Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma (Dextroamphetamine)
Central nervous system stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy
Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma contains the active ingredient dextroamphetamine sulfate, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant belonging to the amphetamine class. It is prescribed for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults, and for narcolepsy. Available as 5 mg tablets, it is typically used as a second-line therapy when methylphenidate-based treatments have been insufficient. As a controlled substance, it requires careful medical supervision due to its potential for misuse and dependence.
Quick Facts
Key Takeaways
- Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma is a prescription-only CNS stimulant containing dextroamphetamine sulfate, used primarily for ADHD and narcolepsy when first-line treatments have proven inadequate.
- It works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving attention, focus, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD.
- Treatment must be initiated and supervised by a specialist in childhood behavioural disorders or a physician experienced in managing ADHD or narcolepsy.
- Common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, and increased heart rate; cardiovascular assessment is recommended before starting treatment.
- As a controlled substance (Schedule II), it carries risk of abuse and dependence and should be used strictly as prescribed under ongoing medical supervision.
What Is Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma and What Is It Used For?
Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma is a branded formulation of dextroamphetamine sulfate, the dextrorotatory isomer of amphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is one of the most well-studied CNS stimulants in clinical medicine and has been used therapeutically since the mid-20th century. It acts by increasing the concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft through multiple mechanisms, including enhanced vesicular release, reuptake inhibition, and mild inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity.
In the context of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dextroamphetamine targets the hypoactive prefrontal cortex circuitry that underlies the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Numerous randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, including those published in the Cochrane Database, have demonstrated that amphetamine-based medications produce clinically significant improvements in ADHD symptom scores in children, adolescents, and adults. The effect size for amphetamines in ADHD treatment is among the highest of any pharmacological intervention in psychiatry.
For narcolepsy, dextroamphetamine helps to counteract excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), the hallmark symptom of this chronic neurological condition. By promoting wakefulness through enhanced catecholaminergic neurotransmission, it enables patients to maintain alertness during the day. While newer wake-promoting agents such as modafinil are often used as first-line therapy for narcolepsy, dextroamphetamine remains a valuable option for patients who do not respond adequately to other treatments.
According to guidelines published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP), dextroamphetamine is typically positioned as a second-line pharmacological treatment for ADHD, reserved for cases in which methylphenidate-based medications have proven inadequate due to insufficient efficacy or intolerable side effects. However, in some clinical guidelines, including those from the American Academy of Pediatrics, amphetamine-based medications may be considered as a first-line option alongside methylphenidate.
It is important to note that Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma should always be used as part of a comprehensive treatment programme for ADHD that typically includes psychological, educational, and social support measures. Medication alone is not considered sufficient for optimal management of ADHD in most patients, particularly children and adolescents.
What Should You Know Before Taking Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma?
Before initiating treatment with Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma, a thorough medical evaluation is essential. This assessment should include a detailed cardiovascular examination, including blood pressure measurement, heart rate assessment, and consideration of a baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with risk factors. A comprehensive psychiatric history should also be obtained, as stimulant medications can exacerbate pre-existing conditions such as anxiety disorders, psychotic symptoms, or bipolar disorder.
Contraindications
Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma must not be used in the following situations:
- Hypersensitivity to dextroamphetamine, other sympathomimetic amines, or any of the excipients in the formulation
- Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI, due to the risk of hypertensive crisis
- Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis, as stimulant effects may be amplified
- Moderate to severe hypertension, pre-existing cardiovascular disease including structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease, or heart failure
- Glaucoma (angle-closure), as amphetamines may increase intraocular pressure
- Pheochromocytoma, due to the risk of severe hypertensive episodes
- Agitated states or patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse
- Advanced arteriosclerosis
Warnings and Precautions
Several important precautions must be observed during treatment with dextroamphetamine:
Psychiatric effects: Dextroamphetamine may induce or worsen psychiatric symptoms. Treatment-emergent psychosis, mania, aggression, or suicidal ideation have been reported, particularly in patients with pre-existing psychiatric conditions. Patients should be monitored closely for the emergence of new psychiatric symptoms, and treatment should be reconsidered if such symptoms occur.
