Dexamfetamine
A short-acting stimulant tablet for ADHD and narcolepsy (also spelled dexamphetamine). Works fast, wears off fast, and comes with strict Schedule 8 rules.
Quick answer: Dexamfetamine is a short-acting stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy. Each dose starts working in 30–60 minutes and lasts about 4–6 hours. The most common side effects are trouble sleeping, nervousness and less appetite. After long-term or high-dose use, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal (extreme tiredness and low mood), so your doctor usually reduces it gradually.
At a glance
- For
- ADHD (children and adults), narcolepsy
- Works
- About 7 in 10 people with ADHD improve on the first stimulant they try, and more if a second is tried
- Cost
- $25 a script on the PBS with an authority ($7.70 concession)
- Kicks in
- 30–60 minutes; each dose lasts about 4–6 hours
- Taken for
- Months to years, with regular reviews
- Watch for
- Less appetite, trouble sleeping, headache, tummy ache, nervousness, faster pulse
Breakfast before the first dose helps, because appetite often clocks off by lunch.
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, strengthening the circuits that steer attention and impulses.
Used for
- ADHD (TGA-approved for children; also prescribed for adults under state rules)
- Narcolepsy (TGA-approved)
Side effects
Most common: trouble sleeping, nervousness and less appetite. Headache, tummy ache, a faster pulse, irritability and slower weight gain in children are also common. Many ease after the first few weeks or with a dose change.
Full side-effect list (from the product information)
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. Pregnancy or breastfeeding: discuss with your doctor.
- Driving: check with your doctor; roadside drug tests may be positive. Non-stimulant options include atomoxetine, guanfacine and clonidine.
Common questions
How long does a dose of dexamfetamine last?
It starts working in 30 to 60 minutes and each dose lasts about 4 to 6 hours, so it’s usually taken two or three times a day.
What are the common side effects of dexamfetamine?
Trouble sleeping, nervousness and less appetite are very common, and children may gain weight more slowly. Pulse, blood pressure and growth are checked regularly.
Can I drive on dexamfetamine?
Check with your doctor. Roadside drug tests may be positive.
What happens if you stop dexamfetamine?
At usual doses, the main effect of stopping is that ADHD symptoms come back. After long-term or high-dose use, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal: extreme tiredness and low mood, often with changes in sleep and appetite. Your doctor will usually reduce it gradually. Get help urgently for severe low mood or thoughts of self-harm.
How is dexamfetamine prescribed in Australia?
It is a Schedule 8 (controlled) medicine. Each state and territory sets its own prescribing rules and permits, so the details vary. It is usually started by a paediatrician or psychiatrist and may be continued by a GP, and it is PBS-subsidised with an authority. Brands include the Aspen and Sigma tablets and DexamfeTABS; all contain dexamfetamine sulfate.
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 (Australia) or your local emergency number. From a mobile, 112 works in most countries.
More information
- Dexamfetamine Sulfate 5 mg tablets summary of product characteristics (UK)
- Aspen Dexamfetamine consumer medicine information
- PBS: Dexamfetamine 5 mg
maladywise.com/medicines/dexamfetamine/