Dexamfetamine
A stimulant tablet for ADHD and narcolepsy. A controlled (Schedule 8) medicine with strict prescribing rules.
Brand names
- Dexamfetamine Aspen, Dexamphetamine Sulfate (Sigma), DexamfeTABS
How it works
Dexamfetamine releases dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain and stops them being taken back up. This strengthens the circuits that control attention and impulses, and promotes wakefulness. Each dose lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
Used for
- ADHD (TGA-approved for children; also prescribed for adults under state rules)
- Narcolepsy (TGA-approved)
Side effects
How often, from the official product information. Bold = serious.
Very common more than 1 in 10
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness
- Less appetite
- Weight loss or slower weight gain in children
Common 1 in 10 to 1 in 100
- Fast heartbeat, palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Raised blood pressure and heart rate
- Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or dry mouth
- Headache, dizziness (vertigo)
- Overactivity or jerky movements
- Irritability, aggression or unusual behaviour
- Anxiety or low mood
- Joint pain
Rare 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000
- Angina (chest pain)
- Blurred vision or large pupils
- Slower growth in children with long-term use
- Tiredness
- Rash or hives
Very rare fewer than 1 in 10,000
- Psychosis or hallucinations
- Suicidal behaviour
- Seizures
- Tics, or worsening tics
- Cardiac arrest
- Bleeding in the brain or cerebral vasculitis
- Low blood counts
- Liver problems
- Severe skin reactions
- Muscle cramps
Frequency not known reported, rate unclear
- Dependence
- Heart attack, stroke or cardiomyopathy, sudden death
- Anaphylaxis or angioedema
- Diarrhoea, ischaemic colitis, tremor, restlessness
- Euphoria, paranoia or panic
- Lower sex drive, erection problems
- Sweating or hair loss
- Cold, pale fingers (Raynaud’s)
Get help urgently if
- Chest pain, fainting, a racing heartbeat, seizure, sudden weakness or trouble speaking
- Hallucinations, paranoia or thoughts of self-harm
- Swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing. Call 000
- Very high temperature, agitation or confusion
Good to know
- Schedule 8 controlled drug. Prescribing rules and authorities vary by state. Usually started by a specialist.
- Can be misused and cause dependence. Store securely; never share.
- Pulse, blood pressure, appetite, sleep, mood and (in children) height and weight are checked regularly.
- Avoid with MAOI antidepressants. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor.
- Driving: check with your doctor; roadside drug tests may be positive.
- Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine, guanfacine and clonidine.
Information only. Not a recommendation or endorsement of any product. Whether a medicine suits you depends on your health and other medicines, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist. In an emergency, call 000.
More information
- Dexamfetamine Sulfate 5 mg tablets summary of product characteristics (UK)
- Aspen Dexamfetamine consumer medicine information
maladywise.com/medicines/dexamfetamine/