Dexedrine is known also as Dextrostat, and its generic name dextroamphetamine sulfate. Its precursor, Amphetamine was first synthesised by Edeleano in Germany in 1887. Dextroamphetamine was first developed by Smith Kline and French in 1952.

Physiological Effects:

Dextroamphetamine is known as a sympathomimetic agent. It influences the release of neurotransmitters primarily dopamine and noradreanaline. "For every molecule of DAMPH taken up by the nerve terminal, a molecule of the neurotransmitter is displaced. Lower doses of DAMPH release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, but at higher doses dopamine and eventually 5-hydroxytryptamine (related to psychotic behavior) are released.  Primary active sites appear to be in the cerebral cortex and reticular activating system."

(http://www.cwu.edu/~chem/courses/Chem564/Scott_Laura_ADHD.htm)

Active Ingredients:

Dextroamphetamine sulfate. Another drug composed primarily of DAMPH is Adderall which is composed of amphetamine aspartate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and dextroamphetamine suflate. Its effects are longer lasting, and its cost in greater.

All amphetamines are derived from ephedrine found in a Chinese medicinal herb Ma Huang or Ephedra (not to be confused with Mormon Tea also known as Ephedra) Ephedrine was first isolated by N. Nagai in 1887.

Dexedrine is used primarily for treatment of narcolepsy, attention deficit disorder, and exogenous obesity. Other uses include depression, excessive daytime sleepiness (what’s the difference??), and very important in the media now, to enhance the performance of air force pilots during bombing raids.

Side effects:
 
 

Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure.

Central Nervous System: Psychotic episodes at recommended doses (rare), over stimulation, 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 or weight loss may occur as undesirable effects when amphetamines are used for other than the anorectic effect.

Allergic: Urticaria.

Endocrine: Impotence, changes in libido.

http://www.healthoptions.com/dexedrine.html

Exacerbates tics and Tourette’s syndrome.

Malnutrition

Reduces growth

Contradictions:

Allergic reaction to amphetamines

Anxiety

Addictive tendencies

High blood pressure

Severe mental illness

Heart or blood vessel disease

Overactive thyroid

Tourettes or other tics.

Because of its potential for abuse Dexedrine should not be given to people who have a history of drug addiction. Obviously its stimulating effects should be considered when giving to people with high blood pressure or other cardiac problems. It should not be given to young children (under 3) or the elderly (over 60). There is an advisory on taking Dexedrine with any of the following drugs: Check with physician if taking any of the following: Chlorpromazine, ethosuximide, haloperidol, antihypertensive, medications, meperidine, norepinphrine, phenytion, propoxphene, any beta blocker, digitalis, or thyroid hormones.

Dexedrine must not be taken with Monoamine oxidase uptake inhibitors.

**Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that is found in many parts of the body. In the brain, monoamine oxidase destroys neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin. So MAO inhibitors, by limiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, block the breakdown of those neurotransmitters. They work more quickly than the tricyclics, but they have more severe side effects and require a change in diet. http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_antidepressant-MAOI.htm

Don’t take if planning to become pregnant or are pregnant

Administration:

Dexedrine is administered primarily in 5,10, or 20 mg tablets. It is also available in long lasting capsules and syrup (presumably for children).

Dosages for children usually start at 5mg daily and increase in 5mg increments "as needed".

For adults and older kids dosages are 10mg daily and increase in increments of 10mg as needed. Dosage for adults can be as high as 60mg daily.

Average dosage for pilots is 10mg.

The cost of Dexedrine is about 17 to 20 cents for a 5-mg tablet, 31 cents for a 10-mg tablet, 44 cents for a 5-mg spansule, 55 cents for a10-mg spansule and 70 cents for a 15-mg spansule. http://www.fiu.edu/~cryan/adhd_T/dexedrine.htm