Dextroamphetamine Withdrawals

Amphetamines, including dextroamphetamine, can cause withdrawal symptoms in people who stop taking them too quickly. However, dextroamphetamine withdrawals occur most often in people who take higher doses of the medication than recommended. People who take dextroamphetamine as prescribed for a legitimate medical purpose do not usually have withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug. Dextroamphetamine withdrawals may cause symptoms such as extreme fatigue, depression, and unusual behavior.

 

Dextroamphetamine Withdrawals: An Introduction

Dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine®) is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Amphetamines, including dextroamphetamine, are known to cause withdrawal symptoms in people who stop taking the drugs too quickly. However, dextroamphetamine withdrawal is most likely to happen in people who are taking doses much higher than recommended (such as people who have a problem with dextroamphetamine abuse).
 
People taking dextroamphetamine at the prescribed dose for a legitimate medical purpose do not usually have withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.
 

Dextroamphetamine Withdrawal Symptoms

Dextroamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Extreme fatigue (tiredness)
  • Depression
  • Unusual behavior.
     
Although dextroamphetamine withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, it can be very uncomfortable. It can be so uncomfortable that people will start taking dextroamphetamine again in order to relieve the dextroamphetamine withdrawal symptoms.
 
Also, if a pregnant woman takes dextroamphetamine, her baby may have withdrawal symptoms after it is born. If you are pregnant and taking dextroamphetamine, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she can answer your questions about dextroamphetamine and pregnancy.
 
(Dextroamphetamine Withdrawals Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;