Dexamphetamine – a restricted stimulant drug used to treat narcolepsy and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – might not be as addictive as previously thought, new research from the University of Sydney suggests. 

In a narrative review, published in Psychoactives, a team of researchers reviewed more than 1,700 papers to evaluate evidence underpinning dexamphetamine’s classification as a restricted drug. Surprisingly, the research team found only seven papers addressed dexamphetamine addiction directly, with only four possible individual cases of addiction detailed.  

Senior author Dr Alison Poulton, Senior Lecturer in Paediatrics and Child Health at the Nepean Clinical School, said the study raises questions about the evidence underpinning its restriction by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“After carrying out a comprehensive review of the available evidence, it’s surprising that we have only been able to find a handful of potential dexamphetamine addiction cases documented. 

“Dexamphetamine is well-known as an effective drug in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy – but it is also known to have possible benefits in the treatment of other conditions including obesity, where it has the potential to be a lower-cost alternative to other drugs, such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro).

“It’s important that we apply scientific rigour in assessing the potential risks of pharmaceutical drugs, especially when they could have significant benefits for patients.

Source: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/02/05/new-research-raises-questions-about-the-addictiveness-of-dexamph.html