Dexedrine Symptoms and Warning Signs

Dexedrine is a brand name for the generic drug dextroamphetamine it is used in the treatment of sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). However, because it is a stimulant drug, some individuals use it to help them ‘improve’ their cognitive functioning or athletic ability.

Dexedrine not only induces perceived feelings of euphoria, but itis also meant to have aphrodisiac-type properties. This is one of the reasons it is commonly abused for recreational purposes. Based on the above information, it is easy to see how Dexedrine has the potential to cause harm. Nevertheless, even those who take the medication exactly as prescribed have a substantial risk of developing an addiction with long-term use.

As Dexedrine increases focus and alertness, it is a suitable substance for those with legitimate medical conditions. Nonetheless, these effects can also tempt certain individuals to dabble with the medication to improve performance. Athletes, other sporting professionals, students, and academic professionals all might be tempted to use the medication to help them perform better.

Other Names for Dexedrine

Dexedrine is just one of the brand names that the drug dextroamphetamine is sold under. Othersare:

  • ProCentra
  • Dexedrine Spansule
  • Dextrostat
  • Zenzedi
  • Liquadd

Recognising a Dexedrine Addiction

As alluded to above, Dexedrine is a commonly abused drug because of its stimulant properties. But it has a very high potential for addiction, particularly when abused by those who do not suffer from the conditions it is typically used to treat.

One of the main signs of Dexedrine abuse is using it for a different purpose than that for which it was intended. So for example, if you are using Dexedrine to get high or to improve athletic or cognitive performance, you are abusing it.

Also, Dexedrine has the ability to reduce the appetite, so some individuals will take it to try to help them lose weight. This is another common way in which the drug is abused.

Even those who take Dexedrine for a genuine condition can be guilty of abuse if they change the way they take the drug. If you are using Dexedrine for ADHD or narcolepsy, you could be guilty of abuse if you increase the dosage without speaking to your doctor first. You might be tempted to do this if you believe you are not getting the same effects from your medication than you initially did.

Increasing the dose of Dexedrine or taking it more frequently than instructed to by a medical professional is classed as abuse;however, most people are unaware of the dangers of doing this. Then there are those who do not even realise they are abusing their medication as they believe it to be completely safe because their doctor prescribed it to them.

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The Dangers of a Dexedrine Addiction

Abuse of any prescription drug is dangerous, and Dexedrine is no different.In fact, there are countless health problems that can occur when this drug is abused. Moreover, know that chronic abuse can lead to malnutrition and weight loss due to a loss of appetite.

Dexedrine can also have a negative impact on blood pressure and lead to chest pain and heart problems if taken in high enough doses. There is also the possibility of suffering mental health issues such as delusional thoughts and aggression.

Allowing your use of Dexedrine to get out of control can lead to a crippling addiction that may be impossible to break free from. Once an addiction develops, it changes the way in which your brain functions, making it hard for you to think clearly or make good decisions.

Daily life will be affected and your relationships with those you care about will suffer. You might also suffer financial problems as you struggle to function properly, and you could end up spendingincreasingly more of your time under the influence of the medication or struggling with withdrawal symptoms.

Recognising a Dexedrine Addiction

Dexedrine causes changes in the way the brain functions by activating its reward centre, which in turn encourages repeated use. Furthermore, with regular use of the drug, tolerance levels rise, causing a need for higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effects. This results in the body craving the drug and the brain to be unable to function properly without it.

If you have increased your consumption of Dexedrine or are using it differently to how it was intended to be used to enhance its effects, you might be doing so because you have, or are at least on the cusp,an addiction. Moreover, whenever the effects of the medication wear off, you might experience symptoms that make you feel unwell. This is because your body has developed a physical dependence and needs the drug to function normally, and when this is not forthcoming these withdrawal symptoms kick in.

If your desire to use Dexedrine is crowding out everything else in your life, including the people you love, your responsibilities at home or at work, and any activities that you used to enjoy, it is likely that you have or are well on the way to, an addiction. Continuing to use the medication even though it is causing harmful consequences, probably means that you now need professional help to turn things around again.

Dexedrine Addiction and the Brain

Dexedrine causes the brain to release certain chemicals, some of which(dopamine) are responsible for feelings of pleasure. As well as stimulating the dopamine receptors in the brain, Dexedrine also activates the reward centre.One of the upshots of this is that the brain begins to associate the use of the drug in the same way that it sees other activities essential for survival, such as breathing and eating.

In effect, this causes you to want to use Dexedrine repeatedly and can be the catalyst for a physical and psychological addiction. As the brain adjusts to the continued presence of Dexedrine, it will alter the way it functions so that you eventually find it harder to cope without the drug in your system.

Learn the Immediate Side Effects of Dexedrine Abuse

Abuse of Dexedrine can cause some of the following immediate side effects:

  • Euphoria
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Diarrhoea
  • Sexual dysfunction.

