Dextroamphetamine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands
Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant sold in the U.S. under 3 brand and generic names, for attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity and narcolepsy. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.
Key facts
- Drug class
- Central Nervous System Stimulant
- Treats (across its forms)
- Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity and Narcolepsy
- Available as
- Capsule, extended release · Solution · Tablet · Patch, extended release
- Sold as
- 3 products — Dexedrine Spansule, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate and Xelstrym
- Prescription?
- Prescription only
- Generic available?
- Yes
- What the pharmacy pays
- about $30 for a 30-count supply — not your price
- Boxed warning
- Boxed warning
How Dexedrine Spansule is dosed
From the FDA label for Dexedrine Spansule (application NDA017078). Other dextroamphetamine products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Amphetamines should be administered at the lowest effective dosage and dosage should be individually adjusted. Late evening doses should be avoided because of the resulting insomnia. Narcolepsy Usual dose is 5 to 60 mg per day in divided doses, depending on the individual patient response. Narcolepsy seldom occurs in children under 12 years of age; however, when it does, dextroamphetamine sulfate may be used. The suggested initial dose for patients aged 6 to 12 is 5 mg daily; daily dose may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained. In patients 12 years of age and older, start with 10 mg daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced. Extended-release capsules may be used for once-a-day dosage wherever appropriate. Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity The extended-release capsule formulation is not recommended for pediatric patients younger than 6 years of age. In pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, start with 5 mg once or twice daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained. Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed a total of 40 mg per day. Extended-release capsules may be used…
Everything below is the FDA label for Dexedrine Spansule (capsule, extended release). Dextroamphetamine is also sold as solution, tablet and patch, extended release, and those are different medicines to take — follow the label for the one you were prescribed.
Dexedrine Spansule side effects
Cardiovascular Palpitations, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure. There have been isolated reports of cardiomyopathy associated with chronic amphetamine use. Central Nervous System Psychotic episodes at recommended doses (rare), overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dyskinesia, dysphoria, tremor, headache, exacerbation of motor and phonic tics, and Tourette’s syndrome. Gastrointestinal Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances. Anorexia and weight loss may occur as undesirable effects. Allergic Urticaria. Endocrine Impotence, changes in libido, frequent or prolonged erections. Musculoskeletal Rhabdomyolysis. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders Alopecia. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amneal Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-835-5472 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Who shouldn’t take Dexedrine Spansule
Advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to the sympathomimetic amines, glaucoma. Agitated states. Patients with a history of drug abuse. Known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to amphetamine. In patients known to be hypersensitive to amphetamine, or other components of dextroamphetamine sulfate. Hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other amphetamine products [see Adverse Reactions ]. Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs (including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue), because of an increased risk of hypertensive crisis [see Warnings and Drug Interactions ].
Dexedrine Spansule drug interactions
Acidifying Agents Lower blood levels and efficacy of amphetamines. Increase dose based on clinical response. Examples of acidifying agents include gastrointestinal acidifying agents (e.g., guanethidine, reserpine, glutamic acid hydrochloride, ascorbic acid) and urinary acidifying agents (e.g., ammonium chloride, sodium acid phosphate, methenamine salts). Adrenergic Blockers Adrenergic blockers are inhibited by amphetamines. Alkalinizing Agents Increase blood levels and potentiate the action of amphetamine. Co-administration of dextroamphetamine sulfate and gastrointestinal alkalinizing agents should be avoided. Examples of alkalinizing agents include gastrointestinal alkalinizing agents (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) and urinary alkalinizing agents (e.g. acetazolamide, some thiazides). Tricyclic Antidepressants May enhance the activity of tricyclic or sympathomimetic agents causing striking and sustained increases in the concentration of d-amphetamine in the brain; cardiovascular effects can be potentiated. Monitor frequently and adjust or use alternative therapy based on clinical response. Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include desipramine, protriptyline. CYP2D6 Inhibitors The concomitant use of dextroamphetamine sulfate and CYP2D6 inhibitors may increase the exposure of dextroamphetamine sulfate compared to the use of the drug alone and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Initiate with lower doses and monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome particularly during dextroamphetamine sulfate initiation and after a dosage increase. If serotonin syndrome occurs, discontinue dextroamphetamine sulfate and the CYP2D6 inhibitor [see Warnings , Overdosage ]. Examples of CYP2D6 Inhibitors include paroxetine and fluoxetine (also serotonergic drugs), quinidine, ritonavir. Serotonergic Drugs The concomitant use of dextroamphetamine sulfate and serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Initiate with lower doses and monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during dextroamphetamine sulfate initiation or dosage increase. If serotonin syndrome occurs, discontinue dextroamphetamine sulfate and the concomitant serotonergic drug(s) [see Warnings and Precautions ]. Examples of serotonergic drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John’s Wort. MAO Inhibitors Concomitant use of MAOIs and CNS stimulants can cause hypertensive crisis. Potential outcomes include death, stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, ophthalmological complications, eclampsia, pulmonary edema, and renal failure. Do not administer dextroamphetamine sulfate concomitantly or within 14 days after discontinuing MAOI [see Contraindications and Warnings ]. Examples of MAOIs include selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue. Proton Pump Inhibitors Time to maximum concentration (T max ) of amphetamine is decreased compared to when administered alone. Monitor patients for changes in clinical effect and adjust therapy based on clinical response. An example of a proton pump inhibitor is omeprazole. Antihistamines Amphetamines may counteract the sedative effect of antihistamines. Antihypertensives Amphetamines may antagonize the hypotensive effects of antihypertensives. Chlorpromazine Chlorpromazine blocks dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, thus inhibiting the central stimulant effects of amphetamines, and can be used to treat amphetamine poisoning. Ethosuximide Amphetamines may delay intestinal absorption of ethosuximide. Haloperidol Haloperidol blocks dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, thus inhibiting the central stimulant effects of amphetamines. Lithium Carbonate The stimulatory effects of amphetamines may be inhibited by lithium carbonate. Meperidine Amphetamines potentiate the analgesic effect of meperidine. Methenamine Therapy Urinary excretion of amphetamines is increased, and efficacy is reduced, by acidifying agents used in methenamine therapy. Norepinephrine Amphetamines enhance the adrenergic effect of norepinephrine. Phenobarbital Amphetamines may delay intestinal absorption of phenobarbital; co-administration of phenobarbital may produce a synergistic anticonvulsant action. Phenytoin Amphetamines may delay intestinal absorption of phenytoin; co-administration of phenytoin may produce a synergistic anticonvulsant action. Propoxyphene In cases of propoxyphene overdosage, amphetamine CNS stimulation is potentiated and fatal convulsions can occur. Veratrum Alkaloids Amphetamines inhibit the hypotensive effect of veratrum alkaloids. Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions Amphetamines can cause a significant elevation in plasma corticosteroid levels. This increase is greatest in the evening. Amphetamines may interfere with urinary steroid determinations. Carcinogenesis/Mutagenesis Mutagenicity studies and long-term studies in animals to determine the carcinogenic potential of dextroamphetamine sulfate have not been performed.
Can you take dextroamphetamine with…?
Source-cited answers for the combinations people actually ask about — each with a verdict and what to watch for.
Every dextroamphetamine product we track (3)
Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $30 | View → | |
| 2 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $30 | View → | |
| 3 | 68/100 | Prescription | Patch | Generic | $30 | View → |
Combination products containing dextroamphetamine
A combination is a different drug — different dosing, different warnings. It is listed here so you can find it, not so you can substitute it.
Dextroamphetamine recalls
From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.
Dextroamphetamine Saccharate
Labeling: Label Mix-up: Capsules contain only immediate-release (IR) pellets while labeled as ER capsules.
