Dexedrine: Addiction, Side Effects, Withdrawal & Treatment

Many medicines are used for ADHD. However, many of these drugs are being used for other purposes as well, including recreation. One of these is Dexedrine. While this drug may be effective in addressing ADHD, it comes with a risk of abuse and addiction.

In this post, we will discuss what Dexedrine is, the potential for addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and overdose risks. We will also talk about some of the potential treatment options available for those who are addicted to this substance.

What Is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is the brand name for dextroamphetamine, which is a central nervous system stimulant. It’s a psychoactive medication that is mainly used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleepiness during the day. The chemical substance of this drug is dextroamphetamine sulfate.

This drug is known by other brand and street names in the market. Other brand names for this drug are Zenzedi, Dextrostat, and ProCentra. Meanwhile, the street names of this drug are pep pills, Dex, Bennies, Dexies, Go pills, Beans, L.A. turnarounds, and Beauties.

What Does Dexedrine Look Like?

In terms of physical appearance, this drug appears in four forms in the market: Spansule, triangular shape, diamond, and round form. Identifying this medicine in stores and pharmacies is easy because it has four identifiers: strength (milligrams), pill imprint, color, and shape.

A 5-milligram Dexedrine which is three-sided in shape has a pill imprint of “SKF E19” and is orange in color. In contrast, the 5-milligram Spansule type has a pill imprint of “3512 5 mg SB 5 mg” and is brown.

A 10-milligram Dexedrine tablet can either be in round or diamond shape. The pill imprint of the round and diamond tablet is “10 MIA” and “M 10” respectively. Whereas, the color of the round and diamond tablet is peach and white respectively.

What Is Dexedrine Used For?

This drug is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes used as an off-label treatment for depression, obesity, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. When used recreationally, Dexedrine may cause feelings of euphoria and increased alertness.

As a result, Dexedrine is sometimes abused for non-medical reasons. People who abuse this drug may take it in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed. They may also crush and snort the pills to get a faster high.

How Does Dexedrine Work?

This drug targets the central nervous system. It is mainly used to medicate narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Generally, it helps the patient gain more focus and mental alertness to counter the disease.

Once orally ingested, its active ingredient slowly dissolves and mixes in the blood which then runs towards the brain. Its specific action is to inhibit the reabsorption of dopamine and adrenergic in the brain.

The overall effect of this drug is enhancing and speeding up the brain messaging system of the person. Consequently, this promotes better focus and mental alertness in the individual.

How Long Before You Can Feel the Effects of Dexedrine?

Different drugs have different effects. The time it takes before you can feel the effects of taking ADHD drugs like Dexedrine also differs.

A lot of people will feel the effects of this drug about a30 minutes to an hour after taking it. However, some may feel it earlier or later than that. The effects of this drug can last anywhere from four to six hours. If you do not immediately feel the effect, avoid taking another pill as it may lead to an overdose.

How Long Does Dexedrine Stay In Your System?

The half-life of Dexedrine is about 8 hours. This means that it would take around 8 hours for the concentration of this drug in your system to be reduced by half. Dexedrine can be detectable in drug tests depending on the method used.

Compared to other drugs, there is only a short window of time for the drug to be detected in the body. When using a urine or blood test, you can only detect the drug for 1 to 2 days. However, a hair follicle test can detect the drug for up to 3 months.

Urine Test – 1 to 2 days
Blood Test – 1 to 2 days
Hair Test – 90 days

What are the Short and Long-term Effects of Dexedrine?

Side effects either short or long-term can be felt from using this drug. In terms of short-term side effects, the common effects observed are eating disorders, difficulty sleeping, agitation, irregular heart rate, abdominal cramps, frequent headaches, and foggy sight.

In terms of long-term effects, these include erectile dysfunction, mood imbalances, permanent brain damage, increased blood pressure, and being easily irritated.

Overall, this drug is considered highly dangerous because of the irreversible damage it poses to one’s health. Specifically, long-term abuse can lead to serious heart problems, lung failure, and brain diseases such as schizophrenia and dementia.

Is Dexedrine Addictive?

Despite its beneficial impact, this drug also poses a great risk for abuse and addiction. The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies this drug as a Schedule II controlled substance. It means it has a high level of addictive potential similar to methamphetamine, cocaine, and methadone.

Most people easily get addicted to this substance through inhalation and injection. These methods of ingestion provide a very quick pathway for the drug to go into the brain. To avoid dependence, the proper dosage must be followed.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms?

When you suddenly stop taking this drug or lower the dosage, you will experience withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptom is a craving for the drug which can be hard to resist.

Other symptoms that you may also experience withdrawing from Dexedrine include:

● Anxiety
● Agitation
● Chills
● Depression
● Drug cravings
● Extreme hunger and thirst
● Fatigue
● Hallucinations
● Irritability
● Low energy levels
● Muscle aches
● Paranoia
● Sleep disturbances
● Strange dreams

What Causes Dexedrine Overdose? Signs of an Overdose

When taking Dexedrine, it is important to be aware of the signs of an overdose. The most common cause of overdose is taking high doses of the drug. Other causes can include taking the drug with alcohol or other drugs, or taking it if you have a medical condition that makes you more susceptible to overdose.
Symptoms of an overdose can include tremors, sweating, confusion, hallucinations, and chest pain.

What Should You Do If Someone Is Overdosing?

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. An overdose of Dexedrine can be life-threatening, so it is important to be aware of the signs and seek help if necessary.

How Do You Treat Dexedrine Addiction? Detox & Treatment

Dexedrine addiction can be difficult to overcome on your own. The first step is to seek help from an addiction treatment specialist. They can provide you with the resources and support you need to detox and begin the journey to recovery.

Treatment for Dexedrine addiction typically includes a combination of counseling, medication, and support groups. Counseling can help you identify the underlying causes of your addiction and develop coping mechanisms to deal with triggers and cravings. Medication can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and ease cravings. Support groups provide a community of people who understand what you’re going through and can offer encouragement and advice.

Final Thoughts: Addressing Dexedrine Abuse and Addiction

Addiction recovery is a lifelong process, but with the right treatment, it is possible to overcome Dexedrine addiction and live a happy and healthy life.