What it is used for

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults
Narcolepsy

Read our guides:

ADHD

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Dexamfetamine is not commonly used off-label.

How it works

Dexamfetamine increases the release of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. These chemical messengers help with attention, focus and controlling impulses.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Dexamfetamine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

loss of appetite and weight loss
trouble sleeping
headache
dry mouth
a fast heartbeat
feeling anxious or irritable
stomach ache

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

chest pain, fainting or a very fast or irregular heartbeat
seeing or hearing things that are not there, or feeling paranoid
a sudden change in mood or thoughts of harming yourself

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

It is a controlled drug. Keep it safe and never share it.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, weight and height (in children) will be checked regularly.
It can be misused. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug misuse.
It is illegal to drive with certain levels in your blood, unless you take it as prescribed and your driving is not impaired.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.