Growth suppression in children: Long-term use of stimulant medications has been associated with reduced growth velocity (both height and weight) in paediatric patients. Regular monitoring of height and weight is recommended, and treatment interruptions (drug holidays) may be considered during school holidays to allow catch-up growth. If growth suppression is significant, temporary discontinuation or dose reduction should be discussed with the treating physician.
Seizures: Dextroamphetamine may lower the seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders, and treatment should be discontinued if seizures occur.
Peripheral vasculopathy (Raynaud's phenomenon): Stimulant medications have been associated with digital vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon. Patients should be monitored for signs of unexplained wounds on fingers or toes, and further evaluation should be undertaken if such symptoms arise.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Animal reproductive studies have demonstrated potential adverse effects including an increased risk of embryotoxicity and malformations at high doses. Limited human data suggest possible associations with premature delivery, low birth weight, and neonatal withdrawal symptoms (including agitation, feeding difficulties, and excessive drowsiness) when amphetamines are used during the third trimester.
The decision to use dextroamphetamine during pregnancy must involve a careful risk-benefit assessment by the prescribing physician and the patient. If a patient becomes pregnant during treatment, the decision to continue, reduce, or discontinue therapy should be made on an individual basis, considering the severity of the condition being treated and the potential risks to the foetus.
Breastfeeding: Amphetamines are excreted in human breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse effects in the nursing infant, including irritability, insomnia, and reduced weight gain, breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment with dextroamphetamine. If the medication is deemed essential, the patient should be advised to discontinue breastfeeding.
How Does Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma Interact with Other Drugs?
Understanding drug interactions is critical when prescribing dextroamphetamine, as it has a complex pharmacological profile with multiple potential interaction pathways. The table below summarises the most important drug interactions, categorised by severity and clinical significance.
Major Interactions
| Drug / Class | Interaction | Clinical Consequence | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAO Inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline) | Potentiation of catecholamine effects | Hypertensive crisis, hyperthermia, seizures, death | Contraindicated. Wait 14 days after stopping MAOI. |
| Serotonergic agents (SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tramadol) | Increased serotonergic activity | Serotonin syndrome (hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus) | Use with caution; monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome. |
| Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline) | Enhanced cardiovascular effects of both drugs | Increased risk of arrhythmias, hypertension | Monitor blood pressure and cardiac rhythm closely. |
| Halogenated anaesthetics (halothane, desflurane) | Increased sensitivity to catecholamines during anaesthesia | Risk of cardiac arrhythmias | Discontinue dextroamphetamine before elective surgery. |
Other Notable Interactions
| Drug / Class | Effect on Dextroamphetamine | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Acidifying agents (ascorbic acid, ammonium chloride) | Increased urinary excretion; reduced blood levels and efficacy | Avoid large doses of vitamin C or acidifying agents during treatment. |
| Alkalinising agents (sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide) | Decreased urinary excretion; increased blood levels and potential toxicity | Monitor for signs of amphetamine toxicity. Adjust dose if necessary. |
| Antihypertensives (beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) | Dextroamphetamine may reduce antihypertensive efficacy | Monitor blood pressure regularly; adjust antihypertensive dose. |
| Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole) | May increase gastrointestinal absorption of dextroamphetamine | Monitor for increased stimulant effects. |
| CYP2D6 inhibitors (paroxetine, fluoxetine, quinidine) | May increase dextroamphetamine plasma levels by reducing hepatic metabolism | Consider dose reduction; monitor for adverse effects. |
| Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, phenobarbital) | Dextroamphetamine may delay absorption of phenytoin; anticonvulsants may be less effective | Monitor anticonvulsant levels and adjust doses as needed. |
Always inform your prescribing physician and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting dextroamphetamine. Some over-the-counter products containing pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, or high doses of caffeine may also interact with amphetamine-based medications. Grapefruit juice does not have a clinically significant interaction with dextroamphetamine.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma?
