How Long Does Dexedrine Stay in Your System?

The length of time Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), a commonly prescribed medicine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), remains in your body can vary from one day to three months. The period may depend on each individual's metabolism, body mass, age, hydration level, physical activity, and health conditions. Generally, the drug remains in urine, blood, and saliva for up to two days.

It can be detected in hair follicles for as long as three months.

Timetable for Detecting Dexedrine

Urine, blood, and saliva recycle through your system quickly. Hair follicles act like the rings on a tree trunk that record the seasons. Your hair can store metabolites or a molecular history of what your body has ingested over time.

What Is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant and type of amphetamine, also known by the brands Dextrostat and ProCentra. Dexedrine is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. It is also used to treat narcolepsy. It works by making certain brain chemicals last longer in the parts of the brain that control attention and alertness.

By making these areas more active, the drugs can help a person focus their attention. Surprisingly, stimulants can help calm a person with ADHD.

Take Only as Prescribed

It is important to know how long Dexedrine remains in the system because taking too much can have negative consequences. The product comes with a warning that it can be habit-forming so it should not be taken in larger doses or for a longer time than prescribed.

Although prescription stimulants have been shown to be relatively safe and effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD, there exists a significant potential for misuse. Studies show that individuals with and without ADHD misuse stimulants to enhance performance. Although stimulants may improve an individual's performance when given a rote-learning task, they do not improve IQ or work as a "smart pill." 

People who use the medication may be tempted to take larger amounts of Dexedrine than prescribed to further control symptoms, however, this can have negative effects. These negative effects include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, irritability, hyperactivity, or changes in personality or behavior.

Heart Attack or Sudden Death

Overusing Dexedrine can also cause serious heart problems or sudden death in children, teenagers, and adults, especially those with heart defects or serious heart problems. Additionally, Dexedrine has been known to cause stroke in adults.

Symptoms of Dexedrine Overdose

If you suspect someone is suffering from a Dexedrine overdose, seek immediate medical attention or call 9-1-1. Symptoms of Dexedrine overdose may include the following:

• Vomiting
• Agitation
• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

• Muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Inappropriate happiness
• Confusion
• Hallucinating
• Sweating
• Flushing
• Headache
• Fever
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Widening of pupils
• Dry mouth or nose

^Sources:

^{American Association for Clinical Chemistry "Drugs of Abuse Testing." Lab Tests Online. 2 January 2013.}

^{LabCorp, Inc. "Drugs of Abuse Reference Guide." March 2013.}

^{OHS Health & Safety Services. "How long do drugs stay in your system?." March 2013.}

^{National Institute on Drug Abuse. "Dextroamphetamine." Drugs, Herbs, and Supplements. October 2010}

^{Lakhan S, Kirchgessner A. "Prescription Stimulants in Individuals With and Without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Misuse, Cognitive Impact, and Adverse Effects"  Brain Behav. 2012 Sep; 2(5): 661–677.}