What is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is an amphetamine, a member of a group of medicines known as central nervous system stimulants. A prescription diet pill used in the mid to late 20th century to induce decreased appetite in obese patients, Dexedrine is highly addictive. It produces enhanced energy levels in those taking it, allowing them to stay awake longer, get more done, and, initially, cause euphoria.

Patients diagnosed with the sleep disorder narcolepsy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are sometimes treated with Dexedrine to increase their attention spans while decreasing impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Manufactured in orange 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets and 5mg, 10 mg and 15 mg clear and brown capsules, Dexedrine is currently listed as a Schedule II controlled substance.

Effects of Dexedrine use

Dexedrine Side Effects

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder due to its highly addictive nature, people who begin taking Dexedrine as prescribed often begin to like its initially exhilarating effects and take it in excess of its prescribed dosage. If the script runs out or the doctor refuses to continue writing the prescription, it's possible to buy this amphetamine on the street. But as dependency, tolerance and addiction take hold of the user, the stimulating effects give way to the following, more adverse effects:

• Agitation and irritability
• Over-stimulation and false euphoria, followed by a "crash"
• Insomnia
• Headaches and hallucinations
• Dry mouth
• Weight loss
• Increased heart rate
• Sexual dysfunction
• Behavior disturbances and thought disorders
• Exacerbation of motor skills
• Diarrhea and constipation

Other physiological conditions that may arise with prolonged use of Dexedrine include heart-related problems, sudden death in people with preexisting heart conditions, stroke or heart attack and increased blood pressure and heart rate. More related to the symptoms mentioned above, Dexedrine users also tend to experience new or worse forms of behavior and thought problems such as bipolar illness, aggressive behavior or hostility and psychosis where they hear voices or are extremely paranoid and suspicious of everyone and everything.

Dextroamphetamine abuse

Remember that abrupt discontinued use of Dexedrine especially after long-term use requires professional assistance. Like other addictive drugs, cessation of Dexedrine use should be introduced gradually.

Treatment for Dexedrine dependency and abuse can only happen effectively through a medically supervised drug detoxification program where the necessary support in dealing with Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms will be provided. This should be followed by admission into a drug and alcohol treatment center. It is equally important that a full report on the medical history of a patient be provided for the attending physicians to ensure full recovery. This is especially significant if a patient has previously suffered mental or emotional problems, has a family history of suicide, bipolar illness or depression, thyroid problems, seizure disorder or abnormal brain wave test or tics or Tourette's syndrome.