What Is Dextroamphetamine Used For? -- An Overview
Dextroamphetamine sulfate (
Dexedrine®) is a prescription medicine. Uses of dextroamphetamine that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include:
- Treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teenagers
- Treating narcolepsy.
Using Dextroamphetamine for ADHD
ADHD is a condition that involves difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling behavior. In children with ADHD, these problems are worse than expected for a typical child of the same age. Usually, the ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect the school, work, or social life in a negative way to qualify as ADHD
(see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).
Although ADHD is generally thought of as a problem in children, teenagers and adults can also have ADHD
(see Adult ADHD).
Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy
(see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in changing behavior in those with the condition, ADHD medications, such as dextroamphetamine, may be necessary.
Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant, although it can have effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, when used at the proper doses for ADHD, dextroamphetamine usually has a calming effect. While the exact way in which dextroamphetamine produces a calming effect is not known, it is known that the medication affects chemicals in the brain.
