Half-life
~10-12 hours.
Withdrawal timeline
The crash typically begins as the last dose clears, within a day of stopping.
Fatigue, low mood, hunger, and excessive sleep are most intense here.
The crash usually resolves within a week; mood and energy normalize as the nervous system re-adapts.
Common symptoms
- Fatigue
- Depressed mood
- Increased appetite
- Hypersomnia
- Return of ADHD symptoms
Less common
- Irritability
- Vivid dreams
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
Notable / pattern-defining symptoms
Post-stimulant depression - after heavy or long-term use, the low mood during the crash can be significant. Persistent or severe depressed mood, or any suicidal thinking, warrants prompt clinical attention.
Tapering guidance
- After regular use, a step-down or a switch to a longer-acting form first can reduce the crash.
- Coordinate with the prescribing physician, especially where mood symptoms are prominent.
Where ketamine therapy fits
Ketamine therapy does not treat amphetamine discontinuation, but the post-stimulant depressive crash can overlap with an underlying mood disorder. Because both stimulants and ketamine can raise heart rate and blood pressure, schedule sessions when stimulant levels are low and coordinate with the prescriber. See [ketamine for ADHD](/blog/ketamine-for-adhd).
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Dexedrine crash last?
Usually 3-7 days, longer after heavy or high-dose use. Fatigue, low mood, hunger, and oversleeping predominate and then settle as the body re-adapts.
Is dextroamphetamine withdrawal dangerous?
It is not life-threatening like alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, but the depressive crash after heavy use can be significant. Severe low mood or suicidal thoughts need prompt clinical attention.
Can ketamine therapy be combined with Dexedrine?
Yes, with timing and coordination. Schedule sessions when stimulant levels are low, and let your prescriber manage the cardiovascular considerations.
Important: This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication. Tapering psychiatric medications should always be coordinated with the prescribing physician. Compounded ketamine for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain is not FDA approved.
Browse all medication withdrawal guides.