Doctors might prescribe the drug Dexedrine to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or sleep disorders. A form of amphetamine, the drug has stimulating effects that may enhance cognitive and physical performance, but abusing the drug can endanger the user’s mental and physical health.
Some athletes, sports enthusiasts, and military service members have used Dexedrine for physical and cognitive performances. Other people have used Dexedrine for euphoric and aphrodisiac purposes.
Military personnel have used Dexedrine as an energy pill and stimulant during tedious missions. The drug may have helped them feel better in the field, but misusing the substance may have led them to become dependent on it and suffer from side effects.
Dexedrine is a brand name for the drug with the generic name dextroamphetamine. It is a type of a drug known as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and it treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep problems such as narcolepsy, a condition that causes immediate sleepiness or sleep.
Consumers may find the drug available in both extended-release and instant-release forms. The extended-release form provides a slower and steadier release of Dexedrine into the body. Because of this gradual release, the effects of the extended-release form last for longer periods of time.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that the persistent use of amphetamine-like drugs such as Dexedrine may lead to drug addiction. This is a reason why this medication is controlled and may only be legally acquired with the use of a prescription.
Dexedrine stimulates the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Users experiment with Dexedrine as a way to temporarily enhance their cognitive and physical abilities, which sometimes leads people to call the drug a study drug or a smart pill.
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Some of them exploit Dexedrine for personal needs and pleasures, not to treat ADHD or narcolepsy. These people use the drug to feel high, to stay awake for certain tasks, and to boost their productivity at school or work. They claim that using Dexedrine gives them peaceful feelings and relieves their stress.
For people who do not have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or sleep disorders, Dexedrine may improve short-term energy, focus, and motivation, but prolonged use may lead to problems. Despite such risks, people use Dexedrine to help them with their problems, even if they do not have prescriptions or instructions from their doctors.
If you are considering a prescription for Dexedrine, it is a good idea to inform your physician if you have a history of addiction to stimulants or other drugs.
All forms of the drug amphetamine have the potential for abuse and addiction, including Dexedrine. As mentioned above, there are people who abuse Dexedrine by using it for recreational reasons. Some people use Dexedrine and other types of amphetamines to boost athletic performances or lose weight. But the side effects of Dexedrine may pose serious health concerns, including:
- Restlessness and difficulty sleeping
- Aggression
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Delusional thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Anorexia
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
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If you cannot stop using Dexedrine despite serious warning signs and harmful effects, it might be time to seek help. If you observe changes in someone taking this drug, early intervention may go a long way in preventing further dependence and addiction.
Using Dexedrine may create short-term and long-term effects. It may bring feelings of calmness and relaxation and make users feel satisfied and happy.
This is why people who feel lonely and depressed may take this drug, to help them escape from their problems. But with continued and repeated use, people may become dependent and tolerant to lower doses of the drug.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Dexedrine and similar amphetamines are schedule II controlled substances, a category of drugs with a high potential for misuse and abuse. These types of drugs are regulated and require prescriptions to obtain them.
With prolonged use and increases in dosage, people may become dependent on drugs and develop an addiction. It may be difficult to stop using Dexedrine and other drugs with only one’s own efforts. In addition, many people who are addicted to drugs are in denial about their condition. This is where medical intervention may help.
Short-term Effects
- Temporary treatment for ADHD and sleep conditions such as narcolepsy
- Short-lived feelings of euphoria or gratification
Long-term Effects
- Dependence on Dexedrine and other amphetamines
- Loss of mental control
- Insomnia due to high energy levels
- Difficulties with making good choices
- Psychotic indications such as illusions, delusional thinking, suspicion, and problems with reality
- Physical or verbal violence
People misuse Dexedrine and other drugs. A 2017 survey found that just under 5 percent of college students in the state of Indiana used smart drugs such as Dexedrine without prescriptions in the previous month.
Dexedrine has been used to treat patients with ADHD and narcolepsy. Today, doctors often prescribe newer drugs with similar chemical compositions but different terms of delivery. Some of the drugs include Vyvanse and Adderall. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned that drugs for ADHD may increase the risk of cardiac problems such as heart attacks (also known as myocardial infarctions or MIs).
