Zenzedi, Dextroamphetamine, Dextroamphetamine ER, Procentra

Introduction

Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on August 18, 2023

Dextroamphetamine (deks troe am FET a meen) is a generic medication prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Dextroamphetamine belongs to a group of drugs called stimulants.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of dextroamphetamine. To find coupons for dextroamphetamine extended-release* oral capsule, see this article.

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction

Dextroamphetamine has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for dextroamphetamine” section.

Common questions about dextroamphetamine

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about dextroamphetamine.

Is dextroamphetamine similar to Adderall?

Yes. Adderall and dextroamphetamine are both stimulant drugs prescribed to treat the same conditions. These include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Adderall contains a mixture of four different amphetamine salts. One of these salts is dextroamphetamine sulfate. This is the same ingredient found in dextroamphetamine oral tablet, solution, and extended-release* capsule.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about dextroamphetamine versus Adderall.

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

What brand names are available for dextroamphetamine?

The available brand names for dextroamphetamine depend on the dosage form of the drug. The extended-release* capsule is available as the brand name Dexedrine.

There are currently no brand-name versions available for dextroamphetamine oral tablet and oral solution.

A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

How does dextroamphetamine work? And how long does it take to start working?

It isn’t known exactly how dextroamphetamine works. It’s thought to stimulate the brain, leading to physical and behavioral effects.

Dextroamphetamine oral tablet and solution are immediate-release drugs. They start working within 30 minutes to an hour. The extended-release (ER)* capsule starts working more slowly but lasts longer and is more consistent. The maximum effects of the ER capsule occur about 3 hours after taking the medication.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* “ER” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Side effects of dextroamphetamine

Dextroamphetamine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of dextroamphetamine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about dextroamphetamine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for dextroamphetamine listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of dextroamphetamine are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about dextroamphetamine’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for dextroamphetamine listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Mild side effects of dextroamphetamine oral tablet and dextroamphetamine extended-release* oral capsule may include:

• reduced appetite
• headache
• tremor (involuntary body movements)
• trouble sleeping
• mild allergic reaction†

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for dextroamphetamine” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of dextroamphetamine are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about dextroamphetamine’s side effects based on the form you take, refer to the prescribing information for dextroamphetamine listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, dextroamphetamine’s serious side effects include:

• heart problems, including palpitations (a feeling of skipping or pounding heartbeats)
• rapid heart rate
• high blood pressure
• mental health problems, such as manic symptoms
• vision problems
• Raynaud’s phenomenon (reduced blood flow to your fingers and toes)
• serotonin syndrome (too much of the chemical serotonin in the body, which can be life threatening)
• boxed warning: risk of misuse and addiction†
• severe allergic reaction†

† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for dextroamphetamine” section.

Uses of dextroamphetamine

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as dextroamphetamine for certain conditions. Approved uses for dextroamphetamine are described below.

Use for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Doctors may prescribe dextroamphetamine for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Dextroamphetamine oral tablet and dextroamphetamine oral solution are used for this purpose in adults and children ages 3 years and older. Dextroamphetamine extended-release* capsules are also used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With ADHD, you may have difficulty with concentration or focus. You may also find it challenging to control certain behaviors and actions. ADHD symptoms can cause problems at work, school, or home.

ADHD symptoms commonly include:

• inability to pay attention
• failure to follow through on tasks
• lack of attention to detail or making careless mistakes
• forgetfulness
• fidgeting or squirming
• inappropriate running or climbing
• difficulty with quiet or downtime activities
• excessive talking or blurting out

Doctors typically prescribe dextroamphetamine as part of a complete treatment plan. This may involve therapy or educational measures to help manage ADHD.

* “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.

Use for narcolepsy

Doctors may prescribe any form of dextroamphetamine for managing narcolepsy. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With narcolepsy, a person experiences unusual sleep patterns that affect their daily activities. Symptoms of narcolepsy may include:

• excessive daytime sleepiness
• falling asleep suddenly during the day
• cataplexy (sudden, temporary loss of muscle tone).

Interactions and warnings for dextroamphetamine

Below, you’ll find information about dextroamphetamine’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of dextroamphetamine

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take dextroamphetamine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for dextroamphetamine” section below.

Warnings for dextroamphetamine

Some people should not take dextroamphetamine, and others should take it cautiously.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction

Dextroamphetamine has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  

With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. Some people misuse oral medication by taking it in a way other than by mouth. Drug misuse can lead to addiction (feeling unable to stop using a drug, even though it may be causing harm).

If you have concerns about the risks of misuse or addiction with dextroamphetamine, talk with your doctor. If you find yourself taking more dextroamphetamine than you were prescribed, talk with your doctor. They can discuss how to properly take, store, and dispose of the drug. Following your doctor’s instructions and watching for signs of misuse or addiction can help lower your risk.

To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other warnings

Dextroamphetamine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether dextroamphetamine is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for dextroamphetamine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Dextroamphetamine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe dextroamphetamine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to dextroamphetamine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of dextroamphetamine

If you take dextroamphetamine by mouth, you should not take more dextroamphetamine than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much dextroamphetamine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and dextroamphetamine

Information about dextroamphetamine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Dextroamphetamine and pregnancy

Dextroamphetamine should not be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with dextroamphetamine.

Dextroamphetamine and breastfeeding

Dextroamphetamine should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently 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.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about dextroamphetamine or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Am I at higher risk than others for having serious side effects of dextroamphetamine?
• What are the best times to take dextroamphetamine based on my work or school schedule?
• What happens if I skip a dose of dextroamphetamine?

Resources

• Dextroamphetamine solution. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/7658071e-ee2c-4d23-94ce-1906959ec036/spl-doc
• Dextroamphetamine sulfate capsule, extended release. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9e92ccc3-d81c-461d-a19f-7e9b582be357/spl-doc
• Dextroamphetamine sulfate tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9acdf000-fefe-47c7-a44c-0f7a65c5c05c/spl-doc
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm

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.