The dosage of Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma must be individually titrated based on therapeutic response and tolerability. Treatment should always be initiated at the lowest effective dose and gradually increased. The goal is to find the minimum dose that provides adequate symptom control with acceptable side effects. The tablets can be divided to allow for more precise dosing (the 5 mg tablet has a score line).
Adults (ADHD)
Adult ADHD Dosage
Starting dose: 5 mg once or twice daily (morning, and early afternoon if needed).
Titration: Increase by 5 mg at weekly intervals based on clinical response.
Usual maintenance dose: 10–20 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses.
Maximum dose: 40–60 mg per day (rarely needed; use with close monitoring).
Timing: First dose upon waking; subsequent doses at 4–6 hour intervals. Avoid evening doses to minimise insomnia.
Children (Aged 6 Years and Older)
Paediatric ADHD Dosage
Starting dose: 2.5–5 mg once daily in the morning.
Titration: Increase by 2.5–5 mg at weekly intervals.
Usual maintenance dose: 5–20 mg per day, divided into 1–3 doses.
Maximum dose: 40 mg per day (typically not exceeded in paediatric patients).
Important: Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma is not recommended for children under 6 years of age due to insufficient safety and efficacy data in this age group.
For the treatment of narcolepsy, the dosage follows a similar approach: starting at 5 mg daily and increasing gradually. Adults with narcolepsy may require doses of 5–60 mg per day, divided across the waking hours, though most patients respond to doses in the range of 10–30 mg daily.
Elderly Patients
There is limited clinical experience with dextroamphetamine in elderly patients. Due to the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and reduced renal and hepatic function in this population, treatment should be initiated with particular caution and at the lowest possible dose. Careful cardiovascular monitoring is essential, and the benefits of treatment must be weighed carefully against the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, provided it is not too late in the day. If it is afternoon or evening, the missed dose should be skipped entirely to prevent insomnia. Never take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. Patients who frequently miss doses should discuss modified dosing strategies with their prescriber.
Overdose
What Are the Side Effects of Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma?
Like all medicines, Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The side effects are generally dose-related and most pronounced during the initial period of treatment or following dose increases. Many side effects diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. However, certain adverse effects require immediate medical attention.
The following classification uses the standard frequency categories defined by the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA):
Very Common
Affects more than 1 in 10 patients
- Decreased appetite and reduced food intake
- Insomnia and difficulty falling asleep
- Headache
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
- Abdominal pain
- Nervousness and restlessness
Common
Affects 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 patients
- Weight loss
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Palpitations
- Elevated blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Dizziness
- Anxiety and irritability
- Mood changes, emotional lability
- Tremor
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Uncommon
Affects 1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000 patients
- Depression or depressed mood
- Psychomotor agitation
- Muscle twitching (tics)
- Blurred vision
- Dyskinesia (abnormal involuntary movements)
- Chest pain
- Skin rash or urticaria
- Erectile dysfunction
- Changes in libido
Rare
Affects fewer than 1 in 1,000 patients
- Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia)
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Angina pectoris
- Peripheral vasculopathy (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- Anaphylactic reactions
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (very rare)
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Hepatic dysfunction
- Mania or hypomania
Contact your doctor or emergency services immediately if you experience: chest pain or shortness of breath, signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing), fainting or loss of consciousness, severe headache with visual disturbances, unexplained muscle pain with dark urine, hallucinations or paranoid thinking, or seizures. These may indicate serious adverse events requiring urgent medical intervention.
Growth effects in children: Long-term use of dextroamphetamine in children and adolescents has been associated with modest reductions in growth rate. Data from clinical studies suggest an average decrease of approximately 1–2 cm in height and 2–3 kg in weight over the first 1–2 years of treatment, compared with untreated peers. Growth typically normalises after treatment discontinuation, and some evidence suggests that final adult height is not significantly affected. Nevertheless, regular monitoring (at least every 6 months) of height, weight, and BMI is recommended, with consideration of treatment breaks during school holidays.
