Dexedrine Abuse and Addiction

Dexedrine (dexetroamphetamine) is a psychostimulant drug that produces increased wakefulness and focus in association with decreased fatigue and decreased appetite.

Physical effects of dextroamphetamine can include hyperactivity, restlessness, dilated pupils, blood shot eyes, dry mouth, headache, tachycardia, hypertension, fever, diarrhea, constipation, blurred vision, aphasia, dizziness, twitching, insomnia, numbness, palpitations, arrhythmias, tremors, and convulsions.

In cases of high doses or long term abuse and dependence, physical effects may include coma, stroke, heart attack, and sudden death.

Psychological effects can include euphoria, anxiety, increased libido, alertness, concentration, energy, self-esteem, self-confidence, sociability, irritability, aggression, psychosomatic disorders, psychomotor agitation, hubris, excessive feelings of power and invincibility, repetitive and obsessive behaviors, and paranoia.

In cases of high doses or long term abuse and dependence, psychological effects can include a condition known as "amphetamine psychosis."

Withdrawal symptoms from dextroamphetamine primarily consist of mental fatigue, mental depression, and an increased appetite.  Symptoms may last for days with occasional use, but may last for weeks or months with chronic use.  The severity of symptoms is dependent on the length of time and the amount of dextroamphetamine taken.

Withdrawal symptoms may also include anxiety, agitation, excessive sleep, vivid or lucid dreams, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis.

Dextroamphetamine (along with amphetamine and methylphenidate) has become a popular recreational stimulant drug because of its euphoric effects and its common use as a so-called "study drug."  It is one of the most widely used and one of the most addictive recreational drugs available.

Treatment for Dexedrine abuse and dependence often requires medically supervised detoxification followed by concentrated psychosocial treatment.

Even short term Dexedrine abuse lasting only a few weeks or months may require medical and psychosocial treatment.  Severity of withdrawal symptoms are dependent on length and frequency of use, with the most severe cases requiring months of treatment.  Continued social support is usually recommended as psychological dependence lasts well after physical dependence has been successfully treated.