Dexedrine Uses

The primary Dexedrine uses include treating narcolepsy and treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teenagers. Dexedrine is a stimulant and, when used in high doses, can help people with narcolepsy to stay awake. However, when used in lower doses, Dexedrine can have a calming effect in people suffering from ADHD. At this time, there are a few "off-label" Dexedrine uses, such as helping with weight loss and treating adult ADHD.

Dexedrine Drug Information

Dexedrine Uses: An Overview

Dexedrine^® (dextroamphetamine sulfate) is a prescription medicine. Specific Dexedrine uses include:

Treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teenagers
Treating narcolepsy.

Using Dexedrine for ADHD

ADHD is a condition that involves difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling behavior. In ADHD, these problems are worse than expected for a typical child of the same age. Usually, the ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect the school, work, or social life in a negative way to qualify as ADHD (see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).

While most people think of ADHD as a problem in children, it can also affect adults (see Adult ADHD).

Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy (see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in changing behavior, ADHD medications, such as Dexedrine, may be necessary.

Dexedrine is a stimulant, although it can have effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, when used at the proper doses for treating ADHD, Dexedrine usually has a calming effect. While the exact way Dexedrine produces a calming effect is not known, it is known that the medication affects chemicals in the brain.

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