Dexamfetamine 5 mg: Brand change and supply issue
From August 2022 the brand of dexamfetamine is changing. The new brand will look different, but the tablets have the same active ingredient.
Supply update 1 September 2023
A shipment of dexamfetamine 5 mg was released to wholesalers 1 September 2023.
We continue to monitor the supply situation.
Temporary Aspen brand listed in 2022
From early August 2022, the brand of dexamfetamine changed from the ‘PSM’ brand to the Aspen brand so people can continue taking this medicine.
Schedule listing for dexamfetamine(external link)
Aspen’s brand of dexamfetamine received Medsafe approval in early October 2022. The Online Schedule reflects this change.
The temporary brand looks different but works the same way
The packaging and tablets will look different, but the tablets have the same active ingredient and work in the body the same way.


Why is this happening?
The previous supplier, API, is leaving the New Zealand market. Their PSM brand of dexamfetamine is no longer being manufactured. We have sourced a short-term supply of the Aspen brand dexamfetamine so people can continue to access their medicine. We are working to secure long-term supply of dexamfetamine sulfate 5 mg tablets.
Key dates
1 August 2022: Aspen’s dexamfetamine sulfate listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule (Pharmacode 2642298)
August / September 2022: PSM brand of dexamfetamine likely to no longer be available (Pharmacode 2461374)
1 August 2023: the ‘PSM’ brand of dexamfetamine delisted from the Pharmaceutical Schedule
Brand switch fee for pharmacists
We know that moving people from one brand to another can be difficult. To support this, we covered the cost with a brand switch fee. This was in place from 1 August 2022 to 1 November 2022.
This is the first brand change for this medicine. We know some patients, whānau or carers may have some questions to ask their pharmacists. This is an opportunity to provide some extra counselling to reassure people that Aspen’s brand of dexamfetamine works the same as the PSM brand.
We appreciate the time you take to help people understand brand changes. We have developed a pamphlet you can download and print for patients, whānau or carers.
- The brand of dexamfetamine is changing A5 flyer [PDF 1.1 MB]
Who to contact?
If you have any questions or concerns about this change, talk with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
You can also get more information from us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz or 0800 660 050
First published 26 July 2023