What Is Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)?

Dexedrine is a brand-name prescription drug, also known by its generic name dextroamphetamine. Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is primarily used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is occasionally used to treat narcolepsy. It is sometimes recreationally abused to enhance athletic and cognitive ability, and as a euphoria-creating drug. Dextroamphetamine is also sold under other brand names like Dextrostat. When someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD takes this drug, it can promote a sense of calm and focus. When Dexedrine is recreationally abused, however, it can a sensation of euphoria as well as increased energy and wakefulness.

Dexedrine is similar to the brand-name prescription drug Adderall, which is also prescribed to treat ADHD. Both drugs are central nervous system treatments that are also approved for the treatment of narcolepsy. Both have more stimulant effects than Ritalin, and both contain amphetamines. Tolerance and dependence can form with both Dexedrine and Adderall and, as a result, it’s important for people to use these drugs with caution. Dexedrine is believed to affect brain neurotransmitters that control alertness and attention.

What Does Dexedrine Look Like?

Dexedrine is usually prescribed in tablet form and is taken once a day; however, in some cases a person may be prescribed divided doses that are taken throughout the day. For Dexedrine, the starting dose is usually between 2.5 mg and 5 mg, taken daily. For adults, dosages usually range from 5 to 60 mg each day. Children who are prescribed Dexedrine usually take doses that range from 2.5 mg to 40 mg each day. There are immediate-release and extended-release versions of Dexedrine as well. The extended-release version of the drug is called Dexedrine Spansule. Dexedrine comes in the following forms:

  • In the 5 mg dosage, Dexedrine is orange and three-sided. The pill imprinted with “SKF E19.”
  • Dexedrine Spansule 5 mg is a brown capsule, imprinted with “3512” and “5 mg.”
  • Dexedrine Spansule 10 mg is a brown capsule, imprinted with “3513” and “10 mg.”
  • Dexedrine Spansule 15 mg is a brown and clear capsule, imprinted with “3514” and “15.”

There are other variations and dosages of the drug, but they look similar to the tablet and capsule descriptions above. They are imprinted with different numbers and have different colors that are intended to reflect the different dosages.

Is Dexedrine Addictive?

Dexedrine is addictive. Along with other amphetamines, Dexedrine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S. Based on this classification, the U.S. government has determined that Dexedrine has a high potential for abuse, addiction and dependence. Dexedrine also comes with a black box warning, indicating the high abuse potential as well as the risk of sudden cardiovascular events and even death, associated with its misuse and abuse. People who use Dexedrine as prescribed and who follow dosage instructions are less likely to become addicted. Dexedrine is often recreationally abused because it affects neurotransmitters, including dopamine. In high doses, Dexedrine can cause a euphoric high. People who abuse Dexedrine also find its aphrodisiac and sociability effects to be desirable, as well as the increased energy and alertness that they feel. Some people who abuse Dexedrine recreationally will open capsules or crush the tablets, allowing them to snort or inject Dexedrine.

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FAQs


Is Dexedrine Addictive? What Are The Signs?

Dexedrine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., meaning that it has a high risk of addiction and dependence. Dexedrine also comes with a black box warning regarding the risk of abuse, as well as the potential for cardiac effects. Signs that indicate someone is addicted to Dexedrine can include:

  • Being unable to stop using the drug
  • Trying unsuccessfully to cut down on Dexedrine use
  • Using Dexedrine even when it causes negative side effects and consequences
  • Compulsive and out-of-control use
  • Areas of a person’s life suffer because of Dexedrine use
  • Dexedrine becomes the top priority in someone’s life
What Are The Symptoms of Dexedrine Abuse?

Symptoms of Dexedrine abuse can include:

  • Irritability or restlessness
  • Seeming to be very excited, euphoric or confident
  • Having sleep problems or staying awake for long periods
  • Dry mouth
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Increased sociability
  • Working on things for extended periods of time with increased motivation and concentration
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in sex drive

People may also experience dizziness, upper abdominal pain, and feelings of nervousness.

Symptoms may include sweating, rapid heartbeat, feeling angry, head pain, throbbing or pounding of the head, sexual problems, trouble breathing and urinary tract infections.

Rare, severe side effects of Dexedrine abuse can include changes in heart rhythm, thoughts of suicide, psychosis, high blood pressure, hallucinations and even seizures or stroke.

What Does Dexedrine Look Like?

Dexedrine is usually prescribed in tablet form and is taken once a day; however, in some cases a person may be prescribed divided doses that are taken throughout the day.

There are immediate-release and extended-release versions of Dexedrine as well. The extended-release version of the drug is called Dexedrine Spansule. Dexedrine comes in the following forms:

  • In the 5 mg dosage, Dexedrine is orange and three-sided. The pill imprinted with “SKF E19.”
  • Dexedrine Spansule 5 mg is a brown capsule, imprinted with “3512” and “5 mg.”
  • Dexedrine Spansule 10 mg is a brown capsule, imprinted with “3513” and “10 mg.”
  • Dexedrine Spansule 15 mg is a brown and clear capsule, imprinted with “3514” and “15.”

There are other variations and dosages of the drug, but they look similar to the tablet and capsule descriptions above. They are imprinted with different numbers and have different colors that are intended to reflect the different dosages.

What Is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is a brand-name prescription drug, also known by its generic name dextroamphetamine. Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is primarily used to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is occasionally used to treat narcolepsy. It is sometimes recreationally abused to enhance athletic and cognitive ability, and as a euphoria-creating drug.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.