Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 10/31/2025

Risks of Dextroamphetamine

Critical Safety Warnings

  • Prolonged administration of dextroamphetamine may lead to dependence, as reported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1, 2, 3
  • Based on animal data, dextroamphetamine may cause fetal harm, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Pregnancy and Fetal Risks

  • Amphetamines cross the placental barrier, and possible increased risk for gastroschisis and preeclampsia has been reported, as noted by Praxis Medical Insights 6
  • Continued stimulant use in the second half of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, as reported by Praxis Medical Insights 6
  • Monitor infants carefully for irritability, insomnia, and feeding difficulties if the mother used amphetamines during pregnancy, as advised by Praxis Medical Insights 6

Common Adverse Effects

  • CNS stimulants, including dextroamphetamine, are associated with weight loss and slowing of growth rate in pediatric patients, and closely monitoring growth is recommended, as reported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1, 2, 3
  • Sweatiness is a frequently reported adverse effect, as noted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 3

Special Populations

  • The balance of risks and harms is likely different for pregnant and breastfeeding women, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1, 2, 3
  • Consider non-pharmacological interventions for ADHD during pregnancy, as suggested by Praxis Medical Insights 6

REFERENCES

1

treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an american academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guideline. [LINK]

Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2021

2

treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an american academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guideline. [LINK]

Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2021

3

treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an american academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guideline. [LINK]

Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2021

4

treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an american academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guideline. [LINK]

Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2021

5

treatment of central disorders of hypersomnolence: an american academy of sleep medicine clinical practice guideline. [LINK]

Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2021

6

Placental Transfer of Vyvanse [LINK]

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025