DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (XELSTRYM)
What to know about DEXTROAMPHETAMINE — also sold as XELSTRYM: uses, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations for people taking it or caring for someone who is.
DEXTROAMPHETAMINE (brand names: XELSTRYM) is classified as Moderate risk (7 risk points) by AllMeds. It is a S8 medication under the TGA in Australia. FDA approved in the United States. S8 controlled stimulant with high abuse potential and significant workplace safety concerns.
Key Takeaways
- TGA Schedule: S8 in Australia
- Risk level: Moderate (7 points)
- Serotonergic: Risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs
- SIRA reportable: Flagged for NSW workers compensation reporting
Scheduling and Classification
| Jurisdiction | Classification | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (TGA) | S8 | Not PBS listed |
| United States (FDA) | Rx only | FDA approved |
Risk Profile
S8 controlled stimulant with high abuse potential and significant workplace safety concerns.
How DEXTROAMPHETAMINE is regulated
DEXTROAMPHETAMINE is overseen by medicines regulators in each country. The rules below explain how it's scheduled, what oversight applies, and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping this medication.
Australia TGA / PBS / State Schemes
Classified as S8 under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Flagged as reportable under SIRA guidelines in NSW. Claims involving this medication may require additional reporting and clinical justification.
WorkSafe Victoria Drugs of Dependence Guidelines require monitoring for all S8 opioids. WorkCover QLD Pain Intervention Guidelines recommend multimodal pain management with opioids as a last resort.
United Kingdom NICE / MHRA / FPM
NICE NG193 (Chronic Pain) recommends against initiating opioids for chronic primary pain. The Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) Opioids Aware resource recommends structured opioid prescribing with regular review, dose limits, and documented tapering plans.
For personal injury claims in the UK, opioid prescribing duration and dose should be reviewed against NICE and FPM guidelines. Costs may be recoverable as a disbursement in high-value PI claims.
United States FDA / CDC / State WC
FDA approved for use in the United States.
FDA Boxed Warning: WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION XELSTRYM has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including XELSTRYM, can result in overdose and death [see OVERDOSAGE (10) ] , and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection. Before prescribing XELSTRYM, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout XELSTRYM treatment, reassess each patient’s risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1) and DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE (9.2) ] . WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. XELSTRYM has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including XELSTRYM, can result in overdose and death ( 5.1 , 9.2 , 10 ): Before prescribing XELSTRYM, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Throughout treatment, reassess each patient’s risk and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
The CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids (2022) recommends non-opioid therapies as first-line treatment for pain. When opioids are prescribed, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration needed.
For workers compensation claims, many states require prior authorization for opioids beyond initial acute prescribing. State drug formularies (e.g. California MTUS, Texas, New York) may restrict or require step therapy before opioid approval.
New Zealand ACC / BPAC NZ / Medsafe
BPAC NZ recommends reassessing opioid therapy at regular intervals and limiting duration. The NZ Opioid Prescribing B-QuiCK Guide provides structured prescribing and tapering protocols.
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) covers treatment-related medications for accepted claims. Opioid prescribing beyond guidelines may require ACC clinical review and approval.
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Important: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. If you have questions about your medication — including starting it, stopping it, changing the dose, or combining it with something else — speak with your doctor or pharmacist. For an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately. Information is drawn from regulator and clinical guideline sources (TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBS, CDC); see our methodology for details.