Dexamphetamine

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 (Emergency services are there to help and can provide instructions over the phone):

• 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

Coming down

Experiencing comedown effects is less likely when dexamphetamine is taken as prescribed, but some people may still may still experience a comedown or ‘crash’ after use.^13-16

Comedown effects can be more likely when dexamphetamine isn’t taken as prescribed (also called non-prescribed use) and can include feeling exhausted, restless sleep, irritability and anxiety.^13-16

If you experience any effects that worry you, speak with your prescribing doctor or specialist.

Long-term effects

Regular use of dexamphetamine over a long-period has been linked to:

• cardiovascular complications
• reduced growth (weight and height) in children.^13,14

Dexamphetamine and mental health

For some people, dexamphetamine use can lead to:

• increased anxiety
• trouble sleeping/insomnia
• psychosis/psychotic symptoms.¹⁸

The risk of experiencing psychosis or psychotic symptoms is higher when dexamphetamine isn’t taken as prescribed, especially for long periods at high doses. Psychosis is when someone loses the ability to distinguish between what is real and what isn’t real. It can includes symptoms such as paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations.^19,20

If you have a history of anxiety, insomnia or psychosis, speak with your prescribing doctor about whether dexamphetamine is suitable.¹⁸

Tolerance and dependence

For people who take dexamphetamine as prescribed, they may feel they depend on them to manage their condition and/or regular functioning. It’s also possible to build up a tolerance, where they may feel like they need higher doses to manage their condition.²¹ If you have any concerns around tolerance or dependence, speak with your prescribing doctor.

People who regularly use dexamphetamine not as prescribed can develop tolerance and become dependent on the drug.

Mixing dexamphetamine with other drugs

Mixing dexamphetamine with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

• Dexamphetamine and other stimulants (speed, ice, caffeine, cocaine etc.): Combined stimulants increase strain on heart, anxiety & risk of stroke.
• Dexamphetamine and alcohol: may feel less intoxicated due to stimulant effects of amphetamine and lead to drinking more. Increases risk of alcohol poisoning.
• Dexamphetamine and tricyclic antidepressants/MAOI inhibitors: increased heart rate and blood pressure.^22,23

Reducing Harm

There are ways you can reduce the risk of harm when taking dexamphetamine prescribed to you:

• Only take as prescribed and don’t change dose without first speaking with your prescribing doctor/specialist
• Check with your doctor before taking any other medications or supplements
• Until you know how dexamphetamine affects you, be careful when driving, operating machinery or doing heavy exercise
• Avoid mixing dexamphetamine with alcohol or other drugs Reducing the risk of harm from non-prescribed use:
• Use where you feel safe and with people you trust, and always tell someone what you’ve taken
• Avoid driving or operating machinery after use
• Always use sterile injecting equipment and never share injecting equipment
• Safely dispose of used injecting equipment
• if you’ve never used it before, start with a small amount and wait for effects
• avoid mixing with other drugs, including alcohol

Withdrawal

Most people don’t experience withdrawal effects after stopping if the recommended dose is taken. Some children stop taking the medication on the weekends and school holidays and do not experience any adverse effects.⁸

But some people may experience withdrawal effects. The risk of experiencing withdrawal is higher if using dexamphetamine non-prescribed over longer periods of time. Symptoms can include:

• cravings
• extreme fatigue/tiredness
• anxiety, depression or irritableness
• increased appetite
• restless sleep.²⁵

Getting Help

If your use of dexamphetamine is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about someone else, you can find help and support.

• Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs
• Help and Support Services search. Find a service in your local area from our list. Simply add your location or postcode and filter by service type to quickly discover help near you.

If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au