What is dexamphetamine?
Dexamphetamine is a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body.2
Dexamphetamine is a medication prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).1 Dexamphetamine is a Schedule 8 drug in Australia which means it is tightly controlled and requires a prescription.3
Dexamphetamine is also sometimes used by people without a prescription to increase alertness or to get ‘high’.
How is dexamphetamine used?
Dexamphetamine is usually swallowed or crushed and snorted, but is sometimes injected or smoked/inhaled.7 Effects of dexamphetamine
Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.
Prescribed stimulants work on the parts of the brain involved in regulating attention and arousal (being alert and awake). The medications can greatly improve concentration, impulse control and hyperactivity in about 80% of children with ADHD.8
In adults, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is quite different —and the symptoms are unique for each individual.9 It is estimated that around 533,300 adults (aged 20+) have ADHD in Australia.10
Dexamphetamine affects everyone differently based on:
- size, weight and health
- whether the person is used to taking it
- whether other drugs are taken around the same time
- the amount taken.
The effects of dexamphetamine may include:
- enhanced mood and/or motivation
- increased energy and/or confidence
- increased alertness and/or focus
- fast heartbeat.11
Side effects may include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- headache
- dizziness
- mood changes such as depression or irritability
- increased heart rate and blood pressure
- heart palpitations
- restlessness, nervousness, tremor
- sleep difficulties
- loss of appetite, or weight loss.3
Side effects are generally mild and more likely to occur during the first few days of treatment, and may disappear as the body adjusts.3
The effects of the short acting tablet can last around 4 to 6 hours and the long acting can last for approximately 8 to 12 hours.12
Overdose
If you take more than the recommended dose you could overdose.
Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you, or someone else, has any of the following symptoms:
- nausea & vomiting
- diarrhoea
- chills
- sweating
- headache
- pain or tightness in the chest
- shortness of breath
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- seizures (fits)
- weakness in the limbs or face
- confusion, delusion or hallucinations.3
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