Dexamphetamine

What does dexamphetamine look like?

Dexamphetamine is usually a small, round, white tablet. It can also be a capsule⁴ and can come in immediate or sustained-release formulations.

Other names

Dexamphetamine Sulfate (Sigma), lisdexamfetamine, Vyvanse, dexies, dexy

How is dexamphetamine used?

Dexamphetamine is usually swallowed. It can also be crushed and snorted, or injected.

Effects of dexamphetamine

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug carries some risk. 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.⁵

In adults, attention deficit disorder is quite different —and the symptoms are unique for each individual.⁶ It is estimated that around 533,300 adults (aged 20+) have ADHD in Australia.⁷

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.

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, weight loss or slower growth (including height) in children.³

These side effects are generally mild, and mostly occur during the first few days of

treatment. They may disappear as the body adjusts to the treatment.³

The effects of the immediate-release tablet can last around 4 to 6 hours and the extended-release can last for approximately 8 to 12 hours.⁸

Overdose

If you take more than the recommended dose you may overdose.

Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you have any of the following symptoms:

• pain or tightness in the chest
• shortness of breath
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• seizures (fits)
• depression or irritability
• excitement, overactivity and uninhibited behaviour
• weakness in the limbs or face
• headache
• thoughts about suicide or self-harm
• confusion, delusion or hallucinations.³

Coming down

If the recommended dose is taken, there shouldn’t be any comedown effects.^{9, 10}

Long-term effects

Regular use of dexamphetamine may eventually cause:

• cardiovascular complications
• reduced growth (weight and height) in children^9,10

Dexamphetamine and mental health

If more than the recommended dose is taken, dexamphetamine may produce psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, delusion and hallucinations.³

Tolerance and dependence

If the recommended dose is taken, no tolerance or dependence should occur.³

If you’re taking dexamphetamine illicitly, however, there are more risks involved. Read the Reducing Harm section on the stimulants page.

Mixing dexamphetamine with other drugs

The effects of taking dexamphetamine with other drugs – including over the counter medications – can be unpredictable and dangerous. Caution

Dexamphetamine + alcohol can make unwanted side-effects such as nausea, headache and dizziness worse.³

Withdrawal

If the recommended dose is taken, no withdrawal effect should occur. Some children stop taking the medication on the weekends and school holidays and do not experience any adverse effects.⁵

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 a loved one, 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

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