earliest stimulant drugs is dexmededrine. Here is a brief overview of its past:
1930s: Dexedrine was originally commercialized in the middle of the 1930s by Smith, Kline & French, an American pharmaceutical company.
1960s: A law requiring all medications on the market to be both safe and effective was passed in the US. The Drug Efficacy Study Implementation (DESI) program was started by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and assessed all medications that were on the market prior to 1962. Dexedrine was authorized for the treatment of "hyperkinetic disorder of childhood" and narcolepsy during the DESI procedure. This was the term used for what we now refer to as ADHD.
Dexedrine Spansule received approval in 1976. Although it wasn't officially approved according to the current FDA approval standards, it was available prior to this date.
1990s: Several businesses began producing dextroamphetamine in the early 1990s.
Dexedrine is not as commonly prescribed these days as more contemporary stimulant drugs like Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse.
While some Dexedrine users move to a more recent ADHD medication, this is not always the case. If you've tried a newer ADHD drug and it hasn't helped with your symptoms, your provider might recommend Dexedrine.
Dexedrine vs. Other ADHD Meds
ADHD is treated with two different types of stimulants: methylphenidate and amphetamine.
Amphetamines include Vyvanse, Adderall, and Dexedrine.
Ritalin and Concerta belong to the class of medications known as methylphenidate.
Non-stimulant drugs including Strattera, Qulbree, Kapvay, and Intuniv are also used to treat ADHD. Neither dextroamphetamine nor any other stimulant is present in these medications.
Is Dexedrine Equivalent to Adderall?
While both Adderall and Dexedrine are ADHD medications, they are not interchangeable. Dexedrine solely includes dextroamphetamine, however Adderall also contains amphetamine.
The dangers, adverse effects, and dosage recommendations for Dexedrine and Adderall are comparable. On the other hand, Dexedrine may be a more powerful treatment than Adderall because it only includes the strongest substance.
Is Dexedrine the Same as Vyvanse?
The ingredient in vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine. After the medicine is digested by the body, which typically happens one to two hours after oral administration, the component becomes dextroamphetamine.
Vyvanse is sometimes referred to be a "smooth" ADHD medicine because the body doesn't experience a sharp surge or jolt when the drug begins to act. When the effects of the medication start to wear off, there may also be less of a pharmaceutical rebound.
Since vyvanse cannot be injected or inhaled to get high, it is also less likely to be abused than other stimulants.
Is Dexedrine Stronger Than Concerta?
Compared to other ADHD drugs, Concerta isn't always more potent. Dexedrine contains dextroamphetamine, whereas it contains the medication methylphenidate. Ritalin belongs to the same category as methylphenidate.
Adults with ADHD and children aged six and older are eligible to use Ritalin and Concerta. The Concerta is offered as an extended-release tablet. There are two types of Ritalin: extended-release and short-acting. Both come in generic and brand-name versions.
If you take a methylphenidate medication for ADHD, your experience can be different from taking Dexedrine.
For instance, medical professionals Edward Hallowell and John Ratey write in their book Answers to Distraction that Ritalin can increase motivation, energy, and alertness while Dexedrine balances mood, aids in focus, and appears to quiet restlessness.
Which ADHD Med Is Right for Me or My Child?
Each person's experience with the advantages and disadvantages of ADHD medication is unique. To determine which medication or dosage best suits your symptoms, you or your child may need to try a few different ones. Your healthcare practitioner can help you weigh your alternatives and ensure that you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each ADHD medication.
Dexedrine Side Effects
Typical Dexedrine side effects include the following:
lightheadedness
mouth dryness
rapid heart rate
Headaches
Lack of sleep
appetite decline
Shivers
upset stomach
Loss of weight
Does Dexedrine Slow a Child’s Growth?
Stimulants were once thought to have the potential to stunt a child's growth.
Russell Barkley, PhD, explains in his book Taking Charge of ADHD that children on stimulant medicine have far lower risk of sluggish or stunted growth than was thought in the 1970s when the drug was more widely used.
When it was first believed that ADHD stimulants could impair growth, parents were encouraged to give their kids "medication holidays." This meant that a child would take their medication as directed during the academic year, with a possible interruption on weekends and school vacations.
These days, the benefits of ADHD medicine are well acknowledged, and there is less worry about it impacting growth. Children with ADHD who use stimulant medicine do better academically, build stronger social skills, and participate in sports and leisure activities.
While using an ADHD stimulant, your child's height can be observed by your physician. If you're worried about your child's development, you might want to discuss medication holidays with them.
Can Dexedrine Cause Weight Loss?
Due to dexedrine's ability to decrease appetite, weight loss may result. It might not be the greatest idea to take an ADHD stimulant if you or your child wants to maintain or gain weight.
When using Dexedrine, you need to be sure you're obtaining enough nutrients. It can help to eat breakfast before taking your medication and to have snacks available all day.
If you have any concerns regarding your weight or nutrition while taking Dexedrine, let your provider know.
Dexedrine Safety
Because dexedrine is classified as a Schedule II drug, abuse is possible. Always take prescription drugs exactly as directed by your doctor. Don't give anyone else access to your medication.
Although rare, there have been reports of significant cardiac issues in children and adults using stimulant drugs, such as Dexedrine. Those using stimulants to treat ADHD may also have mental health issues. When you first start taking the medication, your doctor might want to discuss your mental health and family history with you. They might also want to regularly monitor you to make sure the drug is safe for you.
Contraindications
Some people are unable to take Dexedrine due to safety concerns. Dexedrine for ADHD, for instance, might not be appropriate for those with specific medical conditions, substance use disorders, allergies, or hypersensitivities to stimulant medications.
If you are nursing a child, are pregnant, or intend to become pregnant, speak with your provider. Dexedrine should not be taken during nursing as it may be harmful to the developing foetus.
How to Handle the Side Effects of ADHD Medication
Drug Interactions
Dexedrine and other ADHD medications may interact with other prescriptions or supplements you may be taking. It's critical that you inform your healthcare practitioner about all of your medications, especially if they are OTC (over-the-counter) items like vitamins.
Medications known as MAOIs that are used to treat depression cannot be used with dexedrine. Before beginning Dexedrine, you must wait at least 14 days after quitting an MAOI.
How to Stop Taking Dexedrine
Do not stop taking your medication without first speaking with your provider if you need to stop taking Dexedrine for any reason. Your doctor can assist you in tapering off your medication gradually and carefully to prevent rebound side effects if you need to stop using it or go to a different medication for ADHD.
