Have ADHD. Taking Dexamphetamine Instead Of Strattera. Getting Chest Pain And Diarrhea. Side Effect?

Posted on Sun, 24 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 Answered on

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My son started taking a small dose of dexamphetamine (2.5mg am) 3 days ago to supplement his strattera (18mg am and then a further 10mg pm) for ADHD. Scince he started taking it he has been up til 2am complaining of chest pain and had diarrhoea so badly that he pooed his pants four times and accidentally pooed in the shower this morning. Could these be related to the new dexamphetamine or just a few days of rotten luck? Thanks, XXXXXXX.

Answered by Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty (1 hour later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Yes, the problems you are talking of are known side effects of dexaphetamine.

Among various other side effects, Insomnia is a known side effect of this drug. (This could be the reason why your son is up until 2am)

Chest pain and diarrhea are also known complications of dexamphtamine.

Request you to kindly consult your pediatrician/doctor, as the side effects are quiet disturbing.

Hope this helps.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E