The Proper Use of Dexedrine and How the Drug is Abused
Background:
Dextroamphetamine is a potent stimulant that is used to treat Narcolepsy and plays a part in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Dextroamphetamine can also be used for weight loss but using this drug for this purpose is still in question. The drug is also used in the United States Military as a "go-pill’ for long missions. Dextroamphetamine belongs to a group of drugs called CNS stimulants or "uppers." Dextroamphetamine can also be classified as an amphetamine and works by triggering the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting to increased wakefulness, enhanced awareness, and generally producing the "fight or flight" effect. Dextroamphetamine is often referred to as d-amphetamine and is marketed under the brand names Dexedrine and Dextrostat.
Proper Dosage and Use:
Like all amphetamines, Dexedrine has a high tendency for abuse. With this being the case, Dexedrine should be taken exactly as the doctor instructs. The use of Dexedrine is usually kept at a minimum, only allowing the smallest dose to produce the desired effect. As a treatment for narcolepsy for adults, Dexedrine is usually given from 5 mgs to no more than 60 mgs per day, which is divided equally during the course of the day. For children at the age of 12 or less, Dexedrine can also be used. The initial dose is usually at 5 mgs daily. The dose may be augmented by 5 mgs per week until the desired effect is exhibited.
Children aged 12 and above will start medication by receiving 10 mgs of Dexedrine and can be augmented by 10 mgs per week until the drug takes effect. If side effects of Dexedrine arise, the dose of the drug is usually lessened.
It would probably come as a paradox that ADHD is treated with a stimulant such as Dexedrine. This is not the case because Dexedrine allows ADHD patients to maintain focus on tasks at hand. However, the use of Dexedrine for children aged less than 3 is strictly unadvisable. Children from 3 to 5 years old receive a starting dose of 2.5 mgs daily, which can be increased by 2.5 mgs per week until Dexedrine produces the desired results.
Children aged 6 to 12 years usually receive a starting dose of 5 mgs per day. This initial dose can be raised by 5 mgs every week until Dexedrine produces the results expected. Cases that need to take a daily dose of 40 mgs of Dexedrine are scarce but they occur.
Dexedrine is available at 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg orange tablets that usually take 20 minutes to produce the desired effect after it is taken. Dexedrine tablets are taken with intervals varying from 4 to 6 hrs between doses. Dexedrine is also available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg "time-released" clear orange and brown capsules, which are designed to be taken once a day. Dexedrine "Spansules" take longer to produce the desired effect. In either form, Dexedrine should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed. It is important to be kept updated by consulting with the physician for changes during the course of the therapy. It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s order.
Dexedrine should not be taken late in the day as it may result to insomnia.
Dexedrine should not be taken by people with heart conditions, or by people with hypertension. It is also important not to take Dexedrine within 14 days after taking Monoamine oxidase Inhibitors or MAO inhibitors as this may result to a deadly elevation of blood pressure. Expecting and lactating mothers are also discouraged from taking Dexedrine. Mothers taking Dexedrine are associated with premature and low birth weight babies. Dexedrine can also be transferred via breast milk, making it unwise to be prescribed to nursing mothers.
Common Side Effects:
The following side effects are known to be exhibited by Dexedrine users:
- Tachycardia (rapid beating of the heart), elevated blood pressure
- Restlessness, insomnia, euphoria, irritability
- Xerostamia (dry mouth), loss of appetite, constipation, Anorexia and weight loss
- Increase in Libido
The following are normal adverse reactions to high doses of Dexedrine but should be closely monitored:
- Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations
- Doll’s eyes (dilated pupils)
- Confusion
Abuse and chronic use of Dexedrine can lead to amphetamine psychosis, which is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and thought disorders.
Dexedrine Abuse:
Like all amphetamines, Dexedrine also carries a high potential for abuse due to its euphoria inducing properties. However, periodic dosing as opposed to chronic use results to sensitization or "reverse tolerance" to Dexedrine’s psychological effects. However, the fact remains that Dexedrine could induce dependency.
Aside from Dexedrine’s ability to induce euphoria, the drug is also taken irresponsibly as a study aid. Its weight loss inducing capability is another reason why Dexedrine is used irresponsibly.
These practices are not only unwise, but may also be deadly. Behavioral changes brought about by elevated doses of Dexedrine makes the abuser a danger to himself, but also a danger to those around him. If you suspect dependency to Dexedrine, you need to get help.
Dexedrine Detoxification and Rehabilitation:
The first step to rehabilitation is detoxification. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, gradual reduction of Dexedrine doses are given. The length of detoxification depends on the length of time the patient has been taking Dexedrine and at what doses the drug was being taken.
The next step of rehabilitation is meant to deal about the psychological aspect of intervention. Support groups, counseling, and other methods are employed to ensure a lasting intervention and management.
What Dexedrine Rehabilitation Patients say about Malibu Horizon
The names in the following testimonials have been replaced with fictitious ones of the author’s choosing to protect our respondents’ privacy.
"During law school, I had to take uppers to cope up with the brutal course. I thought, ‘other guys do it, what harm could it do?’ Man, was that a bad decision. Before long I knew I was hooked and I needed help. So I came to Malibu Horizon and now I’m drug-free. Thank you very much." -Eugene
"I used to serve in the Marines and we were rationed with go-pills for missions. I stayed off the pill as long as I could but fatigue was starting to take its toll on me. That was when I started taking Dexedrine. When I retired from service, Dexedrine became a bad habit that I wanted to quit. My family’s support and Malibu Horizon helped me do just that." -Alfred
"During my teens, image was everything. I had a hard time coz I was on the plump side. To help loose weight, I started taking Dexedrine. I did loose weight, what I didn’t know is that I was loosing something more. I was irritable and time came that I didn’t know who the girl I’m seeing in the mirror is anymore. I came to Malibu Horizon and now, I’m content with who I am and I don’t need drugs to know that I’m special." –Denise
"Malibu Horizon is the reason why I’m Dexedrine free, and for that I can’t thank you enough. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" -Vincent