Dexedrine

Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate) at present is the most common drug used in the medical world for treating people suffering from narcolepsy and other attention deficit disorder. Even though this drug is a stimulant, but it can give excellent results when given in proper doses to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy.

Who makes it?
It is manufactured by Glaxosmithkline Corporation. The generic versions of the drug are manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies.

Forms of Dexedrine -
Dexedrine is sold in the market in two forms- Spansules and tablets. Spansules are specially formulated capsule that release the medicine slowly over a longer period of time. Spansules can be taken just once a day and thereby eliminating the need of taking the drug at work or school.

What is NARCOLEPSY and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder found mostly in children. The symptoms include having trouble in sitting still, not able to concentrate on a task, and acting without thinking. In most cases these symptoms become evident during early elementary schools. ADHD can continue till adolescence and even till adulthood.

Excessive daytime sleepiness, muscle weakness and sudden sleep attacks are the conditions that characterize NARCOLEPSY. It is a very rare condition and affects both men and women equally.

To be true there is no treatment that can cure Narcolepsy and ADHD, however certain drug therapy like Dexedrine can reduce these problems.

What is Dexedrine? How it works?
Dexedrine is the brand name used for a drug that combines active drugs, namely: Dextroamphetamine sulphate, Dextroamphetamine saccharide, racemic amphetamine sulfate, aspartate monohydrate, racemic amphetamine, and amphetamine salts. It is given only when prescribed by a registered medical therapist. Dexedrine for Narcolepsy is a schedule II drug.
It is used in the treatment of the people suffering from Narcolepsy and also ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Adderall stimulates the CNS (Central Nervous System) by acting on the nerve cells that are linked to impulse control and hyperactivity. It stimulates the signals produced by the brain by increasing the quantity of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the body. Adderall is available in 2 forms: - Instant Release (IR) and Extended Release (ER). The objective of the drug is to increase the energy levels, focus, productivity, alertness and also sometimes sexual desire of the patient.

Dosage and Administration of Dexedrine-
The Dexedrine tablets should be given when the patient is awake so as to avoid insomnia. Late evening administration should always be avoided. Multiple dosages should be given at an interval of 4-6 hours.
For-
3) Adults: 5 mg - 60 mg, given orally, daily.

Dexedrine incorporates 2 types of beads and utilizes Microtol ER delivery system. The first type bead dissolves quickly and releases half of the drug and the second type bead dissolves slowly releasing the full plasma concentration in three hours. Because of high bioavailability, the effectiveness of Dexedrine is not affected or altered by the food absorbed in the gastrointestinal trap.

Common side effects associated with Dexedrine :

• Decreased in growth rate of children- Prolonged use of this drug can hamper the growth rate of children. The drug should always be given in small quantity to the children.
• Loss of Appetite - The appetite or food intake capacity of the people taking Dexedrine reduces.
• Dry Mouth- Dry mouth is another side effect associated with Dexedrine. Sensations of dry mouth can contribute to sore throat symptoms, increased thirst and thick saliva.
• Motor Restlessness- You should never drive after taking Dexedrine tablets.
• Insomnia/Trouble Sleeping.
• Weight Loss- Dexedrine effects the appetite of a person and reduces their food intake capacity, and this can cause significant reduction in weight of a person
• Migraines or Chronic Headaches.
• Dizziness or Faintness- While taking Dexedrine patients can develop mild dizziness or headache side effects.
• Vomiting and/or Nausea.
• Heartburn.
• Unexplained Fevers.
• Tightness in Chest.
• Increased Blood Pressure.
• Pain in the Abdomen or Stomach
• Crashing Energy Levels.
• Shortness of Breath.
• Difficulty in Breathing.

You should not take Dexedrine if you:

• Have an allergy to Dexedrine.
• Have an allergy to other medicines of the same group.
• Are in an agitated state.
• Have been previously treated with any other drug.
• Suffer from hyperthyroidism.
• Suffer from advanced hardening of arteries.
• Have glaucoma.
• Suffer from heart disease.
• Suffer from moderate - high blood pressure.

Complications and Warnings for people taking Dexedrine-
Even though most of the people suffering from Narcolepsy or any other disorder get diagnosed at a very young age, Dexedrine is not recommended for very young patients. If in case, the doctor prescribes Dexedrine for a very young member of your family, you should always go for a second opinion. However, in any case Dexedrine cannot be given to the children below three years of age. Narcotics treatment should always be the last choice for both medical practitioners and the concerned parents. Though Dexedrine is a stimulant but it also extremely suppresses the appetite of the patient. People who take Dexedrine experience a decrease in their appetite and also in their food intake capacity. After a long term of Dexedrine dosage people are likely to suffer from malnutrition and weight loss problems. Therefore they should always eat highly nutritious and healthy food, so as to keep their body physically fit.
People, who participate in strenuous activities or exercise, should always consult their doctor before taking Dexedrine.
Dexedrine also affects the blood sugar levels; therefore people suffering diabetes should always consult their doctor and go for regular blood sugar level checkup.
Dexedrine also increases the risk of seizures, so people who have had Seizures previously should consult their doctor before starting this medication.


No doubt that Dexedrine is the best treatment that is available at present for the people suffering from Narcolepsy, but it should always be taken under the supervision of registered medical practitioners. Any complication faced by the patient during dosage should always be reported to the doctor immediately.