Dextroamphetamine is also known as Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Dexamphetamine. It is a prescribed for treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. As a central nervous system stimulant it has been used to improve attention span and behaviors in children, lose weight, or for its stimulant properties to stay awake for long periods of time.
In the 1960’s it was commonly used by truck drivers to stay awake and fulfill their contractual needs by being able to drive for long periods without needing time to sleep. Dextroamphetamine is classified as an amphetamine and Schedule II stimulant drug controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is generally taken orally and can be habit-forming when used in doses higher than the recommended dosage, or for extended periods of time.
Leading Causes of Dextroamphetamine Abuse
As a recreational drug, Dextroamphetamine may is abused for its stimulant and euphoric properties which produces a “high” much like cocaine and other amphetamines. As a performance enhancing drug, Dextroamphetamine has become known as a study drug and is used by college students to gain an academic advantage by staying awake and being able to focus more attentively, during critical exam times or writing research papers.
Abusing dextroamphetamine can lead to heart problems, even a heart attack.
Over the years, abuse has become more prevalent with easier access through increased prescriptions for ADHD diagnosed in children and adults. Because it increases adrenaline and energy, many of these prescriptions have been illicitly diverted to other individuals seeking their amphetamine effects or want to experience the “high”.
Those who abuse Dextroamphetamine while trying to lose weight, do so by increasing the recommended or prescribed dosages for additional energy and for prolonging a suppressed appetite.
Dangers of Dextroamphetamine Abuse on the Mind
Dextroamphetamine abuse can have dangerous affects on the mind and can cause episodes of restlessness, hyperactivity, or hypertension which can lead to severe stimulant psychosis. Stimulant psychosis may present a variety of symptoms including paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, mania or hypomania. Chronic abusers risk further mental health disorders or personality changes which can include panic, aggression, or extreme depression.
Dangers of Dextroamphetamine Abuse on the Body
Dextroamphetamine abuse can result serious adverse effects on the body because it acts on the central nervous system longer. The most dangerous of these include:
- Increased heart rate or tachycardia and palpitations
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy or heart disease
- Cerebral hemorrhage
- Circulatory Collapse
- Seizures
- Renal Failure
- Infections
- Overdose
- Coma
- Death