How to Take, Risks, and Differences from Other ADHD Meds

Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) is a psychostimulant medication prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Like other stimulant medications for ADHD, Dexedrine works on the central nervous system and increases brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), especially dopamine and norepinephrine. For someone with ADHD, having more of these neurotransmitters can improve their focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

This article will cover taking Dexedrine for ADHD as well as how Dexedrine differs from other ADHD medications.

How to Take Dexedrine for ADHD

Dexedrine is a brand name for a drug that contains a stimulant called dextroamphetamine. The generic version of Dexedrine is called dextroamphetamine. Both short-acting tablets and Dexedrine Spansule capsules are available in generic versions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both versions of Dexedrine for treating ADHD in children aged 6 and older.

Forms and Doses

The medication comes in tablets and capsules called Dexedrine Spansule. Dexedrine tablets are short-acting and are effective for about four to six hours. They are usually taken two or three times per day. Dexedrine Spansule is extended-release and is typically effective for eight to 12 hours. When a capsule is taken, the first dose is released right away, and the remaining medication is released gradually. It is taken once per day.

Short-acting Dexedrine tablets are available in 5-milligram (mg) and 10-mg dosages. Dexedrine Spansule is available in 5-mg, 10-mg, and 15-mg capsules.

Your provider will work closely with you to find the right dose for you or your child. Typically, the lowest dose is tried first. The dose can be gradually increased by 5 mg until a dose is found that helps with ADHD symptoms. Dexedrine doses range from 5 mg to 40 mg.

How to Store It

Keep your medication in a safe place, away from other people and pets. Store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature (68–72 degrees F) away from sunlight.

Why Is Dexedrine Not Prescribed Anymore?

Dexedrine is still prescribed for ADHD, just less often than newer drugs. Dexedrine is one of the oldest stimulant medications. Here is a quick look at its history:

• 1930s: In the mid-1930s, an American pharmaceutical company called Smith, Kline & French first marketed a product called Dexedrine.
• 1960s: The United States passed a law that required all drugs on the market to be effective and safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began the Drug Efficacy Study Implementation (DESI) program, which evaluated all the drugs that were available before 1962. During the DESI process, Dexedrine was approved for narcolepsy and “hyperkinetic disorder of childhood.” This was a name for the condition we now call ADHD.
• In 1976, Dexedrine Spansule was approved. It was available before this date but had not been formally approved under the modern FDA approval standards.
• 1990s: In the early 1990s, several companies were making dextroamphetamine.

Today, Dexedrine is not as widely prescribed as more modern stimulant medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin.

Some people who have taken Dexedrine switch to a newer ADHD drug, but not everyone does. Your provider may prescribe Dexedrine if you tried a newer ADHD medication, but it hasn’t helped with your symptoms.

Dexedrine vs. Other ADHD Meds

There are two kinds of stimulants used to treat ADHD: amphetamine and methylphenidate.

• Dexedrine, Adderall, and Vyvanse are all amphetamines.
• Ritalin and Concerta are part of the methylphenidate drug family.

There are also non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, such as Strattera, Qulbree, Kapvay, and Intuniv. These drugs do not contain dextroamphetamine or any other stimulant.

Is Dexedrine Equivalent to Adderall?

Dexedrine and Adderall are the same kind of ADHD medication, but they’re not equal. Adderall contains dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, while Dexedrine only contains dextroamphetamine.

Dexedrine and Adderall have similar dosing guidelines, side effects, and risks. However, since Dexedrine only contains the strongest drug, it can be a more potent medication compared to Adderall.

Is Dexedrine the Same as Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is made with lisdexamfetamine. The ingredient changes into dextroamphetamine when the medication is metabolized by the body—usually one to two hours after it’s taken by mouth.

Vyvanse is often described as a “smooth” ADHD drug because there isn’t a sudden kick or jolt in the body when the medication starts to work. There can also be less of a medication rebound when the drug’s effects start to wear off.

Vyvanse is also less likely to be misused than other stimulants because it cannot be inhaled or injected to get high.

Is Dexedrine Stronger Than Concerta?

Concerta is not necessarily stronger than other ADHD medications. It contains the drug methylphenidate, while Dexedrine contains dextroamphetamine. Ritalin is also in the methylphenidate group.

Both Concerta and Ritalin are approved for children at least 6 years old and adults with ADHD. Concerta comes in the form of an extended-release tablet. Ritalin comes in short-acting and extended-release forms. Both are available in brand-name and generic forms.

The experience of taking a methylphenidate drug for ADHD may be different than that of taking Dexedrine.

For example, in their book Answers to Distraction, medical doctors Edward Hallowell and John Ratey say that Ritalin can give more alertness, energy, and motivation, while Dexedrine balances mood, helps with focus, and seems to calm restlessness.

Dexedrine Side Effects

Some common side effects of Dexedrine include:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Fast heartbeat
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
  
• Tremors
• Upset stomach
• Weight loss

Does Dexedrine Slow a Child’s Growth?

In the past, there were concerns that stimulants could slow a child’s growth.

In his book Taking Charge of ADHD, Russell Barkley, PhD, explained that the risk of slow or stunted growth in kids taking stimulant medication is much less than it was believed to be in the 1970s, when the drug was more popular.

Back when it was thought that ADHD stimulants could affect growth, parents were advised to give their children "medication holidays." This meant a child would take their medication as prescribed during the school year and take a break during school holidays and possibly on weekends.

Today, there is less concern about ADHD medication affecting growth, and the benefits are well known. Stimulant medication helps children with ADHD do better with their schoolwork as well as form social connections and take part in recreational activities and sports.

Your provider can monitor your child’s height while they are taking a stimulant for ADHD.⁷ You may want to talk to them about medication holidays if you’re concerned about your child’s growth.

Can Dexedrine Cause Weight Loss?

Dexedrine can suppress appetite, which may lead to weight loss. If you or your child needs to maintain or gain weight, a stimulant for ADHD may not be the best choice.

You need to make sure you’re getting adequate nutrient intake while you’re taking Dexedrine. Having breakfast before you take your dose and keeping snacks on hand throughout the day can be helpful.

Let your provider know about any weight or nutrition concerns while you’re taking Dexedrine.

Dexedrine Safety

Dexedrine is a Schedule II drug, and this means there is a potential for abuse. Always take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not share your medication with anyone else.

While it’s not common, there have been reports of serious heart-related problems in kids and adults taking stimulant medications, including Dexedrine. There is also a possibility of mental health symptoms in people taking stimulants for ADHD. Your provider may want to talk to you about your mental health and family history and monitor you closely when you first start taking the drug to make sure it is safe for you.

Contraindications

Some people can’t take Dexedrine because it wouldn’t be safe. For example, people with certain medical conditions, substance use disorders, allergies, or hypersensitivities to stimulant drugs may not be able to take Dexedrine for ADHD.

Talk to your provider if you are pregnant, nursing, or plan on becoming pregnant. Dexedrine can be unsafe for an unborn fetus, and breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.

Drug Interactions

ADHD drugs like Dexedrine can interact with other medications or supplements you might be taking. It’s important that you tell your provider about everything you take, even if it’s just over-the-counter (OTC) products like vitamins.

Dexedrine can’t be taken with drugs called MAOIs that are used to treat depression. You will have to wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI to start taking Dexedrine.

How to Stop Taking Dexedrine

If you need to stop taking Dexedrine for any reason, do not stop taking your pills without talking to your provider first. If you need to stop taking it or switch to a different medication for ADHD, your provider can help you slowly and safely taper off your medication to avoid rebound side effects.