Cardiovascular monitoring: Given the sympathomimetic nature of dextroamphetamine, ongoing cardiovascular surveillance is recommended throughout treatment. This includes regular measurement of blood pressure and heart rate. The EMA and FDA both recommend that patients who develop exertional chest pain, unexplained syncope, or other symptoms suggestive of cardiac disease during treatment should undergo prompt cardiac evaluation.
How Should You Store Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma?
Proper storage of Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma is essential for maintaining the medication's efficacy and safety. As a controlled substance, additional security measures are advisable to prevent diversion and misuse.
- Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate or freeze.
- Light: Keep the tablets in the original blister pack or container to protect from light, which may degrade the active ingredient over time.
- Moisture: Store in a dry place. Avoid storing in bathrooms or other humid environments.
- Security: As a controlled substance, keep Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma in a secure location, ideally a locked cabinet. This is particularly important in households with adolescents or young adults.
- Children: Keep out of sight and reach of children. Accidental ingestion by a child could be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
- Expiry: Do not use the medication after the expiry date printed on the packaging. Check regularly and return expired medication to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Disposal: Do not dispose of unused medication via household waste or wastewater. Return to a pharmacy for proper disposal according to local regulations.
What Does Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma Contain?
Each Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma 5 mg tablet contains the following:
Active ingredient:
- Dextroamphetamine sulfate 5 mg (equivalent to approximately 3.7 mg of dextroamphetamine base)
Excipients (inactive ingredients):
The excipients may include standard pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in tablet manufacturing such as lactose monohydrate, maize starch, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Patients with known lactose intolerance should consult with their pharmacist, as some formulations may contain lactose. For the complete list of excipients specific to your batch, refer to the patient information leaflet included in the medication packaging or consult your pharmacist.
Tablet description: Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma 5 mg tablets are white to off-white, round, flat tablets with a score line on one side, allowing the tablet to be divided into two equal halves for dose adjustment. The tablet can be divided into equal doses of 2.5 mg each.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dexamfetamin Sea Pharma
References
All medical information on this page is based on peer-reviewed research, international clinical guidelines, and authoritative regulatory documents. The following sources were consulted:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Summary of Product Characteristics: Dextroamphetamine sulfate. EMA Product Database. Accessed January 2026.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Prescribing Information: Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets, USP. FDA Label Database. Updated 2024.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management. NICE Guideline NG87. Updated 2024. Available at: nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87
- Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(9):727-738. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4
- British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP). Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Psychopharmacol. 2024;38(1):3-28.
- World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines – 23rd List. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
- Faraone SV, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, et al. The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;128:789-818. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022
- Castells X, Blanco-Silvente L, Cunill R. Amphetamines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;8(8):CD007813. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007813.pub3
- Storebø OJ, Ramstad E, Krogh HB, et al. Methylphenidate for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023;3(3):CD009885.
- Thorpy MJ, Bogan RK. Update on the pharmacologic management of narcolepsy: mechanisms of action and clinical implications. Sleep Med. 2020;68:97-109. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2019.09.001
Medical Editorial Team
This article has been written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising licensed physicians specialising in clinical pharmacology, psychiatry, and neurology. Our editorial process follows the GRADE evidence framework and adheres to international medical guidelines from the WHO, EMA, FDA, and NICE.
Licensed physicians with expertise in psychopharmacology and ADHD management, supported by clinical pharmacists with experience in CNS stimulant prescribing.
Board-certified specialists in psychiatry and clinical pharmacology who independently verify all clinical claims, drug interaction data, and dosage recommendations against current guidelines.
All content is independently produced with no commercial funding or pharmaceutical industry sponsorship. For questions about our editorial process, visit our Editorial Standards page or contact us.