Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Zenzedi, and others) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of dextroamphetamine?

The most common side effects of dextroamphetamine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Fast heartbeat (see below)
• Decreased appetite
• Tremor
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth

There may be other side effects of dextroamphetamine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of dextroamphetamine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of dextroamphetamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Dextroamphetamine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking dextroamphetamine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing dextroamphetamine can lead to serious side effects, such as substance use problems, overdose, or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Dextroamphetamine can also cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. Take dextroamphetamine exactly as prescribed. Tell your health care provider if you feel that dextroamphetamine is not working. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

• Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
• Feeling paranoid
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing

Increased Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. Dextroamphetamine may increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood pressure and heart rate before starting dextroamphetamine and during treatment. If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 mm Hg or higher, get medical attention right away. Also call your health care provider or get medical attention right away if you have chest pain or a fast heartbeat or if you faint or feel your heartbeat more than usual.

Mental Health Problems. Dextroamphetamine may cause or worsen psychotic-like behaviors, such as hallucinations or mania. People who already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, may be at a higher risk of these side effects. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms or if you have been told by others that you have these symptoms.

• Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
• Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
• Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
• Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
• Aggressive behavior
• Very increased energy
• Significant trouble sleeping
• Racing, fast-paced thoughts
• Reckless behavior
• Unusually grand ideas
• Excessive happiness or irritability
• Talking more or faster than usual

Slowed Growth in Children. Children taking dextroamphetamine may be at a higher risk of not gaining height and weight as expected. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your child’s height and weight before starting and during treatment with dextroamphetamine.

Seizures. Some people who have taken dextroamphetamine have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking dextroamphetamine and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

• Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
• Stiffening of your arms and legs
• Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Falling or losing consciousness

Blood Flow Problems. Dextroamphetamine may cause blood flow problems, including a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon, which occurs when the blood vessels in your fingers and toes overreact and lead to low blood flow. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, painful, or sensitive to cold
• Fingers or toes changing color from pale to blue to red
• Unexplained wounds on fingers or toes

Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Dextroamphetamine may cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

• Sweating, fever, or flushing
• Confusion
• Feeling agitated or restless
• Seeing or hearing unusual things
• Dizziness
• Fast or racing heartbeat
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
• Seizures

Tics. Dextroamphetamine may cause or worsen tics, which are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that can be hard to control. Call your health care provider right away if you have any new or worsening tics.