The brand name for dextroamphetamine sulfate, Dexedrine is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is a respiratory and cerebral stimulant that is a Schedule II controlled substance that presents a high risk for liability. The street names for the drug include bennies, black beauties, crosses, hearts, LA, turnaround, speed, truck drivers and uppers.
Dexedrine is a stimulant drug that is available in tablet or sustained-release capsule form and generally prescribed to treat narcolepsy or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The amount of drug taken depends upon the strength of the tablets and whether or not it is available in sustained release capsules.
Abuses of Dexedrine
Dexedrine presents a high risk for abuse as the stimulant effect can give way to a letdown period of depression and fatigue. Individuals will generally take another dose to relieve the symptoms, but this soon becomes a dangerous cycle. Children and teens diagnosed with ADHD have experienced increased tolerance as a result of long-term use of the medication, which can lead to abuse.
Dexedrine is also susceptible to abuse due to the high it delivers to those who use it. As the drug also increases alertness, attention and energy, college students often abuse the drug as they rely on it to cope or perform better in school. Dexedrine also serves as a weight loss aid, hooking the user without intentions for long-term abuse.
Effects of Dexedrine
As it is a respiratory and cerebral stimulant, Dexedrine can cause intense mental and physical stimulation. The intoxication effect includes increased heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, feelings of exhilaration, energy and increased mental alertness. Users will often stay awake for many hours with even a low dosage.
Not only is Dexedrine addictive, it can also cause agitation or irritability, dry mouth, headache, nausea, anorexia, weight loss, hallucinations, liver irritation/toxicity, heart palpitations, tics, Tourette’s syndrome, sexual difficulties, tremors, behavior disturbances and thought disorder. More series effects can also occur that can be life threatening.
Withdrawal of Dexedrine
Withdrawal symptoms are very likely if a Dexedrine user stops taking the drug after several weeks of continuous use. The severity of the symptoms will depend upon the amount taken and the length of time on the medication.
Any and all of the following symptoms can occur in the Dexedrine withdrawal stage:
• Depression
• Craving
• Exhaustion
• Confusion
• Psychotic reaction
• Intense hunger
• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Increased sleeping
• Hangover
• Disturbed sleep
• Violence
Treatment of Dexedrine Addiction
Addiction to Dexedrine can be a life-threatening addiction, as well as the associated symptoms of withdrawal. As a result, it is important that those with an addiction seek the help they need to stop taking the drug and to learn how to function normally without it. Detoxification is required to cleanse the body of this drug and must be done under the care of a board-certified physician and a board-certified psychiatrist.
Many quality treatment centers suggest comfortable detox using withdrawal medications specific to Dexedrine abuse. A quality center will do a full physical on a person to determine the right medications for comfortable detox. This method helps to correct the chemical imbalances and should be combined with psychological evaluations and other medical care.