dextroamphetamine

noun

dex·tro·am·phet·amine ˈdek-(ˌ)strō-am-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn

-mən

: a drug consisting of the dextrorotatory form of amphetamine that is usually administered in the form of its sulfate (C₉H₁₃N)₂·H₂SO₄ chiefly in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder

Note: Dextroamphetamine is a strong stimulant of the central nervous system and is a common drug of abuse.

Examples of dextroamphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The trial randomized participants on four visits to a single dose of one of the three drugs (30 mg of methylphenidate, 15 milligrams of dextroamphetamine, or 200 milligrams of modafinil) or placebo before being asked to solve eight instances of the knapsack task. —

Judy George | Medpage Today, ABC News, 15 June 2023 The generic form, which is available in both tablets and capsules and can cost less than the brand name, is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts. —

Alexa Gagosz, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Mar. 2023 Adderall is made up of two stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. —

Julia Ries, Health, 15 Feb. 2023 The effects of caffeine, dextroamphetamine, and modafinil on humor appreciation during sleep deprivation. —

Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 3 May 2016 Rife with serious side effects—including hallucinations, anorexia, and heart problems— dextroamphetamine (better known as speed) is rarely used today by civilians. —

Sherry Baker, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2019 This medication is actually a combination of two medications amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and typically used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). —

Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2022 In contrast, all 3 stimulants improved psychomotor response speed, whereas only caffeine and dextroamphetamine improved ratings of subjective sleepiness. —

Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2012 Wellbutrin, known generically as bupropion, is an aminoketone antidepressant or a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, whereas Adderall, known generically as dextroamphetamine/amphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. —

Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 30 Apr. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dextroamphetamine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of dextroamphetamine was in 1943

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near dextroamphetamine

dextro

dextroamphetamine

dextro-glucose

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Dextroamphetamine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dextroamphetamine. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

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Medical Definition

dextroamphetamine

noun

dex·tro·am·phet·amine ˌdek-(ˌ)strō-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, -mən

variants or chiefly British dexamphetamine

ˌdek-sam-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, -mən

: a drug consisting of dextrorotatory amphetamine that is usually administered in the form of its sulfate (C₉H₁₃N)₂·H₂SO₄, chiefly in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder

Note: Trademarks for preparations containing dexamphetamine include Adderall and Dexedrine. It is a strong stimulant of the central nervous system and is a common drug of abuse.