Dexedrine is classified as a schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to physical dependence.

Snorting Dexedrine is one way the drug is abused, and that method comes with a number of serious side effects and dangers.

Dexedrine is the brand name for dextroamphetamine and is considered a central nervous system stimulant medication. It’s used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy and works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Effects Of Snorting Dexedrine

Snorting Dexedrine likely means taking high doses all at once and that can overstimulate the central nervous system (CNS). Since the prescription stimulant is not going through the digestive system, it goes right to the brain and can lead to intense side effects that may include:

• perforations of the nasal septum
• damage to blood vessels in the nose
• runny nose
• nosebleeds
• damage to the mucous membrane
• aggressive behavior
• dry mouth
• loss of appetite
• increased blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• weight loss
• tremors
• abdominal pain
• insomnia
• nausea

Dangers Of Snorting Dexedrine

Beyond the side effects that can come with snorting Dexedrine, there are also some effects that can be dangerous, including heart problems, psychosis, and addiction.

Drug Interactions

Snorting Dexedrine can be an issue if you are on other medications or drugs. Mixing them can lead to serious adverse effects. The drugs that should not be mixed with Dexedrine include:

• MAO inhibitors
• over-the-counter cough-and-cold products
• diet aids
• certain antidepressants
• medications containing amphetamine or lisdexamfetamine like Adderall/Adderall XR and Vyvanse
• alcohol
• marijuana
  methamphetamines

Heart Problems

Abusing Dexedrine, either through snorting or another method, can also lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems like:

• heart attack
• hypertension
• irregular heartbeat
• coronary artery disease
• heart failure
• cardiomyopathy
• heart structure problems
• sudden death

Psychosis

Abuse of Dexedrine can also lead to a psychosis that is similar to schizophrenia. It includes frequent mood swings, hallucinations, and delusions. Abusing Dexedrine over a long period of time can lead to a high risk of mental health issues.

Worsened Medical Conditions

There are also certain medical conditions that don’t react well to Dexedrine abuse. The medication can actually make these disorders and illnesses worse.

If you have any of the following conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before you start Dexedrine. Even if you aren’t abusing it, the ADHD medication can affect these conditions:

• bipolar disorder
• family history of certain mental illnesses/mental health disorders
• history of substance abuse
• blood circulation problems like Raynaud’s disease
• family history of heart problems
• history of stroke
• high blood pressure
• overactive thyroid
• glaucoma
• personal or family history of uncontrolled muscle movements like tics or Tourette’s syndrome

Overdose

One of the biggest dangers of snorting Dexedrine is an overdose. When you snort the prescription drug, it’s very difficult to determine the dose you’re taking and that can make it very easy to overdose.

It’s even more dangerous if you don’t know whether you’re snorting the immediate-release or extended-release formulation.

The signs and symptoms of stimulant overdose may include:

• shaking
• dark urine
• muscle weakness
• fast breathing
• aggressive behavior
• hallucinations
• depression
• irregular heartbeat
• dizziness
• fainting
• blurred vision
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• seizures
• coma

Withdrawal Symptoms

If you snort Dexedrine or take a high dose over a long period of time, you’re likely to build up a dependence on the drug. This means your body no longer knows how to function properly without it.

If you try to quit the drug after you’ve built up a dependence, withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur, which may include fatigue, depression, irritability, and headaches.

Treatment For Dexedrine Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with Dexedrine abuse or another form of stimulant drug abuse, help is available. For Dexedrine abuse, detox and cognitive-behavioral therapy are likely recommended.
No matter what form of addiction you’re dealing with, Northeast Addiction Treatment Center can help you on your recovery journey. We offer many different treatment programs including group therapy, outpatient services, and medication-assisted treatment.

To learn more, please call our helpline today.