dexamfetamine sulfate at a glance
Medicine class
Central nervous system stimulant and sympathomimetic.
Licensed roles
Specialist treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents; the oral solution also covers adult narcolepsy.
Legal status
Prescription-only Schedule 2 controlled drug with additional storage, supply and travel considerations.
Available forms
Tablets and an oral solution.
What is dexamfetamine sulfate used for?
The licensed indication depends on the product and patient group.
ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years when previous methylphenidate treatment has been clinically inadequate, as part of a programme including psychological, educational and social measures.
Narcolepsy in adults: licensed for the selected oral solution, but not the selected tablets.
Adult ADHD and narcolepsy in children are not licensed indications for these selected products.
How does dexamfetamine sulfate work?
Dexamfetamine increases stimulant signalling in the brain, particularly through dopamine and noradrenaline release and transporter effects. This can support attention and impulse control in ADHD and promote wakefulness in narcolepsy, although the precise link to clinical benefit is not fully established.
dexamfetamine sulfate preparations and strengths
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1 mg/mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
How to take dexamfetamine sulfate
Take only as prescribed and follow the product label. Both forms are swallowed, preferably with or immediately after food and consistently in relation to meals.
Take tablets with water. They may be broken to make swallowing easier, but the score lines do not produce equal portions.
Swallow the oral solution with water.
Do not share it. Store it securely because it is a controlled drug.
dexamfetamine sulfate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Reduced appetite, reduced weight gain or weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping, nervousness or anxiety
- Headache, dizziness or increased activity
- Abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting or dry mouth
- Faster, irregular or more noticeable heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Irritability, aggression, depression or other behavioural changes
Get urgent medical advice
- Chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or an abnormal heartbeat
- Seizures or stroke-like symptoms
- Hallucinations, psychosis, mania or suicidal behaviour
- Severe allergic reaction with facial swelling or breathing difficulty
- Unexplained muscle pain or weakness, particularly with fever or dark urine
dexamfetamine sulfate in pregnancy
Therapeutic amfetamines can be used during pregnancy when a specialist considers them necessary, although product information does not recommend routine use. Evidence does not show an increased overall risk of birth defects, but later exposure may be associated with placental effects, lower birth weight, pre-eclampsia, preterm birth or newborn withdrawal symptoms. Seek a prompt treatment review and do not stop suddenly without advice.
dexamfetamine sulfate while breastfeeding
Dexamfetamine passes into breast milk, and a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. A prescriber or specialist should weigh the benefits of treatment and breastfeeding and decide whether either needs to change. Do not stop prescribed treatment independently.
dexamfetamine sulfate interactions
Tell the prescriber and pharmacist about all prescribed, non-prescription and recreational substances. Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
The combination can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure and is contraindicated during treatment and for the specified washout period.
Tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs
Dexamfetamine may alter antidepressant exposure, while tricyclics can increase cardiovascular adverse effects.
Clonidine and other blood-pressure medicines
Effects on blood pressure or medicine action may change; clonidine may also prolong dexamfetamine's action.
Common questions about dexamfetamine sulfate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is dexamfetamine sulfate a controlled drug?
Yes. It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug, so prescribing, supply, storage and travel are subject to additional legal controls.
Can I drive while taking dexamfetamine sulfate?
Do not drive if it causes dizziness, sleepiness, blurred vision, poor focus or another impairment. In England, Scotland and Wales, a medical defence may apply when it was prescribed and taken correctly and driving was not impaired.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.