Dexedrine is a branded drug that includes the generic active ingredient dextroamphetamine. Dexedrine is a prescription medication that works as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.

It is used to manage symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. Dexedrine is comparable to other ADHD medications, such as Adderall, and is designated as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States.

This classification indicates that although Dexedrine has significant legitimate medical applications, it also carries a significant potential for serious abuse and dependence.

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Dexedrine Abuse and Addiction

As per the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, roughly 12.2 million people stated they had used prescription amphetamines like Dexedrine, while almost 5.3 million people indicated they had misused prescription amphetamines at least once over the past year. Addiction to Dexedrine can have detrimental effects on physical and psychological health.

Common signs and symptoms of Dexedrine medication addiction include:

Heightened tolerance

As time passes, individuals require larger doses of the medication to attain the intended effects or to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Compulsive consumption

Individuals with addiction frequently use Dexedrine compulsively despite its adverse effects. They might experience a continual urge to use the substance and struggle to manage or reduce their consumption.

Overlooking responsibilities

Dexedrine dependence may result in the disregard of vital commitments, such as work, education, and family duties.

Social isolation

Social connections might deteriorate as individuals prioritize substance use over interpersonal relationships and retreat from social engagements.

Monetary concerns

Drug dependency may result in financial issues and potentially turning to illicit activities to support the addiction.

Physical and psychological aspects

These include heart problems, sleep issues, paranoia, hallucinations, and changes in mood.

Failure to stop using

Multiple unsuccessful efforts to cease or reduce Dexedrine use signal addiction.

Loss of enthusiasm

Dexedrine’s long-term effects might entail a disinterest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed.

Dexedrine Withdrawal Symptoms

Dexedrine alters neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine. As the brain adapts to the effects of Dexedrine, it relies on the drug’s presence in the body for normal functioning. If an individual is dependent on or addicted to Dexedrine and abruptly ceases its use or stops ‘cold turkey’, they might experience withdrawal symptoms.

Common Dexedrine Withdrawal Symptoms

Common Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Aches and pains
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Cognitive impairments
• Cravings
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Lack of feeling of pleasure
• Low mood
• Oversleeping
• Restlessness
• Slowed movement
• Vivid dreams or nightmares

Severe Dexedrine Withdrawal Symptoms

Severe Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms include:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Extreme mood swings (depression, aggression)
• Severe anxiety
• Severe psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia) – this risk is higher in individuals with preexisting mental health issues or those who have previously struggled with substance abuse.

Dexedrine Withdrawal Timeline

Each individual is different regarding the duration of Dexedrine withdrawal symptoms. Certain individuals might encounter less intense withdrawal symptoms compared to others. Individuals with a quicker metabolism or those who are healthier and younger might experience milder withdrawal symptoms.

Although it primarily varies with the person and how much Dexedrine they have used, there are some general projections for the timeline of Dexedrine withdrawal. Additionally, Dexedrine and medications for ADHD generally have somewhat longer detox durations compared to quicker-acting illicit amphetamines like meth.

For most individuals, withdrawal from Dexedrine starts with a ‘crash’ phase when the drug’s effects begin to diminish. Signs of a Dexedrine crash may involve exhaustion, lack of motivation, and feelings of depression. Symptoms of a Dexedrine crash typically persist for several hours to a full day after an individual stops taking the medication.

After the final dose of Dexedrine, a person will begin to experience the true symptoms of withdrawal within 24 hours. These signs may involve sensations of fatigue, hunger, and thirst. These symptoms may persist for as long as five days following the final dose of the medication.

Most Dexedrine withdrawal effects typically resolve within approximately two weeks, but certain psychological symptoms might persist for several months.

Initial 36 to 48 hours

• Low energy
• Overindulgent sleeping
• Tiredness
• Lethargy
• Excessive eating
• Certain cravings (less intense than subsequent stages)

Subsequent 2 to 5 days

• Substance cravings
• Alterations in mood (irritability, anxiety, depression)
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Lethargy

Following 5 days (sometimes extending to several weeks)

• A psychotic disorder might emerge, particularly if the person has previously experienced psychotic symptoms or substance use.
• Some individuals might still feel drug cravings that need therapy for management.

