Is someone you know becoming addicted to Dexedrine? Look for the top 8 signs of Dexedrine addiction

Learning how to recognize the signs of Dexedrine addiction, is the first step to getting a loved one the help they need for recovery. Dexedrine is the brand name for dextroamphetamine, one of the amphetamine stimulant medications commonly prescribed for the management of attention deficit disorders, or ADHD. Withdrawal from Dexedrine addiction is extremely unpleasant, so it is important to seek treatment immediately if you discover someone showing two or more signs of addiction. If you are unsure if someone you know may be struggling with an addiction to this medication, look to see if they display three or more of the top 8 signs of Dexedrine addiction:

  1. Extreme nervousness or paranoia
    One of the first signs of Dexedrine abuse is unpredictable mood changes that express themselves as crankiness, irritability, and nervousness. As Dexedrine addiction progresses, these mood disturbances increase in severity into episodes of extreme nervousness, paranoia, aggression, and mania.
  2. Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
    Dexedrine is a stimulant medication that makes it difficult for users to sit calmly or quietly. Dexedrine addicts often appear to have an excess amount of energy, and may be unable to remain still.
  3. Tremors or shakiness
    Unexplained, uncontrollable tremors in the hands and feet, along with a generalized trembling or shakiness often accompany Dexedrine addiction.
  4. Excessive weight loss
    Dexedrine has a side effect of suppressing appetite, so it is not surprising that one of the signs of addiction is excessive weight loss. Addicts will have little interest in food, and may have difficulty in eating a complete meal at a sitting.
  5. Signs of physical distress
    Individuals taking Dexedrine may display shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and elevated temperature once they have developed an addiction to the medication. Dexedrine addicts may have difficulty breathing, experience chest pains, or have a fast, pounding heartbeat.
  6. Seizures
    As Dexedrine addiction progresses, individuals may experience seizures where they will convulse uncontrollably and may lose consciousness. This is a sign that an individual should enter treatment for Dexedrine addiction at once, as these seizures can occur again at any time as long as they keep taking the drug.
  7. Hallucinations or delusional thoughts
    People abusing Dexedrine may experience hallucinations, where they see or hear things that no one else can perceive. They may have delusional thoughts that make no sense, or talk to people that are not present.
  8. Withdrawal symptoms
    Dexedrine addiction can occur even if someone is prescribed the drug. Individuals can become tolerant to the medication, where the prescribed dose no longer accomplishes the same effect, and begin taking larger doses than prescribed. One of the surest signs of Dexedrine addiction is if someone taking the drug begins to experience withdrawal symptoms if they are late taking a dose.

Dexedrine withdrawal timeline

Dexedrine withdrawal begins to affect addicted individuals quickly, with addicts experiencing sadness, irritability, and intense cravings just six to twelve hours after their last dose. This is followed by an acute withdrawal stage, with insomnia, exhaustion, panic attacks, and worsening depression that can continue for up to 96 hours. Some individuals with an addiction to Dexedrine can develop a condition known as PAWS or post-acute withdrawal syndrome, where they experience tremors, seizures, sweating, and intense cravings for Dexedrine for weeks or even months after stopping use. If this occurs, an extended stay in an aftercare or sober living community is the best way to avoid a relapse.

If you notice three or more of the above signs of Dexedrine addiction, you should do everything you can to get the person into an addiction rehab center that offers medically assisted detox as soon as possible. Withdrawal from Dexedrine addiction produces severely unpleasant symptoms that can lead to intense depression, suicidal thoughts, or relapse if addicts try to quit on their own. At addiction treatment centers that offer medical detox, medical staff can administer medications that ease symptoms during every stage of the Dexedrine withdrawal timeline, so patients have the most comfortable detox process possible.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.