Dextroamphetamine Sulfate: Uses, Side Warnings, & More

What Is Dextroamphetamine Sulfate?

Dextroamphetamine sulfate, classified as a stimulant, is a medication primarily used for ADHD medication for ages 6 to 17 years old and narcolepsy. It is the active ingredient in several brand-name medications including Dexedrine and Zenzedi. It works by enhancing certain brain chemicals to improve focus and control impulsivity in individuals with ADHD. It is known to have neurological effects such as increased alertness and attention. Common side effects encompass nausea, stomach upset, loss of appetite, headache, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. It’s important to note that dizziness, weight loss, and irritability are also possible reactions.¹  

How Does Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Work?

Dextroamphetamine sulfate works by affecting brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which help with paying attention and controlling impulses.² This medication boosts the amount of these chemicals, making it easier for the brain to focus and be less hyperactive, which in turn helps reduce ADHD symptoms.

This better balance of brain chemicals can lead to improved concentration, less restlessness, and better control over impulses, all of which together make ADHD symptoms better.

What Is Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Used to Treat?

Dextroamphetamine sulfate is FDA-approved for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which means it’s been tested and proven safe and effective for this purpose. Dextroamphetamine sulfate can also be used for narcolepsy, a rare sleep disorder. While it’s not common in children under 12, if they have narcolepsy, doctors might consider using dextroamphetamine sulfate. Before starting treatment, it’s always best to consult your doctor.

Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Dextroamphetamine sulfate dosages vary based on factors like age and response. It’s offered in SPANSULE capsules and tablets, both releasing the drug gradually. Capsules are in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg strengths, with color-coded marks, while tablets contain 5 mg.

SPANSULE capsules swiftly release an initial dose, followed by gradual release. The medication is approved for certain age groups, and dosages must be adjusted under medical supervision for the best results.

Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Forms & Strengths

Dextroamphetamine sulfate comes in SPANSULE sustained-release capsules and tablets. Capsules gradually release the medication over time in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg strengths, while tablets are 5 mg and taken in the morning. Inactive ingredients include cetyl alcohol and gelatin, while tablets contain 5 mg and extras like calcium sulfate.

Dosages vary for narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, tailored to individual needs. Healthcare providers occasionally assess the need for continued treatment.

Dextroamphetamine sulfate is available in the following forms and strengths:³

• SPANSULE sustained-release capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg
• Tablets: 5 mg

How Should I Take Dextroamphetamine Sulfate?

To take dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets correctly, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. The dose may be adjusted if necessary. Typically, the tablets are prescribed to be taken two or three times daily, with the first dose in the morning and additional doses spaced 4 to 6 hours apart during the day.¹

It’s important to adhere to your healthcare provider’s guidance for taking dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets. These tablets can usually be taken with or without food. If you’re unsure, consult your healthcare provider.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Dextroamphetamine Sulfate?

If you miss a dose of dextroamphetamine sulfate, take it as soon as you remember. However, it’s important not to take extra doses or abruptly stop taking the medication to catch up. Changing the dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider can disrupt the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. If you have concerns about missed doses, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine Sulfate

Dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets can cause side effects like fast heartbeat, headache, upset stomach, and more. Some side effects stay while others are temporary as your body adjusts. Serious effects include addiction, overdose risk, mental health changes, and heart problems.

Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is important. If severe side effects like allergic reactions, heart issues, or mental changes occur, seek prompt medical attention.

Common Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine Sulfate

Common side effects of dextroamphetamine sulfate may occur as a result of the medication’s action. Side effects such as headache, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, weight loss, and tremors are some of the frequently reported effects. If you experience any concerning or persistent side effects, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider for appropriate guidance.

Common side effects of dextroamphetamine sulfate include:¹

• Rapid heart rate
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Reduced appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight loss
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

*All medications, including dextroamphetamine sulfate, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine Sulfate

Serious side effects of dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets can occur and may warrant immediate medical attention. These include slowing of growth in children, seizures, circulation problems in fingers and toes, risks for people with serious heart disease, increased blood pressure and heart rate, and mental health concerns.

