Dexamfetamine: A UK Patient Guide

Quick answers

• Is dexamfetamine currently in shortage in the UK? MedWatch has no direct shortage notice for dexamfetamine itself. Earlier 2024 supply notices were for lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Local availability should be checked with your pharmacist or specialist.
• Is dexamfetamine the same as Elvanse? No. Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a different medicine that the body converts into dexamfetamine. They are not interchangeable without a prescriber's decision.
• What should I do if my pharmacy cannot supply it? Ask about other brands, ask how much notice the pharmacy needs, and contact the specialist who manages your prescription. Do not stop suddenly without a plan.
• Is dexamfetamine a controlled drug? Yes. It is handled as a controlled drug in the UK. GOV.UK lists amphetamine as Class B, Schedule 2, and GOV.UK travel and drug-driving guidance applies to medicines containing controlled drugs. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist about prescription validity, collection, storage and travel before you run low.

Important: This article is for information only. It does not replace advice from your specialist, GP or pharmacist. Never start, stop, switch or change your dose without speaking to the healthcare professional who manages your prescription.

Current UK Shortage Status

As of May 2026, MedWatch holds no direct shortage or recall notice for dexamfetamine itself.

The Medicine Supply Notifications (MSN) in MedWatch's source data relate to lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) capsules, not dexamfetamine directly. These notices were issued by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) in 2024. During those supply issues, dexamfetamine products were mentioned only as possible alternatives:

• Generic dexamfetamine 5mg tablets and Amfexa (dexamfetamine) 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets were noted as remaining available.
• However, those products were described as "unable to meet large increases in demand" if too many patients switched at once.

Because these notices date from 2024, current stock levels at individual pharmacies may differ. If you are having difficulty obtaining your medicine, speak to your specialist or pharmacist. Do not stop taking your medicine without a plan agreed with your prescriber.

Sources: CPE MSN/2024/019, CPE MSN/2024/051

What Dexamfetamine Is Used For

In the UK, dexamfetamine has two licensed uses:

1. ADHD in children and adolescents (aged 6 to 17 years)

• The brand Amfexa is licensed for ADHD when previous treatment with methylphenidate has not worked well enough.
• Treatment must be under the supervision of a specialist in childhood and adolescent behavioural disorders.
• Diagnosis must follow DSM or ICD criteria and be based on a full multidisciplinary assessment.

2. Narcolepsy and hyperkinetic states

• Generic dexamfetamine sulfate tablets are also licensed for narcolepsy in adults and for hyperkinetic states in children under specialist supervision.

NICE guidance position NICE guideline NG87 recommends:

• Methylphenidate as first-line medicine for ADHD in children aged 5 years and over, young people and adults.
• Lisdexamfetamine as an alternative if methylphenidate does not help enough after a 6-week trial.
• Dexamfetamine may be considered for people whose symptoms respond to lisdexamfetamine but who cannot tolerate its longer duration of effect.

Adult ADHD use is mainly discussed through NICE's treatment pathway, while the Amfexa licence cited here is for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17. Some prescriber-led uses may therefore differ from the specific UK licence. Your specialist should explain why dexamfetamine is being used in your case.

Sources: Amfexa SmPC, Generic Dexamfetamine SmPC, NICE NG87

How Dexamfetamine Works

Dexamfetamine is a sympathomimetic amine. It stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the release of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. This improves alertness, attention and concentration, and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity in people with ADHD. It also helps people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day.

Source: Generic Dexamfetamine SmPC section 5.1

Forms and Strengths Available in the UK

Dexamfetamine is a short-acting medicine. Your prescriber will decide the timing of doses. Stimulant doses are usually scheduled earlier in the day to reduce the risk of sleep disturbance.

Source: eMC search results

Brand and Generic Names

Dexamfetamine is the generic (non-branded) name. The active ingredient is dexamfetamine sulfate.

UK brand names and suppliers include:

• Amfexa (Medice UK LTD) — 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets
• Dexamfetamine Sulfate (Brown & Burk UK Ltd; Sovereign Medical) — 5mg tablets
• Dexamfetamine Sulfate 1mg/ml Oral Solution (Rosemont Pharmaceuticals)

Source: eMC search results

Invention and UK History

Dexamfetamine belongs to the amphetamine family of medicines, which have been used in clinical practice since the early twentieth century. It has been a controlled medicine in the UK for many decades and remains subject to strict legal controls today.

