Xelstrym Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Xelstrym Abuse

Countless people across the country misuse drugs and alcohol. Misuse can turn into an addiction, which is otherwise known as a use disorder. Even prescription medications like Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) can be abused. Though stimulant medications like this one have immense therapeutic benefits, when used irresponsibly, these medications can cause stimulant use disorder.

Read more about Xelstrym addiction and its effects below. This guide will help you understand topics like signs of Xelstrym addiction, who may be at risk for developing it and how to get diagnosed.

Used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Xelstrym is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, meaning it interacts with the brain and spinal cord. It’s a transdermal patch, which means it’s placed on the body and absorbed through your skin.

The mechanism of action for CNS stimulants is to correct imbalances in brain chemistry linked to conditions like ADHD. It’s important to note that each stimulant works differently to achieve this goal. Xelstrym patches increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which are two common neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters have a multitude of jobs in the brain, one of which is to function as the brain’s reward system. Increasing the level of these neurotransmitters can have therapeutic effects in people who may have imbalances related to dopamine and norepinephrine.

Stimulants can cause euphoria, increased focus and energy. Many people find these effects desirable, which can lead to misuse, such as taking outside of a prescription or taking more than prescribed. While addiction can occur even with proper use, the risk of addiction is much higher when you don’t use Xelstrym as directed.

Xelstrym has been linked to both misuse and addiction.

Misuse refers to any use of dextroamphetamine that isn’t prescribed. In other words, misuse can include using Xelstrym without a prescription or using it differently than a doctor prescribed. Specific examples include using more patches than prescribed, applying patches longer than prescribed, using patches more frequently than prescribed or using patches that were prescribed to someone else.

While misuse may be occasional for some individuals, it’s essential to understand that even occasional misuse can be quite harmful. The addictive qualities of stimulants can quickly cause occasional misuse to become increasingly regular, which can then lead to addiction.

Addiction, on the other hand, is often associated with cravings, an inability to stop using Xelstrym, continued use despite harm and neglecting responsibilities due to drug use. Psychological dependence symptoms, such as tolerance and withdrawal, are also strong indicators of addiction.

Yes, Xelstrym can cause an addiction or stimulant use disorder. When people overuse or misuse Xelstrym, they can develop symptoms of an addiction, including continued use despite harm, cravings, and neglecting responsibilities due to use. It can also cause tolerance, which results because over time, your body will adjust to the stimulant and learn to operate with the drug in your system, causing your body to not operate well without it. Tolerance is needing higher and higher doses to achieve the same high or relief.

Sudden cessation of Xelstrym can lead to withdrawal symptoms for many people if they’ve become physically dependent on it. When the drug your body relies on is no longer there, you may experience withdrawal between doses or when you try to quit using Xelstrym. Withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and makes it difficult to stop using drugs.

It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences withdrawal or tolerance from Xelstrym is addicted. Physical dependence can be a warning sign of addiction, and you should take it seriously. However, dependence can occur from taking medication as prescribed, too. Ask your prescriber if you are concerned.

Xelstyrm addiction isn’t always easy to identify, but certain signs can indicate the presence of an addiction. Signs of addiction can be physical, psychological and behavioral.

Behavioral signs of addiction can be easier to recognize in others. If you or someone you know has a sudden change in behavior that’s out of character, it may be due to stimulant addiction. Risky behaviors, secrecy, isolation, doctor shopping, academic or professional decline, weakened relationships and abandoning responsibilities are commonly associated with addiction.

You may also experience physical changes. Physical signs of addiction are more likely to occur with long-term stimulant abuse, as they can take more time to develop. Examples of physical addiction signs are insomnia, weight loss, high blood pressure and decreased appetite. Psychological changes seen with stimulant abuse can include things like mood swings, obsessively thinking about Xelstrym and irritability.

Signs of addiction are unique to each individual, so you may notice different signs in different people. Knowing how to identify early signs of addiction is immensely beneficial, as it can help you access treatment sooner. The sooner you access treatment, the easier it is to prevent long-term harm from drug abuse.

Withdrawal symptoms are typically caused by quitting Xelstrym cold turkey. A sudden lack of medication in your body can also cause physical, psychological and behavioral symptoms.

Physical symptoms of Xelstrym withdrawal include:

• Weakness
• Intense cravings
• Fatigue
• Slowed movement
• Increased appetite
• Oversleeping

Commonly seen psychological withdrawal symptoms are:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Nightmares
• Depression
• Irritability
• Slowed thinking

Similar to signs of addiction, signs of withdrawal show up differently for each individual. Most people experience withdrawal symptoms a few hours to days after their last dose of Xelstrym, peaking in intensity by the third day.

Factors such as your general health, duration of use, the severity of your addiction and your typical dosage can all impact withdrawal. Thus, withdrawal symptoms can last several weeks to months, and can be painful, unpleasant and even dangerous.

Because withdrawal can be so challenging and hazardous, you mustn’t go through it alone. Most treatment facilities offer medical detox services to support you during this time and make sure you’re safe and as comfortable as possible.

There are many side effects you may experience from Xelstrym misuse and addiction. While you’re more likely to experience side effects with long-term addiction, they can occur in anyone using the medication.

Xelstrym addiction has both short-term and long-term side effects. Short-term side effects occur immediately after you use the medication, but long-term side effects take repeated use over a longer period to occur. Unfortunately, long-term side effects can impact you for a longer time, sometimes months to years.

