Dextroamphetamine is a prescription medication that stimulates the nervous system. It is often used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It can help people improve focus, ease hyperactivity, and manage daytime sleepiness.
While dextroamphetamine can treat these symptoms effectively, it also has the risk of dependence or addiction. A national survey found that 25% of adults in the United States who use prescription stimulants have used them differently than prescribed. Additionally, 9% have a prescription stimulant use disorder. These numbers highlight the potential for dependence. Taking action may help lower the risk of long-term complications.
Knowing the risks and side effects is important for anyone who is thinking about taking this medication. It is also important to know if you need to stop taking it. If you’re noticing these signs, you’re not alone and support is available. Our Recovery Support Coordinators at Groups can help you see the signs of dependence, and we can personalize a safe and effective treatment plan for you.
Keep reading to find five surprising long-term risks and side effects of dependence, so you know what you need to know to improve your health and well-being.
5 surprising long-term risks of dextroamphetamine
Long-term dextroamphetamine use can lead to many potential risks. These risks often increase with higher dosages or ongoing nonprescribed use of dextroamphetamine. Knowing the long-term risks and side effects can help you protect your health.
Here are some surprising long-term risks:
1. Cardiovascular risks
Dextroamphetamine can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, these side effects can strain your heart and lead to other issues. It may cause cardiomyopathy, which means damage to the heart muscles, and this can lead to heart failure. Dextroamphetamine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Rarely, long-term or high-dose use has been associated with cardiomyopathy (weakening of the heart muscle) and heart failure, including in teenagers and young adults.
These potential side effects are especially troubling for adults with preexisting heart conditions. Taking dextroamphetamine other than how it’s prescribed can lead to an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
2. Neurological risks
Over time, as your body gets used to this medication, you may need a higher dose to feel its effects. This is a sign that you’re becoming tolerant of dextroamphetamine, which can lead to dependence. Taking this medication at higher doses or chronically over time can increase your risk of seizures. However, when taken at its required dosage, this side effect is rare.
Dextroamphetamine may also cause long-term changes in the brain that can lead to memory problems.
3. Psychiatric risks
Dextroamphetamine may also lead to hallucinations, hearing and/or seeing things that aren’t there. Some people may experience paranoia, especially if they’ve taken high doses for a long time. Intense mood swings, aggressive behavior, and emotional instability may be signs of dependence.
- Growth suppression in children
Dextroamphetamine has been associated with stunted growth in children. However, some children may continue to grow at an expected rate when they stop taking this medication temporarily or long-term. Studies suggest that a small impact on final growth is possible.
- Weight loss and malnutrition
Many people taking dextroamphetamine experience suppressed appetite. This side effect can lead to malnutrition or extreme weight loss, especially if it’s taken over time. As this medication stimulates the brain, it suppresses the hunger system, potentially leading you to eat less. It also boosts your metabolism, which can cause you to burn more calories and lose weight. Together, these effects can be dangerous.
Dextroamphetamine side effects
When taken as prescribed by your provider, dextroamphetamine may lead to mild side effects. As your body adjusts to treatment, they may lessen over time.
Common side effects include:
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Fast heartbeat
- Decreased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
- Tremors
If you experience any serious side effects, you should seek immediate medical attention. Severe side effects include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, etc)
- Weakness or numbness
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Symptoms of a heart attack or stroke
- Paranoia
How dextroamphetamine affects daily life
Over time, the brain gets used to the effects of this medication. Dextroamphetamine increases dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that regulate focus, attention, and energy. As the brain gets used to these higher levels, it may lower its natural production of these neurotransmitters. This can make it harder to feel alert or focus without this medication.
Additionally, dependence on dextroamphetamine can also affect your work, relationships, and well-being. When the effects of this medication wear off, many people experience a “crash.” This causes a sudden drop in energy and mood. It can lead to fatigue, irritability, and headaches. These crashes can make it more difficult to get out of bed in the morning, make it to work on time, or do your daily routine. Over time, it can become harder to function without this medication, which may be a sign that you need support.
Dependence on dextroamphetamine can also affect your relationships and emotional well-being. Irritability and mood swings can strain your connections with your co-workers, friends, and family. While this can be stressful, these challenges don’t have to be permanent. With the right support and treatment, you can find other ways to increase your energy and focus and improve the relationships around you. When you see these signs early, you can take action more quickly.
When to seek help
For many, dextroamphetamine can help ease the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. But long-term or unprescribed use may lead to serious risks and side effects. That’s why it’s important to know when this medication is doing more harm than good. It’s OK to ask for help.
Getting help early can help prevent long-term complications. It may be time to reach out to your provider if you:
- Feel you need to increase your dose to get the same effect
- Have persistent mood swings, anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations
- Experience significant weight loss
- Have shortness of breath, chest pains, or rapid heartbeat
- Cannot cut back or feel dependent on your medication
Our Recovery Support Coordinators at Groups can help you determine if you’re experiencing common side effects or potential risks. We can guide you toward a safe, personalized, and effective treatment plan that supports your overall well-being.
How stimulant use disorders can connect with other substances
Sometimes stimulant use disorders can occur with other substance use disorders. For example, people who use prescription stimulants may also use alcohol, cannabis, or opioids to ease anxiety. One study found high probabilities of having more than one substance use disorder. These overlaps are common. Treatment that addresses all conditions can help improve your health and well-being, not just ease the symptoms.
Find support for dextroamphetamine dependence at Groups
Dextroamphetamine can be a helpful medication for some people when taken as prescribed. But it isn’t the best treatment for everyone. Long-term use or use outside of prescribed directions may lead to serious risks for your heart, mind, and overall health and well-being. Knowing the warning signs is important and so is seeking medical attention immediately if you need it. Getting the right support can make recovery safer and easier. Whether you’ve been meaning to begin a life free from dextroamphetamine or unsure what to do, help is always available.
At Groups, our Recovery Support Coordinators are here to guide you. We currently treat stimulant use disorder in Iowa and are working to expand this service to more states. Even if stimulant treatment isn’t available yet in your area, we can help connect you to helpful resources nearby.
Give our Recovery Support Coordinators a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