Drugs may be harmful even if taken as prescribed by doctors, so misusing them may be very dangerous. People might buy or steal the drug from others or fake the symptoms of ADHD in order to obtain Dexedrine and other substances.
Using Other Substances with Dexedrine
Using Dexedrine with other drugs may have negative impacts on drug users. When used with other drugs, Dexedrine may cause various reactions.
Inform your doctor about other medications or supplements you may be taking. This will help your doctor know if Dexedrine is compatible with your prescriptions or supplements or if combining the substances may cause problems. Your doctor may also give you advice about using or discontinuing Dexedrine or other medications.
Alcohol is another substance that may pose serious effects when combined with Dexedrine. Some people may do this unintentionally. They may drink alcohol not knowing that it may interact with prescription medications such as Dexedrine.
Other people may intentionally combine Dexedrine and alcohol. They may do so because alcohol is a depressant and drinking it might balance the stimulating effects of Dexedrine. The combination of alcohol and Dexedrine may be dangerous to the cardiovascular system.
Combining the two substances may cause elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and chest pain. Alcohol may increase the effect of drugs such as Dexedrine.
At the same time, Dexedrine also masks the effects of alcohol. The person drinking alcohol might not feel drunk and continue to consume large amounts of alcohol. This can be life-threatening and, in some cases, lead to death from alcohol poisoning.
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Recognizing Dexedrine Abuse
One of the first steps toward recovery is acknowledging the issue of drug abuse and the difficulty of breaking free from its grasp. Some people continue taking the drug because they are in denial. They think it is easy to stop using it at any time. If they try to stop without medical support, there is a good chance that they will face difficulties because they are struggling with the symptoms of withdrawal.
Athletes, students, and performers might be prone to addiction because they believe that Dexedrine helps them focus on their performances. If they do not have ADHD or other medical conditions, and if they use it without medical supervision, they could be harming themselves.
Some people with mental and physical health problems might misuse Dexedrine. Even if they see improvements in their conditions, some might continue to use Dexedrine to feel high and fuel their dependence to the drug.
If you have a loved one who is taking Dexedrine and you observe physical or mental changes in him or her, this person may be addicted to the drug. Monitoring people’s actions and looking for signs of addiction may help you determine if they are abusing drugs such as Dexedrine.
Dexedrine Addiction Treatment
Recovery from Dexedrine addiction is possible. There are several programs and treatment options available. Before enrolling in a particular type of treatment, people should undergo consultations and assessments.
The screenings allow physicians and other professionals to assess the conditions of clients and the degree and extent of their addictions. Such screenings also help professionals work with their clients to develop more effective treatment programs.
When searching for treatment for Dexedrine addiction, it is important to find credible therapists and facilities. Asking professionals, talking with others who have sought treatment, and reading customer reviews may help you find the right treatments and medical providers.
Positive results do not occur solely because of facilities or treatment programs. The most effective treatments also involve effort from clients.
Without cooperation from clients, the road to recovery is a difficult battle. Some treatments for Dexedrine abuse include:
- 12-step programs and other support groups
- Different forms of therapy
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
Detoxification (detox) is another important step in the recovery process. During detox, medical professionals provide medical supervision and monitoring to prevent the life-threatening effects that withdrawing from drugs and alcohol may cause. Detox cleanses the body by removing harmful substances (toxins).
By participating in detox procedures, people are taking an important step toward rehabilitation. Detox allows people to regain their health, physically and mentally. The effects of withdrawal are different from one person to another and detox approaches may differ depending on the person.
People are often unaware of the effects of Dexedrine. They may not know that people may misuse and abuse it. They may consider it safe because doctors prescribe it.
Dexedrine is an amphetamine drug that is a brain and central nervous (CNS) system stimulant. It has helped manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Despite its benefits, Dexedrine may be a habit-forming drug that may lead to addiction.
Rehabilitation and recovery from Dexedrine addiction are possible. It starts with the awareness that you need help and will accept your condition. Acknowledging that there is a problem with addiction will help you find a way toward recovery.
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