Dexedrine Cessation Timeline

Gradually reducing the dosage of Dexedrine can be helpful when discontinuing its use. This may assist in alleviating the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and the likelihood of relapse. People using low doses of Dexedrine for a brief duration may not require tapering or could potentially stop using the drug completely in a short time.

However, people who have used high doses of Dexedrine for an extended time might need a gradual and slow tapering off to avoid intense withdrawal symptoms. This may differ based on the person’s requirements and could require several weeks or months with gradual decreases in dosage.

Dose reductions may be delayed or halted throughout the cessation process to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Your physician should oversee and provide guidance during this procedure.

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Is Dexedrine Safe to Withdraw from at Home?

Withdrawing from Dexedrine can be intense or potentially life-threatening in certain instances, making it generally inadvisable to do so at home. It could be safe for people who have taken small doses for a brief duration, as directed. However, individuals who have taken high and extended doses of Dexedrine should not attempt to quit the substance at home or without expert guidance, as they could face intense withdrawal symptoms that necessitate care.

Occasionally, individuals prescribed Dexedrine pause their medication for a day or two and do not experience any negative effects. Nonetheless, it is recommended to recognize the risks and possible withdrawal signs and to seek guidance from a professional, who can suggest ways to approach this safely.

Overall, it is advised that people consult a medical professional about how to safely taper or discontinue Dexedrine use. It is not recommended to suddenly discontinue Dexedrine, particularly after extensive use, as this may elevate the risk of intense withdrawal symptoms.

In addition, there are several important factors to consider during withdrawal. Firstly, refrain from discontinuing Dexedrine ‘cold turkey’. Most physicians advise patients to gradually reduce their Dexedrine dosage until they ultimately cease using it entirely. Slowly reducing the dosage can lessen or potentially remove the symptoms associated with Dexedrine withdrawal.

Secondly, having medical care is also crucial when undergoing detox from any amphetamine substance. Although amphetamine detox typically isn’t life-threatening, serious symptoms and complications can occur.

Dexedrine Detox Treatment

For certain substances, there are particular medications that can be utilized as therapies during detoxification. This does not apply to amphetamines such as Dexedrine. Although there is no single treatment for Dexedrine detox, a patient may receive different medications during a monitored or medical detox. Overall, the aim of Dexedrine detox medication is typically to address the symptoms as they arise.

Here’s what Dexedrine detox treatment usually involves:

• Professional services to obtain assistance and care during Dexedrine detoxification. This can be offered via an outpatient service, where individuals can go to appointments with a physician to obtain medicinal and/or therapeutic assistance.
• Alternatively, individuals may access inpatient services, like a rehabilitation center, where experts offer ongoing supervision and treatment of withdrawal symptoms through medication, group and individual therapy, as well as holistic methods.
• Detoxification should be initiated as soon as possible before decreasing or discontinuing Dexedrine, since withdrawal symptoms may surface within 24 hours. This therapy typically lasts about two weeks, or until intense withdrawal symptoms subside.

As mentioned, no medications are approved for Dexedrine detox treatment. However, the following medications can be employed temporarily to alleviate withdrawal symptoms:

• Antidepressants, especially mirtazapine, to alleviate anxiety and depression
• Benzodiazepines for treating insomnia, irritability, and aggression
• Antipsychotics, when necessary for addressing psychotic symptoms

Alongside medication, various therapeutic modalities can be implemented to assist the withdrawal and recovery period. Therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be employed to mitigate addictive behaviors, address underlying mental health concerns, develop coping techniques for handling cravings, and avert relapse. Throughout Dexedrine detox, both appetite and sleep will be notably disrupted, necessitating professional assistance in addressing these aspects during detoxification and recovery.