How Dexamfetamine Is Made

Dexamfetamine medicines are manufactured by licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards regulated by the MHRA. Public patient sources do not need to describe synthesis routes.

UK Suppliers and Marketing Authorisation Holders

The following companies hold UK marketing authorisations for dexamfetamine products:

• Medice UK LTD — Amfexa tablets
• Brown & Burk UK Ltd — Dexamfetamine Sulfate 5mg Tablets
• Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited — Dexamfetamine Sulfate 1mg/ml Oral Solution
• Sovereign Medical — Dexamfetamine Sulfate 5mg Tablets

Source: eMC product search

Common Side Effects

Like all medicines, dexamfetamine can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them.

Very common and common side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Headache and dizziness
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Restlessness, nervousness or irritability
• Tremor
• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Palpitations
• Mood changes such as depression, anxiety or emotional ups and downs

In children, doctors monitor height and weight carefully because growth may slow during treatment.

Source: Generic Dexamfetamine SmPC section 4.8

Serious Side Effects and When to Get Urgent Help

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or your child has:

• Chest pain, severe shortness of breath or fainting
• Seizures (fits)
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips or tongue; difficulty breathing; severe rash
• Symptoms of stroke: severe sudden headache, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion
• New severe hallucinations, delusions or manic behaviour

Contact NHS 111 or your GP urgently if you notice:

• Heart palpitations that do not settle
• Severe mood swings, aggression or suicidal thoughts
• New or worsening tics (repeated movements or sounds)
• Unusual bruising or signs of circulation problems in the fingers

Source: Generic Dexamfetamine SmPC section 4.4

Interactions and Cautions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.

Medicines you must not take with dexamfetamine:

• MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant) — dangerous interactions can occur. You must not take dexamfetamine within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.

Medicines that can interact:

• Tricyclic antidepressants — may increase the risk of heart-related side effects.
• Beta-blockers — can cause severe high blood pressure when combined with dexamfetamine.
• Lithium and alpha-methyltyrosine — may reduce the effect of dexamfetamine.
• Other stimulants — including some decongestants and recreational drugs — put dangerous strain on the heart and brain.

Substances that affect absorption or removal: Medicines that change stomach or urine acidity can affect how dexamfetamine is absorbed or removed from the body. Your pharmacist can advise you.

Alcohol Alcohol can worsen the central nervous system side effects of dexamfetamine. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether you should avoid it.

Source: Generic Dexamfetamine SmPC section 4.5

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Driving, Alcohol and Kidney/Liver Cautions

Pregnancy The generic dexamfetamine SmPC states the medicine is contraindicated during pregnancy. Studies suggest an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm birth. Babies born to mothers who took amphetamines during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, speak to your specialist urgently before making any changes. Do not stop or change your medicine without medical advice.

Breastfeeding Dexamfetamine passes into breast milk. A decision must be made whether to stop breastfeeding or stop the medicine, weighing the benefits to the mother against potential risks to the baby. If breastfeeding continues, the baby should be monitored for signs of over-stimulation such as poor sleep, irritability or poor feeding.

Driving and machinery Dexamfetamine can affect your ability to drive safely. GOV.UK lists amphetamine, including dexamphetamine, in its prescription-medicine drug-driving guidance. Do not drive if the medicine makes you feel unsafe, sleepy, dizzy, or less alert. GOV.UK says prescribed medicines must be taken as advised by a healthcare professional and must not make you unfit to drive. If ADHD, narcolepsy, symptoms, or medicines may affect your driving, check GOV.UK/DVLA guidance or ask your specialist whether you need to notify DVLA.

Alcohol Alcohol can worsen the central nervous system side effects of dexamfetamine. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether you should avoid it.

Kidney and liver problems There is limited experience with dexamfetamine in people with kidney or liver impairment. Plasma levels may be higher and elimination slower. Your prescriber will use special caution, careful dose titration and monitoring.

