Dexedrine Description

By Ross Bonander, Tue, August 14, 2012

Dexedrine is one of the marketing brand names of an old drug known as dextroamphetamine. It might also be found sold under the brand names Dextrostat or ProCentra.

Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy. It might also be approved off-label for other uses, such as SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.

The drug is manufactured in 5mg and 10mg doses, as well as in extended-release capsules at slightly higher dosages.

Contraindications and Pre-existing Conditions

Dexedrine absolutely should not be taken by any patients who have taken an MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, rasagiline, etc) in the previous two weeks, since it is crucial for the MAO inhibitor to clear the system first, or it can put the patient's health at serious risk.

Dexedrine is further not recommended in patients with the following conditions:
-- Hypertension
-- Heart disease
-- Hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis)
-- Glaucoma
-- Anxiety disorders
-- Overactive thyroid

Dexedrine Side Effects

Some people are allergic to detroamphetamine; an allergic reaction—such as hives, throat or face or lip swelling, or problems breathing—requires immediate medical attention.

Other side effects of Dexedrine, if they occur, should inspire the patient to stop taking the drug and contact their physician:

-- Rapid heartbeat
-- Dizziness or feeling light-headed.
-- Symptoms of extremely high blood pressure, such as a severe headache, blurred vision, a buzzing in the ears, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure, anxiety, or confusion.
-- Tremors or muscle twitches
-- Hallucinations
-- Similarly unusual behavior

Additonal side effects of Dexedrine, considered perhaps less serious, include:
-- Headaches
-- Insomnia
-- Dry mouth
-- Bowel issues like diarrhea or constipation
-- Weight loss or loss of appetite
-- Sexual Impotence or the inability to reach orgasm

Dexedrine Regulatory Classification

Dextroamphetamine was first approved by the US Food & Drug Administration back in the mid 1970s. Dexedrine is categorized by the Drug Enforcement Agency as a CSA schedule II substance, which means its distribution and prescribing is among the most tightly controlled drugs with therapeutic value. Physicians in the US require a special type of prescription pad to write prescriptions for Dexedrine. It was given schedule II status because of the drug's extraordinarily high potential for abuse and dependence.

Dextroamphetamine is categorized in the 'C' Pregnancy category by the FDA, meaning it presents a potential risk to the fetus in women who are pregnant.

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