Dexedrine

Dexedrine is classified as a central nervous system stimulant and works by affecting chemicals in the brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It has been used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. Dexedrine is an amphetamine-like prescription manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. The FDA approved this drug in 1997.

In 2006, the FDA required the manufacturer to place a stronger warning label on Dexedrine. The drug had been linked to potential heart risks. The FDA has prompted that all ADHD drugs have black box warnings stating that this class of medication can increase the risk of serious heart episodes.

The new label also included information about side effects such as psychiatric events, including hallucinations and mania.

Dexedrine has also been found to be habit-forming and patients could experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing use of the drug.

Serious side effects may include:

• Fast or pounding heartbeats
• Feeling light-headed, fainting
• Dangerously high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, seizure)
• Tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches)

Less serious side effects may include:

• Headache or dizziness
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm