Dexedrine Withdrawal | Symptoms, Timeline, & Detox

Dexedrine (the brand name for dextroamphetamine) is an amphetamine and central nervous system stimulant medication prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. 

Dexedrine is similar to other ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin and boosts the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps increase focus and decrease hyperactivity.

It’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means it’s an accepted drug for medical use but it does have a high potential for abuse.

Because of this high potential for abuse, some can develop Dexedrine addiction and become physically dependent on the drug. When they try to stop using, they may go into withdrawal and experience unpleasant symptoms and side effects.

Dexedrine Withdrawal Symptoms

When your body becomes dependent on Dexedrine either from taking high doses or from taking it for a long time, it ends up needing the drug to function normally. But when you stop taking Dexedrine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that can include:

• anxiety
• depression
• irritability
• fatigue
• sleep disturbances
• dry mouth
• chills
• strange dreams
• lack of interest in things
• muscle aches
• high blood pressure
• drug cravings
• tremors
• mood swings

Dexedrine Withdrawal Timeline

While withdrawal symptoms depend on certain factors, there’s a general timeline that can tell you when certain symptoms will show up and when you can expect them to subside. 

A common timeline for Dexedrine withdrawal may look like this:

• 24 hours: Withdrawal symptoms like tiredness, hunger, and thirst start to show up.
• 36 – 48 hours: Depression, excessive sleeping, fatigue, overeating, and cravings for Dexedrine may appear.
• 3 – 5 days: Cravings for the drug can intensify as well as depression. You can also expect irritability, disturbed sleep patterns, muscle aches, and some sluggishness and fatigue. 
• 5 days – several weeks: Cravings, depression, and anxiety may continue. Therapy and further treatment may be needed to deal with any psychotic symptoms. 

Factors That Affect The Withdrawal Timeline

There are many factors that can affect how long withdrawal symptoms last for each person, including:

• metabolism
• age
• medical and mental health history
• duration of use
• dose, frequency, and method of use
• whether alcohol, other prescription drugs, or illicit drugs were consumed with Dexedrine

Dexedrine Detox

The most recommended source of dealing with Dexedrine withdrawal is to begin with a medical detox program. Healthcare providers may provide you with medications to make the symptoms much more bearable as they occur. 

Someone with sleeping problems may be given a sleep aid or someone experiencing depression may be given an antidepressant. Some medications can even help prevent more serious withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations and seizures. 

Dexedrine Addiction Treatment

Following a detox program, you may enroll at a treatment center that can either provide inpatient or outpatient care. Addiction treatment programs include a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, peer support, and other evidence-based services.

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or drug addiction, it’s never too late to seek help. Call our helpline today to discover the treatment option that’s right for you.