Dexedrine may cause depressive symptoms if you stop taking it. Dexedrine can also be risky for patients taking antidepressants, as it can cause harmful drug interactions. It can also cause bipolar disorder to develop in patients with preexisting major depression.

Dextroamphetamine, the main ingredient in brand name Dexedrine, has been tested in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

A majority of participants reported fast-acting and long-term improvement while taking dextroamphetamine. More research may be needed before Dexedrine is approved for this purpose.

Your healthcare provider should be aware of your medical conditions and history of substance use before prescribing Dexedrine. Abusing Dexedrine may increase your risk of major depression, as well as other side effects such as psychosis, weight loss, and hypertension.

How Dexedrine May Worsen Depression

Dexedrine can cause depressive symptoms in patients who stop taking it abruptly.

Depression is a significant withdrawal symptom of Dexedrine use, along with extreme fatigue. Dexedrine’s effects on depression may be due to its effects on dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to reward, pleasure, and motivation.

If Dexedrine is a target of abuse, the severity of withdrawal and depression may be higher. The sudden and steep decline in mental health may cause patients to start taking Dexedrine again.

Patients with preexisting major depression may develop symptoms of bipolar disorder after starting depression. Manic episodes of extreme energy and activity have been observed in patients on Dexedrine.

Dexedrine’s Interactions With Antidepressants

Dextroamphetamine can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant. MAOIs can slow down amphetamine metabolism in the body. A previously standard dose of Dexedrine can become highly potent when mixed with MAOIs.

High amounts of dextroamphetamine in the body can cause norepinephrine to reach abnormal levels. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that controls blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.

Although Dexedrine may not hinder the effectiveness of MAOIs in treating depression, taking Dexedrine with MAOIs can cause cardiovascular and heart problems, which can be fatal. Avoiding Dexedrine and MAOI interactions can improve your overall health.

How Dexedrine May Help With Depression

Dextroamphetamine has been tested in the treatment of depression.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a form of major depressive disorder in which tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and other conventional treatments have little to no effect.

Dextroamphetamine, along with other stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in clinical trials. Over 80% of patients reported improved depressive symptoms. Dextroamphetamine was often given alongside conventional antidepressants.

Participants in these trials also reported common side effects, such as high blood pressure, nausea, irritability, and sleeping problems.

Unusual side effects such as weight gain and abnormal movements were also reported. More research may be needed before dextroamphetamine is approved to treat TRD.

Treating Comorbid Drug Abuse & Mental Health Issues

Patients with certain medical conditions may be at a higher risk of drug abuse than others. Major depressive disorder may be a risk factor of Dexedrine or other psychostimulant abuse.

Abusing Dexedrine may also cause withdrawal symptoms and the onset of mental illness, causing a cycle of declining mental health and drug abuse.

It can be difficult to escape the cycle of central nervous system stimulant abuse without professional help. A dedicated treatment program can help you identify the causes of drug abuse, while treating the ongoing health effects it can cause.

To learn about our outpatient treatment options, please contact us today.