Serious side effects of dextroamphetamine sulfate may include:¹

• Allergic reactions: rash, hives, difficulty breathing, facial swelling
• Heart problems: heart attack, fast heart rate, high blood pressure
• Brain-related problems: seizures, stroke
• Mental (psychiatric) problems: new or worsened behavior or thought issues, bipolar illness, psychotic symptoms
• Serotonin syndrome: rapid heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, confusion
• Slowing of growth (height and weight) in children
• Seizures
• Circulation problems in fingers and toes: peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon)

*All medications, including dextroamphetamine sulfate, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Allergic Reactions to Dextroamphetamine Sulfate

Allergic reactions to dextroamphetamine sulfate are possible and can manifest in various ways. People allergic to other drugs or ingredients, especially those susceptible to FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine), might also react to dextroamphetamine sulfate.

FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine) is a coloring agent used in tablets, and it can cause allergic-type reactions, including bronchial asthma, in certain susceptible individuals.⁴

Allergic reactions to dextroamphetamine sulfate may include:¹

• Rash
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Allergic urticaria – a medical term for hives – is a skin condition characterized by raised, itchy welts.

If you experience any of these allergic reactions to dextroamphetamine sulfate, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Your healthcare provider will guide you on whether to continue with the medication or consider alternative options.

Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Warnings & Precautions

Taking dextroamphetamine sulfate carries risks, including misuse and addiction, heart concerns, increased blood pressure, psychiatric reactions, growth issues in children, serotonin syndrome, tics, and circulatory problems. Seek medical help if needed and follow the healthcare provider’s advice for safety.

Precautions for taking dextroamphetamine sulfate include:¹

• Abuse, misuse, and addiction: Dextroamphetamine sulfate has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to addiction and overdose. Patients and their families should be educated about these risks and proper drug disposal.
• Cardiovascular problems: Patients with serious cardiac issues are at risk of sudden death when using dextroamphetamine sulfate. Avoid its use if you have structural heart abnormalities or serious heart diseases.
• Blood pressure and heart rate: The medication can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Monitor for potential tachycardia and hypertension.
• Psychiatric problems: Dextroamphetamine sulfate may induce manic episodes, worsen pre-existing psychosis, or cause psychotic symptoms.
• Long-term pediatric effects: Pediatric patients may experience weight loss and slowed growth. Closely monitor your child’s growth during treatment and discuss any concern’s with your child’s doctor.
• Seizures: The drug may lower the seizure threshold, particularly in patients with a history of seizures or EEG abnormalities.
• Circulation problems: Stimulants can lead to peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon, which may cause intermittent numbness, coldness, and color changes in fingers and toes.
• Serotonin syndrome: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening reaction that can occur when certain medications cause an excessive serotonin in the brain, leading to symptoms like confusion, agitation, and rapid heart rate.
• Tics and Tourette’s syndrome: The medication may trigger or worsen motor and verbal tics, including Tourette’s syndrome.
• Impaired ability: Dextroamphetamine sulfate can impair the ability to engage in activities that could potentially be hazardous, such as operating machinery or vehicles.

Interactions With Dextroamphetamine Sulfate

When taking dextroamphetamine sulfate, it’s important to be aware of potentially harmful interactions with other medications, substances, and herbs that could affect its effectiveness and safety.

20 substances you should avoid while taking dextroamphetamine sulfate include:¹

• MAO inhibitors: Mixing MAOIs with dextroamphetamine sulfate can lead to severe high blood pressure, headaches, and even dangerous reactions in the nervous system.
• Serotonergic drugs: Using dextroamphetamine sulfate with drugs that affect serotonin levels, like certain antidepressants, can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome. This can result in agitation, confusion, and even life-threatening symptoms
• CYP2D6 inhibitors: When taken together, these inhibitors can increase the effects of dextroamphetamine sulfate and raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Acidifying agents: Some medications that make the digestive system more acidic can reduce how well amphetamines are absorbed, making them less effective.
• Adrenergic blockers: These are medications that block the effects of adrenaline. When combined with amphetamines, their effectiveness can be reduced.
• Alkalinizing agents: These substances can make the digestive system having a higher pH and increase the absorption of amphetamines, potentially leading to stronger effects.
• Antidepressants, tricyclic: These medications, when mixed with amphetamines, can increase the concentration of amphetamines in the brain, potentially causing cardiovascular effects.
• Antihistamines: Antihistamines can reduce concentration and focus.
• Antihypertensives: Medications used to lower high blood pressure might have reduced effects when taken with amphetamines.
• Chlorpromazine: This medication, used to treat certain mental health conditions, can block the effects of amphetamines and is sometimes used to treat certain symptoms of amphetamine toxicity.
• Ethosuximide: Amphetamines can slow down the absorption of this medication used for seizures.
• Lithium carbonate: The stimulating effects of amphetamines may be lessened by lithium carbonate.
• Norepinephrine: Amphetamines can enhance the effects of norepinephrine, a hormone that affects various body functions.
• Phenobarbital: The absorption of phenobarbital, used for seizures, may be delayed when taken with amphetamines.
• Phenytoin: Similar to phenobarbital, the absorption of phenytoin can be slowed down by amphetamines.
• Propoxyphene: In cases of overdose, the stimulation caused by amphetamines can lead to dangerous convulsions.
• Veratrum alkaloids: Amphetamines can lessen the blood pressure-lowering effects of veratrum alkaloids.

Can You Become Addicted to Dextroamphetamine Sulfate?

Dextroamphetamine sulfate carries a risk of addiction due to its classification as a Schedule II controlled substance known for potential abuse and dependency. (FN3) Misuse of these amphetamines can result in higher required doses, psychological dependence, and disruptions in daily life.

Healthcare providers should carefully monitor, prescribe appropriate doses, and assess ongoing necessity, along with setting limits, scheduling follow-up visits, and maintaining open patient-provider dialogue to deter misuse.

If dependence emerges, supervised discontinuation or structured detoxification may be necessary for a safe transition, emphasizing collaboration with healthcare professionals to manage these risks effectively.

Can You Overdose on Dextroamphetamine Sulfate?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on dextroamphetamine sulfate. Individual responses to amphetamines can vary significantly. While toxic symptoms are rare at doses below 15 mg, severe reactions can occur with doses of 30 mg or higher, and doses of 400 to 500 mg are not necessarily fatal.³

Taking too much amphetamine can cause various symptoms, such as restlessness, increased tremors, hallucinations, high fever, and anxiety. Other symptoms can be cardiovascular issues, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps might happen too. In serious cases, convulsions, fatal poisoning, or coma may occur.

If someone is suspected of overdosing on dextroamphetamine sulfate, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Dextroamphetamine Sulfate?

If you’ve taken too much dextroamphetamine sulfate, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room. It’s important to inform them about the amount and timing of the medication you’ve taken.

Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Cost & Prices

The cost of dextroamphetamine sulfate can vary depending on whether you opt for the generic version or the brand-name one. Generally, the generic option tends to be more affordable. The lowest price for generic dextroamphetamine is around $17.61.⁵

To save on your prescription, it’s recommended to explore generic alternatives and take advantage of available discounts or coupons.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Dextroamphetamine Sulfate

If you’re considering dextroamphetamine sulfate, it’s important to ask your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist questions about its effects, interactions, dosing, and managing side effects. If you need to switch to an alternative way to seek professional help, online psychiatry services can provide a convenient solution for continued care and support.

Questions to ask your care team about dextroamphetamine sulfate include:

• How long is the typical adjustment period when starting dextroamphetamine sulfate?
• Should I be concerned about potential interactions if I’m already on anxiety or depression medications?
• What dosage would minimize the likelihood of experiencing side effects?
• What’s important to share with my psychiatrist regarding this new medication?
• Are there specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should consider while taking dextroamphetamine sulfate?
• How frequently should I have follow-up appointments to monitor my progress?
• What are the signs that the medication is working effectively?
• Are there any specific activities or substances I should avoid while on dextroamphetamine sulfate?
• Can I engage in online psychiatry services if I need to change prescribers or require adjustments to my treatment plan?
• What alternative treatments or strategies could complement my dextroamphetamine sulfate therapy?
• Are there potential long-term effects I should be aware of with continued use of this medication?