DEXIES

What are Dexies?

“Dexies” is the common street name for dextroamphetamine (brand name Dexedrine), a potent central nervous system stimulant belonging to the amphetamine class. It is chemically similar to Adderall (which contains both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). 

Medical Uses:

When prescribed legitimately, dextroamphetamine is used to treat:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control while reducing restlessness

• Narcolepsy: A sleep disorder causing sudden, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep during the day

• Short-term weight loss (historically): Rarely prescribed for this purpose today 

Why “Dexies” Are Abused:

The term “dexies” originated from the brand name Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate). People without ADHD sometimes take dexies to:

• Stay awake longer to study or complete assignments (“study drugs”)

• Enhance concentration and mental performance

• Experience euphoria and increased energy

• Suppress appetite for weight loss

• Party or stay awake for extended periods 

How Dexies Work (Mechanism of Action):

Dextroamphetamine increases the activity of two key neurotransmitters in the brain:

• Dopamine: Associated with pleasure, reward, and motivation

• Norepinephrine: Associated with alertness, energy, and focus

In people with ADHD, this increased signaling helps normalize brain function, improving memory, attention, and impulse control while actually producing a calming effect.

In people without ADHD, the same mechanism produces:

• Heightened concentration and alertness

• Reduced need for sleep

• Euphoria and increased energy

• Potential for dependence and addiction 

Forms and Methods of Use:

Immediate Side Effects:

• Fast, irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)

• Increased blood pressure

• Decreased appetite and weight loss

• Tremors and muscle twitching

• Headaches and dizziness

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

• Dry mouth

• Upset stomach, nausea

• Anxiety, agitation, restlessness

• Mood swings 

Serious Adverse Effects:

• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue

• Heart problems: Chest pain, tightness, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke

• Circulation problems: Cold or numb fingers/toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon)

• Vision problems: Blurred vision

• Confusion, hallucinations, paranoia (psychosis)

• Seizures (especially in people with seizure history)

• Malnutrition (from prolonged appetite suppression)

• Aggressive or hostile behavior 

Long-Term Health Consequences of Chronic Use:

Dependence and Withdrawal:

Dextroamphetamine has high potential for both physical and psychological dependence. Even after short periods of use, withdrawal symptoms can occur.

Withdrawal Symptoms (when stopping or reducing use):

• Severe fatigue and excessive sleepiness

• Depression and mood swings

• Intense drug cravings

• Irritability and agitation

• Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)

• Paranoia, hallucinations (in severe cases)

• Suicidal thoughts 

Overdose Signs and Symptoms:

Overdose Response:

• Call 911 or local emergency services immediately

• Do not leave the person alone

• Try to keep them calm and cool (overheating is dangerous)

• If they have taken other substances (especially opioids), administer naloxone if available

• Provide emergency responders with information about what was taken

Drug Interactions (Major):

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

• Pregnancy: May cause premature birth, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal symptoms. Use only if benefit clearly outweighs risk.

• Breastfeeding: Dextroamphetamine passes into breast milk and may cause irritability, poor feeding, and insomnia in infants. Not recommended. 

Legal Status (By Jurisdiction):

Why “Dexies” Are Dangerous (Educational Message):

While dexies are legitimate prescription medications for ADHD and narcolepsy, using them without a prescription or outside prescribed guidelines carries serious risks:

1. You don’t know the dose or source – Diverted pills may be counterfeit or adulterated

2. “Study drug” myth persists – Studies show students who use stimulants without prescription actually have lower average grades than non-users 

3. False sense of safety – Because they are pharmaceutical, users perceive them as “safer” than street drugs, but dependence and overdose risks are real 

4. Polydrug use danger – Dexies are often combined with alcohol, which can mask intoxication and lead to severe dehydration, overdose, or alcohol poisoning 

Where to Get Help for Substance Use: