What Is Dextroamphetamine?

Dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant approved by the FDA for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. It is the dextro-isomer of amphetamine and is available as a generic medication as well as under brand names including Dexedrine, Zenzedi, and ProCentra.

Dextroamphetamine helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control in patients with ADHD, and reduces excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy. It is available in immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and an oral solution.

How Does Dextroamphetamine Work?

Dextroamphetamine works by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of two key neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. It also has a minor effect on inhibiting monoamine oxidase. By raising the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, Dextroamphetamine improves attention, focus, wakefulness, and executive function.

The immediate-release formulation typically begins working within 30–60 minutes and lasts 4–6 hours, while extended-release capsules provide effects for up to 8–12 hours.

What Doses Are Available for Dextroamphetamine?

• Immediate-Release (IR) Tablets: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg
• Extended-Release (ER) Capsules (Spansule): 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg
• Oral Solution (ProCentra): 5 mg/5 mL

How Hard Is It to Find Dextroamphetamine in Stock?

Dextroamphetamine has a findability score of 35 out of 100, meaning it is frequently difficult to find in stock at pharmacies. The ongoing amphetamine shortage — which began in October 2022 — continues to affect supply in 2026. While the DEA increased the Aggregate Production Quota for d-amphetamine to 26.5 million grams in October 2025, experts say this still falls short of actual demand. Many pharmacies report intermittent stock-outs, especially for certain strengths and the extended-release formulation.

If your pharmacy is out of stock, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy near you that currently has Dextroamphetamine available.

Who Can Prescribe Dextroamphetamine?

Because Dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, it must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider with DEA registration. Common prescribing specialties include:

• Psychiatrists — most commonly prescribe for ADHD and related conditions
• Primary Care / Family Medicine physicians
• Pediatricians — for children and adolescents with ADHD
• Neurologists — especially for narcolepsy
• Sleep Medicine specialists

Telehealth providers can also prescribe Dextroamphetamine, though regulations vary by state. Some states require an in-person visit for initial Schedule II prescriptions.

Is Dextroamphetamine a Controlled Substance?

Yes. Dextroamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA due to its high potential for abuse and dependence. This means:

• Prescriptions cannot be called in to a pharmacy — they require a written or electronic prescription
• No automatic refills — a new prescription is needed each time
• Pharmacies may impose quantity limits
• Some states have additional restrictions on telehealth prescribing

The FDA boxed warning notes that misuse of amphetamines may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular events. Patients should take Dextroamphetamine exactly as prescribed.

Common Side Effects of Dextroamphetamine

• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Irritability and restlessness

Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include chest pain, shortness of breath, signs of psychosis (hallucinations, paranoia), new or worsening mood/behavioral changes, and numbness or color changes in fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon).

Alternative Medications to Dextroamphetamine

If you cannot find Dextroamphetamine in stock or your provider recommends a change, these are common alternatives:

• Adderall (Mixed Amphetamine Salts) — combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts; available in IR and XR formulations
• Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) — a prodrug of Dextroamphetamine with smoother onset and lower abuse potential
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — a different stimulant class; first-line ADHD treatment with multiple formulations
• Atomoxetine (Strattera) — a non-stimulant ADHD medication with no abuse potential

Always consult your prescriber before switching medications. Use Medfinder to check availability of these alternatives near you.

Drug Interactions with Dextroamphetamine

Dextroamphetamine has several important drug interactions:

• MAO Inhibitors — Contraindicated. Risk of hypertensive crisis. Do not use within 14 days of an MAOI.
• Serotonergic Drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, Triptans) — increased risk of serotonin syndrome
• Tricyclic Antidepressants — enhanced amphetamine effects and increased cardiovascular risk
• CYP2D6 Inhibitors — may increase Dextroamphetamine blood levels
• Antacids and Urinary Alkalinizers — may increase absorption and effects
• Vitamin C, Citrus Juice, and Urinary Acidifiers — may decrease effectiveness
• Antihypertensive Agents — Dextroamphetamine may reduce their effectiveness

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take.

Final Thoughts on Dextroamphetamine

Dextroamphetamine remains an effective and widely prescribed treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy, but the ongoing stimulant shortage makes finding it in stock a real challenge for patients in 2026. With a findability score of just 35 out of 100, many patients are forced to call multiple pharmacies or go without their medication.

If you're struggling to find Dextroamphetamine, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with current stock near you — no more endless phone calls. You can also save money using discount cards like GoodRx and SingleCare, which can bring the cash price down to as low as $30–$45 for a 30-day supply of generic IR tablets.