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Dextroamphetamine

Supportive Care

Brand names:

Dexedrine®, ProCentra®, Xelstrym®, Zenzedi®

Often used for:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Sleep disorders

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What is dextroamphetamine?

Dextroamphetamine is a medicine that stimulates the central nervous system (CNS). It is used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by changing the amounts of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

Dextroamphetamine can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that makes people very sleepy during the day.

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home. It can be available alone or in combination with other stimulant medicine.

This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use. It may cause physical dependence. Physical dependence is when the body starts to rely on the medicine. Stopping the medicine too fast can result in unwanted side effects. Your care team will monitor for this and will make a plan if the medicine must be stopped slowly.

If an overdose occurs, contact your care team immediately. Signs of possible overdose include: aggression, chest pain, confusion, extreme irritability, and suicidal behavior.

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May be given as a tablet by mouth

 
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May be given as a capsule by mouth

 
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May be given as a liquid by mouth

 
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May be given as a patch placed on the skin

 
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Possible side effects

  • Sleep problems
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Feeling nervous or excitable
  • Redness or skin irritation at the patch site including burning or stinging, itching, pain
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Upset stomach
  • Change in taste
  • Hair loss
  • Vomiting
  • Allergic reaction – Call your care team right away if your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction. These may include:
    • Rash, hives, or itching
    • Flu-like symptoms such as chills, aches, headache, or fever 
    • Dizziness
    • Shortness of breath, coughing, or tightness in the throat  
    • Swelling of the face or neck

Not all patients who take dextroamphetamine will have these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Some side effects will lessen over time with continued medication use. Report any symptoms or side effects to your health care provider or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist. 

  • Do not give this medicine more often or in greater amounts than recommended or for a reason other than prescribed.
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • Certain medicines can interact with dextroamphetamine. Tell your health care providers and pharmacist about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements your child takes.
  • Your care team will start this medicine at the lowest dose possible and slowly increase as needed. Always give this medicine as directed.
  • Do not stop this medicine without talking to your care team.
  • Your child will need regular clinic visits while taking this medicine. To avoid running out of medicine, be sure to keep all appointments.
  • This medicine may cause an increase in blood pressure. Talk to your care team before giving your child medicines or supplements that may raise blood pressure. These include cough or cold medicines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
  • A patient information guide should be given each time the medicine is picked up at the pharmacy. Be sure to read and ask any questions.
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Dextroamphetamine at home

  • Give this medicine at the same time each day. To prevent sleep problems, avoid giving this medicine late in the day.
  • This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs. Taking the medicine with meals may lessen stomach problems.
  • Do not take this medicine with orange or grapefruit juice.
  • Capsules: Swallow capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or break before swallowing.
  • Liquid: Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
  • Skin patch: Use the patch on the skin only. Follow the instructions given by your care team. While using this medicine, avoid heat sources on or near the patch such as heating pads or electric blankets.
  • In case of a missed dose, give the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time.
  • Store this medicine in a safe place where children cannot see or reach it and where other people cannot get to it.
  • Do not share this medicine with anyone or give for reasons other than it was prescribed.
  • Follow instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal.

This medicine may be habit forming when used long term. Watch for signs of misuse:

  • Regularly taking the medicine in a way that is different than ordered by the care team.
  • Taking more medicine than is ordered by the care team.
  • Taking the medicine “just in case,” even when it is more than ordered by the care team.
  • Changes in sleeping patterns.
  • Poor or risky decision-making, such as putting themself or others in danger.
  • Saying they have lost this medicine to get more medicine.

Learn more about dextroamphetamine

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: July 2024