An ADHD stimulant
Dexamfetamine
A stimulant medicine used for ADHD and for narcolepsy; it is a controlled drug.
What is Dexamfetamine?
Dexamfetamine is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and, in some cases, narcolepsy. It is started by a specialist and helps with focus, attention and overactivity. Common effects include reduced appetite, poor sleep and a raised heart rate and blood pressure, and in children growth is monitored. It is a controlled drug with potential for dependence, and a heart check is usually done before starting. Do not stop suddenly, and report chest pain, palpitations or mood changes.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Dexamfetamine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Dexamfetamine is a stimulant medicine used mainly to treat ADHD, a condition affecting attention, impulsiveness and activity levels, and it is also used in narcolepsy to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. It is a specialist-initiated, controlled medicine taken by mouth. It is an immediate-acting stimulant, so its effect comes on relatively quickly and is usually spread across the day. Treatment is part of a wider plan that may include other support.
How it works
Dexamfetamine increases the activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline, which help with focus, attention and self-control in ADHD and with staying awake in narcolepsy. Because these chemicals also affect the body, it can raise heart rate and blood pressure and reduce appetite. It manages symptoms while it is being taken rather than curing the condition, and works best as part of a broader treatment plan.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic (long-established).
A stimulant medicine used in the UK for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and for narcolepsy.
Practical use
How to take Dexamfetamine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it by mouth as your specialist directs, usually earlier in the day to reduce sleep problems.
- Have the suggested heart and blood-pressure checks before starting and at reviews.
- Keep it stored securely and never share it, as it is a controlled drug with potential for dependence.
- For children, attend growth checks, as appetite changes can affect height and weight.
- Do not stop the medicine suddenly without advice, and report chest pain, palpitations or mood changes promptly.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Dexamfetamine
Advantages
- Can effectively improve focus, attention and impulse control in ADHD, and reduce sleepiness in narcolepsy.
- Works relatively quickly and can be adjusted across the day.
- A long-established treatment option with extensive clinical experience.
Disadvantages
- Commonly reduces appetite and disturbs sleep, and can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
- It is a controlled drug with potential for dependence and misuse.
- In children, can affect growth, so height and weight need monitoring.
Practical use
Good to know
Dexamfetamine is started and supervised by a specialist and is a controlled drug, so it is stored securely, never shared, and taken exactly as prescribed because of its potential for dependence and misuse. Before starting, a check of the heart and blood pressure is usually done, as it can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Common effects include reduced appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headache and feeling on edge; in children, height and weight are monitored because appetite changes can affect growth. It is taken earlier in the day to limit sleep problems. Do not stop suddenly without advice, and report chest pain, palpitations, fainting, new or worsening mood changes, anxiety, or any unusual thoughts or behaviour.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with significant heart problems, certain heart-rhythm conditions or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not usually take it.
- It is generally avoided in people with severe anxiety, agitation, or a history of certain psychiatric conditions, and with some antidepressants.
- Used with caution where there is a risk of misuse or dependence, and in overactive thyroid.
Monitoring
- Checking heart rate and blood pressure before starting and during treatment.
- Monitoring height and weight in children because of effects on appetite and growth.
- Reviewing benefit, mood and any signs of misuse, and whether the medicine is still needed.
Side effects
- Reduced appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headache and feeling on edge are common.
- A faster heartbeat, raised blood pressure, dry mouth or stomach upset in some people.
- Mood changes, anxiety, or rarely unusual thoughts or behaviour, and chest pain or palpitations, which need prompt review.
Key interactions
- Should not be combined with certain antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or used too close to stopping them.
- Caution with other stimulants and decongestants, which add to its effects on the heart and blood pressure.
- Can interact with some medicines for blood pressure, mood and epilepsy, so tell your prescriber everything you take.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Dexamfetamine: frequently asked questions
What is dexamfetamine used for?
It is a stimulant used mainly for ADHD to help focus, attention and impulse control, and also for narcolepsy to reduce daytime sleepiness.
Why is a heart check done before starting?
It can raise heart rate and blood pressure, so a check of the heart and blood pressure is usually done before treatment and at reviews.
Will it affect my child's growth?
It can reduce appetite, so height and weight are monitored in children, and your specialist will review growth over time.
Is it addictive?
It is a controlled drug with potential for dependence and misuse, so it must be stored securely, never shared, and taken exactly as prescribed.
Can I stop it suddenly?
Do not stop suddenly without advice; speak to your specialist, and report chest pain, palpitations or mood changes.
The wider class
About ADHD stimulant
Dexamfetamine belongs to the adhd stimulant class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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