Short-term side effects may be acute and cause discomfort. In rare cases, short-term effects can be dangerous.

Short-term effects may include:

• Seizure
• Muscle twitches (tics)
• Changes in vision/blurry vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Fast heart rate
• Muscle stiffness
• Loss of coordination
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Mania or psychosis
• General ill feeling
• Joint pain
• Dizziness
• Feeling lightheaded or fainting
• Mild skin irritation at the patch site
• Breathing problems
• Wheezing
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Chest pain
• Numbness, cold feeling or pale appearance of fingers or toes
• Hives
• Xelstrym overdose

You should understand that an overdose can occur even with short-term use. However, it’s more likely to occur with long-term misuse and a higher tolerance for Xylstrem. As your tolerance increases, you may feel the need to take higher doses of the medication at once, which can cause an overdose if the dose is too high.

If you notice signs of an overdose, call 911 right away. Drug overdose is an emergency that requires immediate medical care. Signs of overdose include headache, coma, sweating, hallucinations, dry mouth, fast or pounding heartbeat, muscle pain or weakness, pounding in your neck or ears, muscle twitches, tremors, confusion, dilated pupils, seizure, fever, agitation and vomiting.

Long-term effects of Xelstrym use occur after repeated use for an extended period of time. They can have a permanent effect in some instances.

Long-term effects can include:

• Cognitive decline
• Severe weight loss
• Circulatory problems
• Cardiovascular issues
• Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
• Anxiety disorders

Anyone who uses Xelstrym is at risk of becoming addicted to it because it has a high potential for misuse and addiction. However, addiction doesn’t occur in everyone who uses Xelstrym.

Certain factors may put you at higher risk for stimulant addiction, including a history of mental illness. Mental health disorders have a strong link with addiction. When addiction and a mental health disorder occur simultaneously, it’s called a co-occurring disorder. Addiction can exacerbate co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety and ADHD and these disorders can worsen addiction, creating a difficult cycle of abuse.

Another risk factor is a family history of substance abuse. If a family member has struggled with a substance use disorder, you may be genetically predisposed to developing an addiction, too. On a similar note, if you have a history of addiction yourself, you’re more likely to develop a stimulant use disorder from Xelstrym.

People who use Xelstrym without a prescription are also more likely to develop an addiction because they’re likely misusing the medication and don’t need it for therapeutic benefits. This group of people can include those under high academic or professional stress.

Some students and professionals may abuse stimulants like Xelstrym to stay awake longer or focus for longer periods of time. Similarly, people who abuse Xelstrym for side effects like weight loss or increased energy may be more likely to develop a stimulant use disorder.

Awareness of stimulant use disorder risk factors can help with early prevention. If you have a risk factor for addiction, it’s essential that you tell your doctor. This knowledge can help medical professionals make informed decisions about your treatment, including close monitoring or using alternative medications.

While it’s possible to identify potential addiction in yourself or someone else, only a healthcare professional can officially diagnose a stimulant use disorder.

If you choose to seek a professional diagnosis, you can expect to receive an evaluation regarding your Xelstrym use. This evaluation will involve questions about your behavior and feelings related to the stimulant. Be sure to be as honest as possible when answering these questions to receive a correct diagnosis.

Questions may include topics like:

• Withdrawal symptoms
• Degree of tolerance (needing more Xelstrym to feel the same effects)
• Impact on daily life, such as relationships, work or responsibilities
• Previous attempts to quit or cut back, and whether they were successful
• Frequency and amount of use

The diagnostic process is the first step for many people on the path to recovery. Having an official diagnosis can help you access the treatment you need and understand the type of care that’s best suited to your needs. Your doctor may also be able to recommend treatment centers for you to choose from.

If a loved one is struggling with Xelstrym addiction and reluctant to get their stimulant use disorder diagnosed, you may need to encourage them to get professional help. Encouragement can include exposing them to online assessments and screening tools or holding an intervention.

Your doctor will use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help evaluate your condition. The DSM-5 is an official guide that medical professionals use to diagnose mental health conditions like addiction.

The DSM-5 lists the following as symptoms of SUD:

1. Using larger amounts and/or over a longer period than intended
2. Unable to cut down or control use
3. Spending a lot of time in activities necessary to obtain, use or recover from the effects of the stimulant
4. Craving stimulants
5. Stimulant use interferes with taking care of responsibilities at work, school or home
6. Continued use despite stimulants causing persistent social or interpersonal problems
7. Giving up previously enjoyed activities because of misuse
8. Recurrent use in situations that increase the chances of getting hurt
9. Continued use despite persistent physical or psychological problems caused by stimulants
10. Tolerance to stimulants
11. Withdrawal symptoms when stopping stimulants

The number of criteria you meet during your evaluation can help determine the severity of your addiction. Two to three met criteria is considered mild, four to five is considered moderate and six or more within a 12-month period is considered severe. Not everyone addicted to Xelstrym will meet all these criteria.

Early diagnosis can help jumpstart your path to sobriety. It can also help prevent long-term consequences and improve treatment outcomes.

Stimulants like Xelstrym have a high potential for abuse and addiction. Many people become addicted to stimulants for their effects, such as euphoria and weight loss. Addiction can pose a serious threat to your health and well-being, which is why it requires professional help.

Identifying early warning signs of addiction and getting a professional diagnosis are the best ways to reduce harm and improve treatment outcomes.

If you or a loved one needs more guidance on Xelstrym addiction, call the RehabNet helpline today.