Additional treatments may be initiated or sustained after the detox phase, such as psychotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and support groups, which can aid in enhancing recovery.

Dexedrine: Uses, Side Effects, and Risks of Stimulant Abuse

Dextroamphetamine is the active generic component found in the brand-name medication Dexedrine. Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant that falls under the category of amphetamines. It is prescribed for alleviating symptoms of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dexedrine is designated as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. This classification indicates that Dexedrine has medical applications but also carries a significant potential for serious abuse and dependency.

Dexedrine alters neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly affecting dopamine levels. When the brain adapts to the effects of Dexedrine, it relies on the drug’s presence in the body to operate normally. If an individual relies on Dexedrine and abruptly ceases its use or quits ‘cold turkey’, they could encounter withdrawal symptoms.

Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) Side Effects

Common side effects of Dexedrine include:

• Nausea
• Stomachache
• Cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping
• Sweating
• Weight loss
• Irritability
• Restlessness

Severe side effects include:

• Increases blood pressure
• Blood flow problems in the fingers or toes (such as coldness or numbness)
• Skin color changes
• Unusual wounds on the fingers or toes
• Mental/mood/behavior changes (such as agitation or aggression)
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Abnormal thoughts/behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• Uncontrolled movements
• Muscle twitching/shaking
• Change in sexual ability/interest
• Swelling in ankles/feet
• Extreme tiredness
• Significant unexplained weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Fainting
• Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
• Seizures
• Trouble speaking
• Confusion
• Blurred vision

Stimulant Addiction and Abuse

Stimulants comprise a broad array of substances that feature both legally and illegally used drugs, serving various effects and functions. Although certain stimulants are mainly utilized unlawfully (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine), others have a medical function (e.g., Adderall, which is prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms).

The misuse of specific stimulants can lead to numerous negative effects, including psychosis, paranoia, and aggression, and may heighten the chances of overdose toxicity along with serious physical consequences like heart attack, seizure, and stroke. Some stimulants can lead to addiction, diagnosed by professionals as a stimulant use disorder.

Dexedrine | FAQs

What are the stages of Dexedrine withdrawal?

Dexedrine withdrawal generally begins with a ‘crash’ phase when the effects of the medication start to fade. Signs of a Dexedrine crash usually last for several hours up to an entire day following the cessation of the medication. Following the last dose of Dexedrine, an individual will start to feel the actual withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours. These symptoms could continue for up to five days after the last dose of the medication. Most withdrawal effects from Dexedrine usually resolve in about two weeks, although some psychological symptoms may continue for several months.

What are the symptoms of Dexedrine withdrawal?

When someone is dependent on Dexedrine and tries to quit or lessen usage, they might encounter withdrawal symptoms such as tiredness, sadness, anxiety, restlessness, and strong urges for the medication.

What is the best treatment option for Dexedrine withdrawal?

Inpatient or residential rehab programs offer a supportive and structured setting for individuals aiming to recover fully and safely from Dexedrine addiction. These programs provide round-the-clock medical and therapeutic assistance and generally extend for 30 days or more, based on personal requirements.

Get a Safe Detox for Prescription Drug Withdrawal at Gratitude Lodge

If you or a loved one are struggling with Dexedrine addiction, Gratitude Lodge offers a specialized drug & alcohol medical detox program to help you beat the addiction and regain control of your life.

Our monitored medical detox helps you initiate the journey of liberating yourself from the physical and mental hold of prescription medications. A group of experienced healthcare providers will carefully oversee your progress, modify treatment as needed, and offer essential support to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and safeguard your well-being during the prescription medication detoxification process. This important step lays the groundwork for effective recovery, enabling you to take charge of your life and start a journey toward health and wellness.

For more information, contact us today at 844-576-0144

Sources

1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/017078s052lbl.pdf
2. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29394/NSDUHDetailedTabs2019/NSDUHDetailedTabs2019.pdf
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18698321/