Quick summary
Dexedrine is dextroamphetamine sulfate in a sustained-release Spansule capsule, FDA-approved for narcolepsy and ADHD in children aged 6 to 16 as part of a full treatment program. Its label marks it CII, a federally controlled stimulant with high abuse potential. Misuse brings serious cardiac and psychiatric risks, while stimulant use disorder responds to contingency management and other behavioral therapies.
Dexedrine is dextroamphetamine sulfate, an amphetamine stimulant dispensed as a sustained-release Spansule capsule. The FDA approves it for narcolepsy and for attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity in patients aged 6 to 16, always as part of a broader treatment program. Because dextroamphetamine has high abuse potential, the drug is federally controlled at Schedule II, and misuse carries serious health risks.
One amphetamine, one active ingredient
Dexedrine differs from Adderall in composition: it contains dextroamphetamine alone, with no levoamphetamine component. The sustained-release capsule releases the drug more gradually than the immediate-release tablet; the label notes blood levels from one 15 mg Spansule peak about 8 hours after dosing. Notably, the FDA label also states the formulation has not been shown superior in effectiveness to the same total dose of immediate-release tablets given in divided doses.
What the label actually says
The indication for ADHD covers patients aged 6 to 16 and is framed as one part of a total treatment program that typically includes psychological, educational, and social measures. The label is explicit that stimulants are not intended for symptoms arising from environmental factors or other primary psychiatric disorders, and it is not recommended in children younger than 6. The patient information is blunt about the legal and safety picture: keep the medication in a safe place, never share it, and remember that selling or giving it away is against the law.
What misuse looks like
Dextroamphetamine misuse typically means taking pills without a prescription, in higher amounts than prescribed, or by non-oral routes. The FDA-commissioned review of ADHD stimulant misuse found that poison control exposures involving prescription amphetamines frequently involved additional substances, and that intravenous use carried the most severe outcomes, including sharply elevated mortality risk. Among people with prescription stimulant use disorder in national survey data, nearly 90% had used amphetamine-type medications.
The physical and mental toll
Misused stimulants drive up blood pressure and heart rate, raise body temperature, suppress appetite and sleep, and can trigger agitation, paranoia, or new psychotic symptoms. The crash afterward - heavy fatigue, low mood, and craving - often keeps the cycle going. Sudden death and serious cardiovascular events are listed in the FDA boxed warning for amphetamine products, with risk increasing alongside dose and unapproved routes of administration.
If someone shows chest pain, seizure, extreme overheating, or unresponsiveness, call 911. Naloxone does not reverse a stimulant overdose. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
How recovery works
Stimulant use disorder is treated without a medication, because none has FDA approval. The behavioral approaches with the strongest evidence, per SAMHSA's national protocol, are contingency management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, community reinforcement, and motivational interviewing - often combined. A clinician assesses severity and recommends a level of care ranging from weekly outpatient sessions to residential treatment.
Call or text (800) 653-9376 or use the form below to talk with someone about next steps.
You can also reach SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Last updated: Sun Oct 04 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Frequently asked questions
What is Dexedrine approved for?
The FDA label lists two indications: narcolepsy, and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity in patients aged 6 to 16 as an integral part of a total treatment program including psychological, educational, and social measures.
Is Dexedrine the same drug as Adderall?
Not exactly. Dexedrine contains only dextroamphetamine, while Adderall combines dextroamphetamine with levoamphetamine salts. Both are amphetamine-class Schedule II stimulants with the same family of risks.
Why is Dexedrine a controlled substance?
The patient labeling states Dexedrine is a federally controlled substance (CII) because dextroamphetamine can be a target for abuse, that selling or giving it away is against the law, and that it should be stored in a safe place.
Is there a pill that treats amphetamine addiction?
No. SAMHSA's national treatment protocol states there are no FDA-approved medications for any stimulant use disorder. Contingency management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, community reinforcement, and motivational interviewing are the supported options.
What happens when someone stops misusing amphetamines?
A crash follows: fatigue, dysphoric mood, and low motivation, sometimes with strong cravings. SAMHSA notes these withdrawal symptoms can make starting treatment harder, which is why structured behavioral care and support help.