Lannett Company Inc. · Jun 26, 2026
Dextroamphetamine Saccharate
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications:
Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. · Aug 28, 2025
Dextroamphetamine Saccharate
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications:
Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. · Aug 28, 2025
Dextroamphetamine Saccharate
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications:
Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. · Aug 28, 2025
Dextroamphetamine Saccharate
Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications:
Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. · Aug 28, 2025
How long dextroamphetamine keeps
No dextroamphetamine label we read sets a separate limit for after opening, but they do specify how it must be stored — and the stability behind any date assumes those conditions.
Dextroamphetamine and breastfeeding
From LactMed, the US National Library of Medicine’s Drugs and Lactation Database — quoted, not rewritten.
Full LactMed record for dextroamphetamine: levels in milk, effects in breastfed infants, and the drugs it would consider insteadIn dosages prescribed for medical indications, some evidence indicates that dextroamphetamine might not affect nursing infants adversely. The effect of dextroamphetamine in milk on the neurological development of the infant has not been well studied. It is possible that large dosages of dextroamphetamine might interfere with milk production, especially in women whose lactation is not well established. Although most manufacturers advise that mothers not breastfeed while taking amphetamine, some experts state that therapeutic dosages of amphetamine can be used during nursing with monitoring of the infant for irritability, insomnia, and feeding difficulty. Breastfeeding is generally discouraged in mothers who are actively abusing amphetamines.[2–4]
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, record revised June 15, 2025. LactMed states its information is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What people report to the FDA about dextroamphetamine
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collects reports from patients and clinicians. It holds 11,635 reports naming dextroamphetamine, and the FDA flagged 48% of those reports as serious. The effects reported most often — leaving out reports about overdose, misuse or the condition being treated, which dominate the raw list for common medicines:
- fatigue917 reports
- headache820 reports
- nausea705 reports
- anxiety697 reports
- somnolence543 reports
- feeling abnormal529 reports
- depression520 reports
- disturbance in attention473 reports
Read these as a signal, not a rate. A report does not mean dextroamphetamine caused the effect — anyone can file one, and many describe people taking several medicines for several conditions. Crucially there is no denominator: FAERS does not record how many people took the drug, so these counts cannot be turned into “X% of patients” — a bigger number often just means a more widely used or more talked-about drug. Duplicates exist, and publicity drives reporting. For what is actually established, read the FDA label.
Source: openFDA drug/event (FAERS), retrieved September 25, 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Dexedrine Spansule?
Dexedrine Spansule (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Narcolepsy.
What kind of drug is dextroamphetamine?
The FDA classifies dextroamphetamine as a central nervous system stimulant. CNS stimulants raise the levels of the brain's signaling chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, either by releasing more of them or by blocking their reuptake. This heightened activity in attention and arousal circuits increases alertness, energy, and focus. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take dextroamphetamine with other medicines?
It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run dextroamphetamine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is dextroamphetamine sold under?
We track 3 dextroamphetamine-containing products in the U.S.: Dexedrine Spansule, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate and Xelstrym. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does dextroamphetamine come in?
Across the brands we track, dextroamphetamine is currently marketed as capsule, extended release, solution, tablet and patch, extended release, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic dextroamphetamine?
Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic dextroamphetamine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.
Has dextroamphetamine been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement database lists at least 5 recall records whose product description mentions dextroamphetamine. The most recent: Dextroamphetamine Saccharate (Jun 26, 2026). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.
What should I avoid while taking dextroamphetamine?
Other medicines: we hold source-cited interaction answers for Can you drink alcohol while taking Adderall?. This is what the FDA label and our cited sources say — it is not a complete list. Your pharmacist can check your own combination.
Cite this page
- APA
- pharmaranks. (2026, July 24). Dextroamphetamine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands. https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/dextroamphetamine
- MLA
- “Dextroamphetamine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands.” pharmaranks, 24 July 2026, https://pharmaranks.com/drugs/dextroamphetamine.
We summarise public FDA and NIH sources — for a clinical claim, cite the primary source we link to as well.
Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.
Read the full FDA label for dextroamphetamine on DailyMed (NIH) ↗ — including its boxed warning in full.