Dexedrine- An Effective ADHD Medication

What is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is the brand name for Dextroamphetamine, a drug used for treating ADHD (attention deficit-hyper activity disorder) and it has been in use for more than 50 years. It belongs to a group of medications known as brain stimulants. Apart from ADHD, Dexedrine is used for treating narcolepsy, which is a severe sleep disorder, exogenous obesity which is caused by overeating and for treatment-resistant depression.

Other than medical usages, dexedrine has military, experimental as well as recreational usages also.

Dexedrine in Military

Dexedrine, since it is a stimulant, essentially helps people to remain alert and focused for a longer period of time despite fatigue. It is because of this feature of the drug that the U.S. Air Force has recognized the use among its pilots on duty.

Dexedrine as an Experimental Drug

Apart from the mainstream uses, other areas where the drug can be applied are still being explored by researchers. One such area where the drug was successfully used on an experimental basis is in different types of depressions and certain psychiatric syndromes. In another research, it was proved that dexedrine effectively reduces fatigue among cancer patients. It is also tested as antidepressant for HIV patients. Experiments are being conducted to find out whether the drug could be used during physiotherapy sessions of stroke patients.

Recreational uses of Dexedrine

Dexedrine takes the form a party drug for its properties to create a sense of euphoria. Since it has the ability to provide attentiveness and focus to the user, it is also used as a study aid.

Effects of Dexedrine

The effects of dexedrine can be either physical, mental or both. Dexedrine is also known to have withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped.

Physical Effects of Dexedrine

The physical effects of Dexedrine when taken in prescribed dosage include, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, hypertension, increased heart rates, hypotension, restlessness, anorexia, insomnia, tremors, pupil dilation, headaches and flushing.

Dexedrine is a dangerous medicine and should not be taken in higher dosages than prescribed. Chronic use could lead to conditions like, stroke, convulsions, heart attacks and even death.

Mental/Psychological Effects of Dexedrine

Dexedrine's psychological effects include increased focus, alertness, anxiety, and a sense of euphoria. It also gives the user confidence, energy and sociability. Some of the adverse psychological effects include aggressiveness, irritability, hallucinations and psychosomatic disorders. Often, users will experience a feeling of having superhuman powers and invincibility. Chronic users could often encounter episodes paranoia and may show obsessive behavior.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Dexedrine

Dexedrine users find themselves displaying withdrawal symptoms once they stop taking the drug. Symptoms include increased appetite, depression and fatigue. Anxiety, excessive sleeping, agitation and headaches also may occur. The frequency and severity of the symptoms depends on the length of usage. An occasional user might find the symptoms to last for only days, while for a long term user, it could last for months.

Who can take Dexedrine?

The minimum age for consuming dexedrine is 3 years. A medical practitioner, after assessing the condition of the patient could suggest the dosage and the timing of the medication.

Who should not Take Dexedrine?

• People who are allergic to other ADHD medications or to any ingredient in Dexedrine should not consume it.
• Those who have a history of alcohol and drug abuse should stay away from the medicine.
• Those who have high blood pressure, thickening of the arteries, Glaucoma or thyroid complications are advised not to consume dexedrine.

Things to know before taking Dexedrine

• If you are taking any other prescription medications or herbal medications, you should let your doctor know about it. Because, dexedrine could interact with them and lead into complications.

• Pregnant women and those who are planning to get pregnant should not take the drug. Breast feeding mothers are also advised to stay away from using this medication.

• If a person has depression or any other psychological conditions like bipolar disease, should let their doctor know of it.

• Anyone with heart problems, high blood pressure or thyroid problems should discuss it with their doctor. In fact any medical problems, recent or not should be discussed with the doctor before taking dexedrine.

Dexedrine as an Addictive

Dexedrine, with its ability to invoke a feeling of euphoria among users has the potential to be abused. People who do not have ADHD are more prone to be addicted to dexedrine.