Amphetamine Side Effects and Warnings

Amphetamine is highly addictive and should only be used under the careful supervision of a qualified physician. Amphetamine-based stimulant medications are also more likely to cause a loss of appetite and weight loss than methylphenidate-based medications. Amphetamines can also be deadly when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant.

Like all stimulant medications, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can cause sleeplessness, loss and appetite and weight loss. Other common side effects include the following:

• Constipation;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Dry mouth;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Nervousness;
• Restlessness; and
• Stomach pain.

Other more severe side effects include the following:

• Allergic reactions;
• Blurred vision;
• Change in libido;
• Chest pain;
• Confusion;
• Depression;
• Fever;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Moodiness;
• Numbness or tingling in one arm;
• One-sided weakness;
• Painful or frequent urination;
• Seizures;
• Slurred speech; and
• Uncontrolled muscle movements.⁵