Amphetamine / Dextroamphetamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 28, 2024.

Applies to amphetamine / dextroamphetamine: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking amphetamine / dextroamphetamine:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking amphetamine / dextroamphetamine:

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation
• blurred vision
• change in consciousness
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dark urine
• diarrhea
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• fever
• headache
• inability to speak
• loss of consciousness
• muscle cramps, spasms, pain, stiffness, or twitching
• nausea
• nervousness
• overactive reflexes
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• pale, clammy skin,
• palpitations
• pounding in the ears
• seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• seizures
• shivering
• slow or fast heartbeat
• slurred speech
• sweating
• talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
• temporary blindness
• thirst
• trembling or shaking
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

Other side effects

Some side effects of amphetamine / dextroamphetamine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to amphetamine / dextroamphetamine: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet.

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Appetite loss (up to 36%), weight loss (up to 10%)
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 35%), abdominal pain (up to 14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia
• Frequency not reported: Unpleasant taste, constipation, other GI disturbances^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Transient blood pressure elevations (up to 35%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Tachycardia, palpitation
• Frequency not reported: Cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, Raynaud's phenomenon^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 27%), nervousness (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Emotional lability, agitation, anxiety
• Frequency not reported: Psychotic episodes, irritability, euphoria, dysphoria, restlessness, depression, aggression, anger, logorrhea, dermatillomania^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 26%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, dizziness, twitching, speech disorder (e.g., stuttering, excessive speech)
• Frequency not reported: Overstimulation, paresthesia/formication, dyskinesia, tremor, exacerbation of motor/phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Photosensitivity reaction, sweating
• Frequency not reported: Urticaria, rash, alopecia, serious skin rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased libido, dysmenorrhea, impotence
• Frequency not reported: Frequent or prolonged erections^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fever, infection, accidental injury, asthenia/fatigue, tooth disorder (e.g., teeth clenching, tooth infection)
• Frequency not reported: Sudden death, bruxism^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Dyspnea^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., angioedema, anaphylaxis)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, mydriasis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

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Further information

Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer