Short answer: Dextroamphetamine is the more active form (isomer) of amphetamine. It is used for ADHD and narcolepsy as tablets, long-acting capsules, a liquid, and a skin patch. It is a Schedule II controlled substance.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Dextroamphetamine is an amphetamine stimulant and a Schedule II controlled substance in the US.
- Main uses: ADHD; narcolepsy.
- Timing: effects start in 30 to 60 minutes and last 4 to 12 hours depending on form.
- Most dangerous mix: MAOIs (phenelzine, selegiline, linezolid), which can cause dangerous rise in blood pressure.
- Naloxone: it does not reverse this drug, but give it whenever opioids could be involved.
- Dependence risk: Moderate to high.
- Legal route: only with a prescription from a DEA-registered clinician, filled by a licensed pharmacy.
What is dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is approved for ADHD and narcolepsy. The patch (Xelstrym) is applied for up to 9 hours a day, which lets families control how long it works.
Quick facts
| Fact | Dextroamphetamine |
|---|---|
| Generic name | Dextroamphetamine sulfate |
| Brand names | Dexedrine Spansule, Zenzedi, ProCentra (liquid), Xelstrym (patch) |
| Drug class | Amphetamine-type stimulant |
| US legal status | Schedule II, prescription only |
| Approved uses | ADHD; narcolepsy |
| Forms | Tablets, extended-release capsules, oral solution, transdermal patch |
| Onset | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Duration | 4 to 6 hours (tablet); 8 to 12 hours (capsule) |
| Half-life | About 10 to 12 hours |
How long does dextroamphetamine last?
- Starts working: 30 to 60 minutes
- Effects last: 4 to 12 hours depending on form
- Half-life: About 10 to 12 hours
Its half-life is about 10 to 12 hours. Urine tests typically detect it for 2 to 4 days.
Timing varies with the dose, the form, how it is taken, liver and kidney function, age, and other drugs taken at the same time.
What are the biggest risks of dextroamphetamine?
The FDA requires boxed warnings, its strongest, on dextroamphetamine products, including:
- Dextroamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants can result in overdose and death, and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
- Prescribers should assess each patient's risk before prescribing, monitor for signs of misuse throughout treatment, and counsel patients not to share their medicine.
Common side effects include reduced appetite, insomnia, weight loss, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, and irritability. Serious risks are the same as for other amphetamines: heart problems, high blood pressure, psychosis, and slowed growth in children.
What should you never mix with dextroamphetamine?
| Combined with | What happens | Label guidance |
|---|---|---|
| MAOIs (phenelzine, selegiline, linezolid) | Dangerous rise in blood pressure | Contraindicated within 14 days |
| Other stimulants, decongestants (pseudoephedrine) | High blood pressure, fast heart rate | Use caution |
| SSRIs, SNRIs, tramadol, triptans | Serotonin syndrome (rare) | Use caution |
| Alcohol | Masks drunkenness; heart strain | Avoid |
| Urine alkalinizers (sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide) | Raise levels | Avoid |
Check any combination with the DoseUses combination checker or ask a pharmacist.
What are the signs of a dextroamphetamine overdose, and what should you do?
Overdose causes agitation, fast breathing, confusion, hallucinations, very high temperature, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
If someone may be overdosing
- Call 911 for chest pain, a seizure, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke (face drooping, weakness on one side, slurred speech), a very high body temperature, or if the person collapses.
- Move them somewhere cool and calm, loosen tight clothing, and cool the skin with water. Do not try to hold them down.
- If they become unresponsive or their breathing slows, give naloxone. Street stimulants are often contaminated with fentanyl.
- For advice when the person is awake and stable, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
What happens when you stop dextroamphetamine?
Stopping dextroamphetamine after regular prescribed use does not cause dangerous physical withdrawal. ADHD symptoms return, and some people feel tired or low for a few days. After heavy misuse, a "crash" with exhaustion, increased sleep and appetite, and depression is common.
- Days 1 to 3CrashFatigue, long sleep, increased appetite, low mood, irritability.
- Weeks 1 to 2Low mood and cravingsLow energy, poor concentration, and cravings after heavy use.
- Weeks to monthsRecoveryMood and energy normalize; depression should be watched for.
See the withdrawal timelines and the full dextroamphetamine withdrawal guide.
Is dextroamphetamine legal?
In the United States, dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. The only legal way to get it is with a prescription from a clinician registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), filled by a licensed pharmacy. Depending on state law, that can be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
- Refills: Schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled. A prescriber can write several prescriptions at once, with dates when each may be filled, for up to a 90-day supply in total.
- Telehealth: federal flexibilities let DEA-registered clinicians prescribe Schedule II to V medicines after a telemedicine visit, without a prior in-person exam, through December 31, 2026. A permanent DEA rule was under final review in late 2026. State rules can be stricter.
- Monitoring: prescribers and pharmacists in most states check a prescription drug monitoring program, a database of controlled-substance prescriptions, before prescribing or dispensing.
Outside the United States
| Country | Status |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Class B; dexamfetamine prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy |
| Canada | Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; prescription only |
| Australia | Schedule 8 controlled drug |
| International | Schedule II of the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances |
Frequently asked questions about dextroamphetamine
What is the difference between dextroamphetamine and Adderall?
Adderall contains about 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine alone is somewhat more potent per milligram for focus and has fewer heart-rate effects from the levo form.
Is there a dextroamphetamine patch?
Yes. Xelstrym, approved in 2022, is worn on the skin for up to 9 hours.
How long does dextroamphetamine stay in your system?
Its half-life is about 10 to 12 hours. Urine tests typically detect it for 2 to 4 days.
Sources
- Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) prescribing information, DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine.
- FDA updating warnings to improve safe use of prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and other conditions, US Food and Drug Administration, 2023.
- Controlled Substance Schedules, DEA Diversion Control Division.
- 21 CFR 1306.12, Refilling prescriptions; issuance of multiple prescriptions (Schedule II), Electronic Code of Federal Regulations.
- Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth, US Department of Health and Human Services.
- BeSafeRx: Your Source for Online Pharmacy Information, US Food and Drug Administration.
- Safe Pharmacy, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
- One Pill Can Kill, US Drug Enforcement Administration.
This guide summarizes the sourced DoseUses Dextroamphetamine profile, written from FDA labels, DEA rules, and federal health agencies. It is educational and is not medical advice. Last updated October 5, 2026.
