Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant that leaves people at high risk of abuse, dependence and addiction that can be hard to overcome without help.

Dextrostat, formerly a brand name for dextroamphetamine, is a controlled substance. Although the brand Dextrostat has been discontinued, dextroamphetamine is still available in other formulations. Like other stimulants, the Drug Enforcement Administration has determined that it has a high risk of abuse and dependence. For this reason, it is important to only ever take the drug as prescribed by a doctor. Overcoming a Dextrostat addiction is a challenge that is best undertaken with medical support.

Article at a Glance:

Dextrostat, formerly a brand name for dextroamphetamine, is a controlled substance that is prone to abuse

The drug is addictive because it alters the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain

Abusing the drug can lead to mental problems like psychosis and increase the risk of sudden death and cardiovascular problems

Because quitting can lead to withdrawal, finding a detox and rehab facility is key to successfully weaning off the agent

Dextrostat Addiction

Stimulants such as Dextrostat are prone to misuse because they can provide a feeling of euphoria when used in large doses. Up to 25% of people prescribed a stimulant like Dextrostat misuse the drug, often by taking more than prescribed. Dextrostat is listed as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, which means it has a high potential for misuse and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.

Even if taken as directed, it still has a risk for addiction. Whether it is being taken for medical purposes or recreationally, tolerance begins to develop. This often leads to misuse because someone might increase their dosage without medical consent to have the same results.

What is Dextrostat?

Dextrostat was formerly a brand name for dextroamphetamine. Other versions of dextroamphetamine are still sold under brand names like Dexedrine, ProCentra and  Zenzedi. They are commonly-prescribed stimulants used to treat symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and certain sleep disorders.

People may misuse the drug believing it boosts performance by improving focus and concentration. It is often perceived as a “study drug” for students and a productivity drug for workers. The problem with Dextrostat misuse is that the stimulant has a high addiction rate. If someone does not have ADHD, it produces a powerful psychostimulant effect since their brain already has an abundance of neurotransmitters.

Signs, Symptoms & Side Effects of Abuse

Similar to other stimulants, side effects of Dextrostat can include:

  • Nausea
  • Cramps
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Unpleasant taste
  • Nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Sweating
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness

Additional side effects and behavioral changes can occur when someone begins misusing the drug:

  • Severe weight loss
  • New or worsened insomnia
  • Aggression
  • Severe anxiety or paranoia
  • Little or no interest in other aspects of life like food, hobbies or social activities
  • Constantly seeking Dextrostat

Another potential risk is switching to a more powerful stimulant, like cocaine or crystal meth. Both drugs produce similar effects, although they are far more dangerous and illegal.

Overdose Symptoms

Further, abusing the drug can also increase overdose risk. An overdose from Dextrostat causes symptoms, including:

  • Tremor
  • Fast breathing
  • Confusion
  • Aggressiveness
  • Hallucinations
  • Panic states
  • Fever
  • Muscle problems
  • Cardiovascular collapse
  • Sudden death

If you suspect an overdose, you should immediately seek emergency medical attention as it can be fatal.

Some people may mix Dextrostat with other substances like alcohol. Drinking alcohol while taking Dextrostat can be dangerous. Taking a stimulant like Dextrostat can make you feel less drunk than you may really be, leading you to consume more alcohol than otherwise. If you have trouble controlling your drinking, especially if you are taking Dextrostat, you should seek medical advice.

Long-Term Consequences

Chronic Dextrostat misuse can lead to significant health problems, both physical and psychological. These include:

  • Psychosis
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Violence
  • Erratic behavior
  • Chest pain
  • Fast heartbeat

Dextrostat Withdrawal

Quitting stimulants “cold-turkey” can be difficult, in part because doing so can cause withdrawal symptoms. For this reason, you should consult your doctor or an addiction specialist before you try to stop taking Dextrostat.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Because Dextrostat is a stimulant, withdrawal can lead to significant mood and energy changes. Withdrawal symptoms are common, including:

  • Extreme fatigue
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems

Dextrostat cravings are also common during withdrawal, which can increase your risk of relapse.

Withdrawal Timeline

Typically, Dextrostat will be removed from the body within a few days but may stay in some individual’s systems longer than others. The drug has a half-life of around 12 hours, meaning that it takes your body an average of 12 hours to metabolize half of a single dose. Because it generally takes about five half-lives for your body to completely get rid of a drug, Dextrostat can stay in your body for about 60 hours.

Additionally, several factors influence how long it will stay in your system. These include metabolism, organ function, how long you have been taking Dextrostat, your dosage and whether you decided to taper off your treatment or stop cold-turkey.

If you are having trouble managing withdrawal symptoms, you may want to seek an accredited facility for drug detox. In this type of program, patients can safely detox from Dextrostat while medical professionals teach them coping skills on how to handle their unique withdrawal issues.

Dextrostat Addiction Treatment & Detox

Those seeking help in overcoming addiction may benefit from the several resources and treatment programs offered through The Recovery Village. Different types of rehab are available, including medical detox when you are newly quitting Dextrostat, and rehab treatment to get you ready to live life without Dextrostat.

Dextrostat Medical Detox

Misuse and long-term use of Dextrostat creates an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. However, quitting it cold-turkey can cause significant withdrawal and cravings. A detox program can help avoid relapses and lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms, helping a person remain substance-free.

Detoxification is often the first part of recovery, and it is highly recommended to detox under medical supervision. If a person struggling with addiction attempts to detox alone, it can be dangerous and harmful. In a medically-supervised environment, treatments can be given to ease withdrawal symptoms. These include medications to help stop Dextrostat cravings, as well as antidepressants for low moods that sometimes come from stimulant withdrawal.

Dextrostat Rehab

Long-term success requires changing habits that led people to take Dextrostat in the first place. This is where rehab comes in. After a successful Dextrostat detox, rehab can begin. This can include group and individual therapy sessions. Our team also addresses any co-occurring mental health disorders.

Inpatient Rehab
The Recovery Village offers inpatient rehab for people recovering from severe stimulant addiction. This program removes patients from temptation by keeping them overnight at the facility and provides counseling and access to medication for withdrawal symptoms. Receiving full-time care can make a big difference on the road to recovery.

Inpatient programs offer individual and group therapy. These sessions will help patients determine the cause of their addiction and teach them how to deal with everyday stressors that can lead to recurring use so they may continue their recovery.

Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab programs are different from inpatient programs. Patients do not live onsite but receive scheduled treatment and therapy sessions during the day at The Recovery Village.

Outpatient programs are recommended after inpatient treatment, although some choose outpatient rehab to start with if their addiction is not severe.

Choosing a Dextrostat Rehab Center

Choosing the rehab center that’s right for you or a loved one is an important step on the recovery journey. Set up a meeting with your doctor to discuss what you should look for in a center. How long you’ve been taking Dextrostat and your dosage levels should factor into this important decision.

The Recovery Village offers treatment programs across the country and each rehab center is dedicated to your long-term recovery and health. We make sure all of our patients are comfortable during recovery and we strive to meet their individual needs. To start the road to recovery, contact us today to speak with a representative and find a center closest to you.

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Editor – Melissa Carmona
Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders. Read more
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Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD
Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more
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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.