Learn the Long-Term Dexedrine Abuse Side Effects

Regular long-term abuse of Dexedrine can cause side effects like:

  • increased risk of heart problems
  • risk of seizures
  • inability to sleep
  • trouble concentrating
  • hallucinations
  • aggression
  • paranoia
  • delusions
  • weight loss
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Intervention for a Dexedrine Addiction

It is difficult to see a loved one struggling with addiction.But because there is so much stigma attached to the illness, many family members and friends still delay taking action for fear their suspicions are incorrect.

If you care about someone who is using Dexedrine and who is now exhibiting worrying changes in behaviour, it is likely that abuse or addiction is the culprit. Acting now can prevent the situation from deteriorating even further.

You might not know how to broach the subject with this person though; if this is the case, we can help. Please call and we will discuss how you can tackle the subject of your concerns about a possible Dexedrine addiction in an appropriate way. It is vitally important that your loved one gets help as soon as possible.

Detox and Withdrawal from Dexedrine

To regain control of your life if you are the sufferer, you will need to quit your Dexedrine use. It is inadvisable to quit your medication without first speaking to a doctor as withdrawal symptoms are highly likely. The good news is that the symptoms associated with withdrawal from stimulant drugs such as Dexedrine are rarely serious enough to be life-threatening like withdrawals from some other substances are.

Nevertheless, you can expect the symptoms to be somewhat unpleasant and they might make you feel unwell. You might prefer to detox in a supervised clinic where symptoms can bemanaged, and your security and comfort will be assured at all times.

Treatment and Next Steps

Overcoming addiction involves more than just quitting the substance to which you are addicted. The reasons you became addicted in the first place must also be addressed, and you must learn ways of living without the medication that you have been relying on all this time.

Rehabilitation is the process that will address the underlying emotional and psychological issues relating to your illness. With a variety of talking and behavioural therapies, you will learn to identify, challenge, and replace the maladaptive thoughts and behaviours that have led you to this point in your life.

Dexedrine addiction and withdrawal can sometimes cause severe depression while there is also a considerable risk of violence and aggression occurring. This means that you may benefit from a programme of detox followed by an inpatient rehab programme as this will ensure both your safety and the safety of those around you. If your addiction is not yet too severe, you might find it is sufficient to have treatment on an outpatient basis.

Questions about Treatment

What types of treatment will be used?

Counsellors and therapists have a large choice when it comes to therapies for addiction. It is likely that you will be given your own treatment plan that is suited to your individual needs and circumstances. Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, contingency management, and motivational interviewing might be used to help you overcome your illness.

Treatments typically take place on either an individual basis or in a group setting. Your treatment programme is also likely to include holistic therapies that are designed to help you get more from your treatment. These treatments include things such as mindfulness, yoga, and art therapy.

What can I expect from a detox programme?

Just as it is dangerous to abuse prescription medication, it can be dangerous to quit them suddenly. After all, your body has become used to the presence of the chemicals and will go into overdrive when it realises that the usual dose has been cut off. This can result in a variety of withdrawal symptoms that occur as the body tries to get back to normal.

A detox programme will help you through the process of withdrawal in the safest and most comfortable manner. Experienced staff will provide around-the-clock care and support, and if appropriate, will administer medication to ease any discomfort you are experiencing.

A detox programme will usually last for up to two weeks, but this depends on the substance being abused and how severe the addiction was.

Can I quit without help?

It may be possible for you to quit Dexedrine without professional help, provided you are supervised by a friend or family member and you seek medical advice beforehand.

There are rarely any serious medical complications with a stimulant withdrawal, but if you have been abusing other substances such as alcohol or other drugs at the same time or if you have a history of mental health problems, it is probably not a good idea (or advisable) to detox without help.

You should also be aware that quitting medication is just the first part of the process of addiction recovery. If you manage to quit alone, you will still need help to deal with the other issues relating to your illness, such as the underlying cause. Failure to do this could mean you have an increased risk of relapsing later.

How long does it take for a full recovery?

Addiction recovery can take a long time and you will need to be patient. You will also need to be prepared to work on your recovery for the rest of your life. Remember, there is no cure for addiction, but it can be treated effectively and maintained so that you never use mood-altering substances as a crutch again.

Rehab programmes vary in length depending on the type and on how you respond to treatment. If you choose a residential programme, you might stay in the clinic for a period of four to twelve weeks. With an outpatient programme, recovery takes place over many months. Some programmes last for more than a year.

How can I avoid a relapse?

Once you have completed your detox and rehabilitation, you will be ready to get back to normal, everyday life. However, your life will change completely from the way it was before treatment. You are going to have to adopt many lifestyle changes and be prepared to work hard to maintain your sobriety.

If you want to avoid a relapse, you must learn what your triggers are and be ready to use the strategies you learned during recovery to deal with cues and temptations. By joining a local support group, you will have a much better chance of staying clean and sober going forward.

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