This article describes possible side effects of dextroamphetamine oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about dextroamphetamine, including the drug’s uses, dosage, ways to save on cost, and more.
Dextroamphetamine oral tablet is a generic medication. It isn’t available in a brand-name version. Dextroamphetamine also comes in other oral forms, but these forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about these forms, talk with your doctor.
Dextroamphetamine oral tablet has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section below.
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More common side effects of dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of dextroamphetamine oral tablet include:
- decreased appetite*
- fast heart rate
- headache
- difficulty sleeping
- weight loss
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of dextroamphetamine oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- decreased appetite*
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- feeling anxious
- headache
- mildly increased heart rate
- shakiness
- difficulty sleeping
- upset stomach
- weight loss
Dextroamphetamine oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from dextroamphetamine oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with dextroamphetamine.
Serious side effects of dextroamphetamine oral tablet that occurred in studies include:
- fast or irregular heart rate
- heart problems
- high blood pressure
- new or worsening mental health problems, including depression, mania, and psychosis
- new or worsening seizures
- new or worsening tics (sudden, repeated movements or sounds), including Tourette syndrome
- rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown which can cause life threatening complications)
- sexual problems, including changes in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and prolonged erections
- slowed growth in children*
- risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence*†
- vascular problems, such as Raynaud phenomenon (temporary lack of blood flow to fingers, toes, ears, or nose)
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section below.
† Dextroamphetamine oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section below.
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Get free cardAllergic reaction
For some people, dextroamphetamine oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.
But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Common questions about side effects of dextroamphetamine
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of dextroamphetamine oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do the side effects of dextroamphetamine vs. Adderall compare?
The side effects of dextroamphetamine and Adderall are very similar. Adderall contains both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Common mild side effects of both medications include dry mouth, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
They also have the same potentially serious side effects and warnings. This includes a boxed warning about the risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence. You can read more about this warning in the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section below.
To learn more about how these two drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do the side effects of dextroamphetamine 10 mg and dextroamphetamine 5 mg compare?
The side effects of these different strengths of dextroamphetamine typically will be the same. But side effects of stimulant drugs, such as dextroamphetamine, are generally dose-related. This means that side effects become more common at higher doses. So, it’s possible to see more side effects with a 10-milligram (mg) dose compared with a 5-mg dose.
If you’re having bothersome side effects, talk with your doctor. Do not change your dose of dextroamphetamine without talking with your doctor first.
Do dextroamphetamine side effects last long term?
Yes, in some cases dextroamphetamine oral tablet may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with dextroamphetamine oral tablet include:
- slowed growth in children*
- physical dependence*†
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Also, ask your doctor how long these side effects of dextroamphetamine may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section below.
† Dextroamphetamine oral tablet has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Does dextroamphetamine cause side effects that affect the skin?
Yes, this is possible. Dextroamphetamine may cause several skin-related side effects, including:
- rashes
- skin flushing, as part of serotonin syndrome that can occur when you take dextroamphetamine oral tablet with certain other medicines. Misuse of some amphetamine drugs, including dextroamphetamine can cause skin flushing
- vascular problems, such as Raynaud phenomenon, which can cause temporary changes in skin color, affecting the fingers and toes
If you’re having new skin symptoms after starting dextroamphetamine, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage the problem.
Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of dextroamphetamine oral tablet.
Risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence
Dextroamphetamine has a boxed warning for the risk of abuse, misuse, and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Misuse and abuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. Misuse and abuse can lead to substance use disorders, including addiction. Addiction means you continue taking a drug even though it may be causing harm.
Symptoms of addiction may include a strong desire for the drug and difficulty controlling your use of the drug. Misusing or abusing dextroamphetamine can lead to serious or fatal side effects, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Misuse and abuse can also lead to overdose and death. The risk of overdose and death is higher when dextroamphetamine is taken in unapproved ways, such as snorting or injecting it.
Taking dextroamphetamine can also lead to dependence. Dependence means your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you are dependent on a drug and you suddenly stop taking it. Due to this risk, doctors usually reduce the dosage slowly over time.
Taking dextroamphetamine for a long time increases the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- anxiety and distress
- depression or other mood changes
- fatigue
- increased appetite
- sleep problems
- unusual or unpleasant dreams
Ways to manage
If you experience misuse or addiction, tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend ways to get help.
If you have thoughts of suicide during dextroamphetamine treatment, see the “Suicide prevention” section below. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
To prevent withdrawal symptoms, don’t stop taking dextroamphetamine without talking with your doctor first. They can recommend a safe way to stop the medication. If you experience any of the withdrawal symptoms listed above, call your doctor right away or seek medical care.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
Slowed growth in children
Slowed growth in height and weight have been reported in children taking dextroamphetamine oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.
With slowed growth, a child may not grow as tall or gain as much as weight as expected. Slowed growth can also include weight loss in children.
It isn’t known how dextroamphetamine will affect a child’s long-term growth. With other stimulant drugs, the effect is usually temporary and children catch up on their growth.
Taking dextroamphetamine oral tablet for a long time may increase the risk of having slowed growth.
Ways to manage
Due to the risk of slowed growth, doctors usually check children’s height and weight often during dextroamphetamine treatment. They may stop treatment if a child isn’t growing or gaining weight as expected.
If you have concerns about slowed growth, talk with your doctor.
Decreased appetite
In studies, decreased appetite was common in people taking dextroamphetamine oral tablet. This side effect is usually mild but may be unwanted and serious for some people.
Dextroamphetamine and other stimulant drugs reduce your appetite. This can mean you may not feel hungry or want to eat while taking dextroamphetamine oral tablet. For some people, decreased appetite is a temporary side effect. It goes away as their body gets used to the medication. For others, it can lead to undesired weight loss that may require medical intervention.
Ways to manage
It can be a challenge to manage decreased appetite. But there are some things you can try. First, know that it’s hard to force yourself to eat when a medication makes you feel like not eating. So try to eat nutritious meals when the drug’s effect is lowest. Eat breakfast before taking dextroamphetamine in the morning. Then, eat several smaller meals or snacks throughout the day. If you feel like eating more in the evening, have a small, balanced meal.
If you notice that the decrease in appetite has continued, tell your doctor. They may be able to suggest other ways to increase your food and calorie intake.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Warnings for dextroamphetamine
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking dextroamphetamine oral tablet.
Boxed warning
Dextroamphetamine oral tablet has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of dextroamphetamine in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take dextroamphetamine oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether dextroamphetamine oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking dextroamphetamine oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and the medications you take. Things to consider include:
- circulation problems
- glaucoma
- heart defects
- heart conditions or a family history of heart problems
- high blood pressure
- past or current mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, or a family history of these problems
- past alcohol or substance misuse problems
- seizures
- thyroid problems
- tics, including Tourette syndrome
- past allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine and pregnancy
Taking any kind of amphetamine during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. In some cases, newborns could experience withdrawal symptoms.
Your doctor may talk with you about a pregnancy registry. This registry monitors the outcome of taking medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during pregnancy. It helps scientists learn more about the effects of ADHD medications during pregnancy. You can learn more or register by visiting the website or calling 866-961-2388.
Dextroamphetamine and breastfeeding
Dextroamphetamine oral tablet should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with dextroamphetamine.
Dextroamphetamine and alcohol
Dextroamphetamine oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.
But drinking alcohol while taking dextroamphetamine may still cause problems. Alcohol can have effects on your heart and blood pressure. This could make some of dextroamphetamine’s side effects worse.
Also, drinking alcohol has the opposite effect on your brain than dextroamphetamine. So dextroamphetamine may not work as well as it should, or you might not realize how much alcohol is affecting you.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with dextroamphetamine oral tablet.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.