William H. Reading, MD
Withdrawal Syndromes
Stimulant Withdrawal
Abuse/Dependence on any of the following drugs may produce the stimulant withdrawal syndrome during a period of abstinence: Adderall, Amphetamine, Attenta, Caffeine, Cathine, Cathinone, Cocaine, Concerta, Daytrana, Desoxyn, Dexamphetamine, Dexedrine, Dextromethylphenidate, Diethylpropion, Dimethoxybromoamphetamine, DOB, Dimethoxybutylamphetamine, Dimethoxydimethylamphetamine, Dimethoxyiodoamphetamine, Dimethoxymethylamphetamine, DOI, DOM, Ecstasy, Ephedrine, Focalin, Ganesha, MDA, MDMA, MDMCat, Mescaline, Metadate, Metadate CD, Methamphetamine, Methcathinone, Methylenedioxymethcathinone, Methylin, Methylone, Methylphenidate, Modafinil, Penid, Phentermine, Pseudoephedrine, Rilatine, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin SR, Ritalina, Rubifen, Scrap, Zoom
Various symptoms of stimulant withdrawal may appear during a period of abstinence from the drug. Some or all may be present. When symptoms start they may be mild but as the syndrome progresses they may become severe. It is not possible for a healthy individual to die from stimulant withdrawal. However, it could be dangerous for people with heart disease, low blood pressure, or an underlying psychiatric illness so individuals with these conditions should seek medical attention. Treatment of stimulant withdrawal with medications is rarely necessary.
Stimulant Withdrawal Symptoms Include:
- Dehydration
- Fatigue and lassitude
- Lack of mental or physical energy
- Dulled alertness
- Agitation
- Slowing of movement
- Hunger
- Chills
- Insomnia followed by sleeping too much
- Depressed or bad mood that may deepen into clinical depression and suicidal ideation
- Persistent and intense drug craving
- Anxiety and irritability
- Impaired memory
- Anhedonia or loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Interpersonal withdrawal
- Intense and vivid drug-related dreams
- Worsening of an underlying psychiatric disorder