Sources: Generic Dexamfetamine SmPC sections 4.4, 4.6, 4.7, Amfexa SmPC section 4.2

Missed Doses and Stopping Dexamfetamine

Missed dose If you forget a dose, check the patient leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist for advice. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure about timing, ask your pharmacist or prescriber before taking another dose.

Stopping suddenly Do not stop dexamfetamine suddenly after long-term use unless your doctor tells you to. Abrupt withdrawal can cause extreme fatigue, depression, increased appetite and changes to sleep patterns. Your doctor will usually reduce the dose gradually and monitor you closely. Long-term treatment should be reviewed at least once a year. Any break from treatment is decided by your specialist.

Sources: Amfexa SmPC section 4.2, Generic Dexamfetamine SmPC section 4.4

Monitoring Requirements

People taking dexamfetamine need regular monitoring, especially children and adolescents:

• Blood pressure and pulse — checked at each dose change, then at least every 6 months.
• Height and weight — recorded at least every 6 months on a growth chart.
• Psychiatric review — at each dose adjustment, then at least every 6 months. This includes checking for new or worsening depression, anxiety, aggression, psychosis, tics or suicidal thoughts.
• Cardiac review — if you develop chest pain, palpitations, fainting or breathlessness, you should be referred to a heart specialist.

Source: Amfexa SmPC section 4.2

What to Ask Your Pharmacist or GP During Supply Issues

If your pharmacy cannot obtain your usual dexamfetamine product, ask:

1. Is a different brand of the same strength available? (Amfexa, Brown & Burk, or Sovereign Medical may have stock when another does not.)
2. Can my prescription be changed from tablets to liquid, or vice versa?
3. How much notice does the pharmacy need to order this controlled drug?
4. If I am running out and cannot get a supply, who should I contact urgently?

Because dexamfetamine is handled as a controlled drug, pharmacies may need extra time to order stock and complete checks. Ask your pharmacist how much notice they need, and ask your prescriber how early to request your repeat prescription.

Related Medicines a Clinician May Discuss

If dexamfetamine is not suitable or available, your specialist may discuss:

• Methylphenidate — first-line treatment for ADHD in the UK (short-acting and long-acting forms).
• Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) — a long-acting prodrug that converts to dexamfetamine in the body; taken once daily.
• Atomoxetine — a non-stimulant medicine for ADHD.
• Guanfacine — another non-stimulant option, sometimes used alongside or instead of stimulants.

Source: NICE NG87

Controlled Drug Rules, Driving and Travel Advice

Dexamfetamine is handled as a controlled drug in UK healthcare. The safest patient-level rule is simple: keep it in the packaging supplied by the pharmacy, keep it away from children and anyone it was not prescribed for, and ask your pharmacist or prescriber before travel, collection changes, or repeat-prescription deadlines.

Official GOV.UK pages to check:

• Controlled-drugs list: GOV.UK lists amphetamine as Class B under the Misuse of Drugs Act and Schedule 2 under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. Dexamfetamine is a medicinal form related to amphetamine, so pharmacy teams handle it with controlled-drug safeguards.
• Driving: GOV.UK lists amphetamine, including dexamphetamine, in its prescription-medicine drug-driving guidance. Do not drive if impaired. If you have been prescribed it, follow the healthcare professional's instructions and the patient leaflet.
• Travel: GOV.UK says medicine containing a controlled drug should be carried with proof it was prescribed for you, and you should check destination-country rules before you travel. Some quantities or countries may need a Home Office personal licence.

If there is any doubt, ask your pharmacist, specialist or GP before your supply runs low.

Sources: GOV.UK controlled-drugs list, GOV.UK drug-driving law, GOV.UK travel with controlled drugs

Official Sources and How to Report Problems

• Patient Information Leaflets and SmPCs: electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC)
• NICE ADHD guidance: NG87
• MHRA drug alerts: GOV.UK drug alerts
• Report side effects: MHRA Yellow Card
• Controlled drug travel advice: GOV.UK drugs licensing

If you think you have experienced a side effect, report it through the Yellow Card scheme. This helps the MHRA monitor medicine safety.

Correction Route

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