Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It is primarily prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults, helping improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Dextroamphetamine is a stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy by increasing brain chemicals that control focus and attention.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06BA02
- RxNorm
- 3288
- Generic
- Dextroamphetamine
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Zenzedi, Dexedrine, Mydayis, Xelstrym, ProCentra, Adderall
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 10mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesterdiscontinue before third trimester if possible
avoid use near term due to risk of premature labor and neonatal effects
fetal growth monitoring and uterine activity tracking
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
dextroamphetamine excreted in breast milk - breastfeeding not recommended
monitor infant for irritability, poor weight gain, and sleep disturbances
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 3 12 yearsstart at lowest dose, titrate slowly
monitor growth parameters closely; may cause growth suppression
regular height/weight monitoring, cardiovascular monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderstart at lowest dose, reduce maintenance dose by 50%
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to cardiovascular effects
monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and for signs of agitation or confusion
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno adjustment needed for mild impairment
monitor renal function during treatment
periodic monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose by 50% or use with caution
significant renal impairment requires dose reduction
frequent monitoring of drug levels and renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentstart at lower dose
use with caution in hepatic impairment
monitor for increased side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Amphetamine-type stimulant
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Controlled substance schedule
Legal classification
First FDA approval
Initial market authorization for Dexedrine
Dextroamphetamine is FDA-approved for treating ADHD in patients 3 years and older, as well as narcolepsy—a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
As a CNS stimulant, dextroamphetamine increases the release and blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in brain regions responsible for attention, focus, and impulse control, resulting in improved concentration and behavioral regulation.
Dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance with high abuse potential and risk of dependence. Common side effects include decreased appetite, weight loss, insomnia, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. It may cause sudden death in patients with pre-existing cardiac abnormalities. Regular monitoring of growth, cardiovascular health, and mental status is recommended during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy