Dexamphetamine
Also known as: Adderall, dexies and ritalin.
What is dexamphetamine?
A central nervous system stimulant causing wakefulness, alertness, increased energy and feeling of wellbeing. It speeds up the signals traveling through your nervous system allowing you to stay awake longer. Dexamphetamine can help manage ADHD or narcolepsy and is classified as a Schedule 8 drug.
Immediate effects
- Increased heart rate, breathing and blood pressure
- Heightened confidence
- Enhanced mood and/or motivation
- Increased alertness and/or focus
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Panic
- Reduced appetite
- Irritability
Note: While common, not everyone will experience the above side effects. Effects will depend heavily on variations including age, weight, health conditions and the amount taken.
Long-term effects
- Extreme weight loss
- Regular colds or flu
- Anxiety, paranoia and violence
- Depression
- Heart and kidney problems
- Increased risk of stroke
- Reduced growth in children (in height and weight)
- Insomnia and restless sleep
- Psychosis or psychotic symptoms
Note: While common, not everyone will experience the above side effects. Effects will depend heavily on variations including age, weight, health conditions and the amount taken.
How to reduce harm
- Only take as prescribed and don’t change your dosage without speaking to your prescribing doctor/specialist
- Check with your doctor before taking any other medications or supplements
- Until you know how dexamphetamine affeects you, be careful when driving, operating machinery or doing heavy exercise
- Avoid mixing with alcohol and other drugs
- Use where you feel safe and with people you trust
- Always tell someone what you’ve taken
How it works with other drugs
Mixing dexamphetamine with other drugs can have unpredictable effects. When used with other stimulants such as speed, ice, caffeine and cocaine, the strain on your heart is increased placing the body under a higher degree of stress and can increase the risk oftroke.
Treatment and support services
Counselling Online offers free, confidential 24/7 access to trained counsellors who can help you work through your goals and identify services to support you in your area. Have a chat to one of our counsellorsif you’re not sure where you’d like to get started.
For further assistance, check out these services:
- The National Alcohol and Other Drug Helpline:1800 250 015
If you’re looking for more information about other illicit or prescription drugs, visit the Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Facts, a comprehensive and straight-forward guide.
What can I do next?
- Take a self-assessment to help you decide if you should consider seeking help.
- Get support from others who have been where you are now, in our community forums.
- Try out some of our tips for making a change — they're simple and suitable no matter your stage in your journey.
