Snorting Dexedrine | Dextroamphetamine Insufflation

Dextroamphetamine is a strong prescription central nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. Common brand names for this drug include Dexedrine, Zenzedi, and ProCentra. Adderall and Adderall XR also contain a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Because of its effectiveness in treating ADHD, Dexedrine is commonly prescribed, making this strong stimulant medication easily accessible for off-label use and more prone to abuse.

When used as prescribed, Dexedrine, and other schedule II ADHD medications like methylphenidate work to help increase focus and control their actions. Dexedrine and other ADHD medications are both emotionally addictive. People may become physically dependent when the drug is taken or abused through methods such as snorting over a long time.

Side Effects Of Snorting Dexedrine

People that recreationally abuse Dexedrine may employ methods such as crushing pills and then snorting, smoking, or injecting them. People that abuse ADHD drugs by snorting get a near-immediate release of the substance through blood vessels in the nose. Dexedrine taken through nasal insufflation will give off reactions like increased focus and alertness, feelings of euphoria, and suppressed appetite. The drug also carries a high potential for negative side effects, especially when abused.

Those with a family history of mental illness may be at an increased risk of serious psychological impairment from sustained Dexedrine abuse.

Immediate side effects of Dexedrine use and abuse can include physical, emotional, and psychological effects like:

• rapid heartbeat
• tremors
• abdominal pain
• reduced appetite or weight loss
• dry mouth
• insomnia
• tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
• nausea/diarrhea
• verbal tics
• mood swings
• hostility
• paranoia
• hallucinations
• erratic behavior

The immediate physical and mental effects, along with how addictive the drug is, create a dangerous pattern. Users need to take more and more of the drug to feel the same effects. Taking higher amounts greatly increases the chances of overdose, heart problems, and lasting damage to the brain. Anyone having these side effects should get medical help right away. Doctors and other professionals are usually needed to help people stop using the drug safely and treat the physical and mental health problems caused by abusing Dexedrine.

Physical Effects Of Snorting Dexedrine

When someone snorts a drug like Dexedrine, the body reacts badly because the nose and breathing system aren’t designed to handle large amounts of foreign substances repeatedly. The delicate tissues inside the nose are meant to filter air, not process crushed pills and chemicals. Snorting prescription drugs like Dexedrine causes immediate irritation, burning, and other painful effects in the nose and throat. Even after just one use, people may notice uncomfortable symptoms that can quickly get worse with continued abuse.

Irritation, burning, and other unpleasant effects can result from prescription drug abuse through nasal insufflation.

Other effects of snorting Dexedrine can include:

• stuffy or runny nose
• nosebleeds
• damage to the upper respiratory system
• lung infections
• damage to the nose and throat
• perforated septum
• damage to the mucous membrane
• pulmonary embolism

These physical problems can become permanent and may require expensive surgery to repair, though some damage cannot be fixed at all. The harm gets progressively worse the longer someone continues snorting the drug, and what starts as minor irritation can develop into serious medical conditions. Many people don’t realize how quickly and severely snorting drugs can damage their body.

Long-Term Effects Of Dextroamphetamine

Using Dexedrine for a long time without medical supervision can cause serious and lasting health problems. The heart and blood vessels can suffer permanent damage, making it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. Some people develop circulation problems where their fingers and toes turn white or blue in cold weather, a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon. Even more concerning, long-term abuse can cause mental health symptoms that look like serious disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, including hearing voices or having paranoid thoughts that may never go away.

When people become addicted to prescription ADHD medications like Dexedrine, they often need stronger drugs to feel the same effects. This dangerous pattern can lead them to use illegal stimulants like methamphetamine when they can’t get prescription pills anymore. As the body builds up a tolerance to these drugs, people need larger and larger amounts to get high, which greatly increases the risk of a deadly overdose.

Increased Risk Of Dexedrine Overdose

The risk of sudden death from Dexedrine overdose is much higher for people who already have heart problems or heart disease. People who take MAO-inhibitor antidepressants face an even greater danger because these medications can cause deadly interactions when mixed with Dexedrine. An overdose can happen quickly and without warning, especially when someone takes more than their body can handle.

Possible overdose symptoms from Dexedrine abuse may include:

• fever
• confusion
• hypertension (raised blood pressure)
• increased risk of heart attack
• sudden death
• seizures
• coma
• aggressive behavior
• depression
• panic
• restlessness
• uncontrollable shaking
• kidney failure and dark urine
• muscle weakness or aching
• tiredness or weakness
• fast breathing
• hallucinations and paranoia
• fainting
• blurred vision
• upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea
• stomach cramps

A Dexedrine overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospital treatment. Many of these symptoms can be life-threatening, and waiting too long to get help can result in permanent damage or death. If someone shows any signs of overdose, call 911 right away, as quick medical attention can save their life and prevent serious complications.

Signs Of Dexedrine Addiction And Withdrawal

Stopping the use of a drug can lead to uncomfortable and even dangerous effects known as withdrawal.

Some key symptoms of withdrawals from sustained CNS stimulant abuse include:

• fatigue
• long, but disturbed sleep
• strong hangover
• irritability
• depression
• violence
• irritability/anxiety
• sleepiness
• headaches
• increased appetite/hunger
• lowered heart rate
• nausea
• headaches
• some persistent psychosis and hallucinations

Unfortunately, there are no known effective pharmaceutical therapeutic interventions to help control withdrawal symptoms. However, the combination of a controlled detox under the supervision of a healthcare provider and continual therapy can be beneficial for sustained sobriety. Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy can give people the tools to recognize emotional and environmental triggers that encourage substance use.

Reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff