Dexedrine vs Adderall
More and more children and adults are now being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a mental health disorder that consists of symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus and being easily distracted by external stimuli. Prescription stimulant medications such as Adderall and Dexedrine are commonly prescribed to help treat symptoms of ADHD. Adderall is comprised of a combination of different amphetamine salts including dextroamphetamine and amphetamines. Dexedrine only contains dextroamphetamine.
These two medications help those with ADHD to improve their attention span, focus and improve impulse control. Both substances are Schedule II controlled substances with a very high potential for abuse. Both substances contain synthetic compounds of amphetamine, which are central nervous system stimulants and can impact neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that send signals from one brain cell to another. These stimulant medications work by increasing the number of neurotransmitters to be available to be used in the brain, making them more active and can result in better focus and concentration.
What are Amphetamines?
Amphetamines are synthetic stimulants that help speed up activity and functions in the body. They were first introduced in the 1930s as an over-the-counter inhaler to treat nasal congestion. It was then changed to prescription-only medications used to treat disorders such as ADHD. Due to its high potential for dependence and addiction, the use of illicit amphetamines such as methamphetamine can lead to a substance use disorder. Common street names for illicit amphetamine stimulants include Bennies, Black Beauties, Crank, Ice, Speed and Uppers. Amphetamines are similar to other stimulants like cocaine. However, the onset of effects is much slower with a longer duration compared to cocaine, which is quickly metabolized and removed from the brain.
Amphetamines are highly potent and strong substances. Prescription amphetamines can be just as strong leading to abuse and dependency. There are known risks and side effects associated with prescription stimulant abuse that include significant weight loss, insomnia, slowed growth and development, changes in behaviors, changes in thought patterns, nerve problems that can cause seizures, circulation problems, cardiovascular problems, serotonin syndrome and the breakdown and release of muscle tissue into the bloodstream that can cause kidney damage.
Dexedrine vs Adderall
Dexedrine
- Dexedrine is only FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children ages 3-16. It is not approved for use by adults.
- Dexedrine is a central nervous system stimulant and works by increasing neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
- Dexedrine only contains the strongest form of amphetamine called dextroamphetamine.
- Dexedrine is considered to be a stronger medication compared to Adderall because it contains a high level of dextroamphetamine.
- Dexedrine is available in an immediate-release tablet or solution
- Immediate-release tablets are effective for 6-8 hours and can be taken more than once per day.
- Dexedrine extended-release formulation can remain effective from 8-10 hours.
- A 30-day supply of Dexedrine costs around $175.
- With Dexedrine, if you take the medication too late in the day, it can impact sleep and should only be taken in the morning.
- Dexedrine is available in three different strengths: 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg.
- Common side effects of Dexedrine include increased heartbeat, loss of appetite, dry mouth, upset stomach, dizziness, headache, tremors and difficulty sleeping
Adderall
- Adderall is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children 3 and older as well as adults.
- Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that works by increasing the activity of chemical messengers in the body including dopamine and norepinephrine. It works by increasing the release of these chemical messengers and blocking the reabsorption into the brain.
- Adderall contains dextroamphetamine and a mixture of three other amphetamine salts.
- Adderall is often the first choice of medication used to treat ADHD because it can be used by both children and adults with the onset of effects occurring within an hour after taking it.
- Adderall’s immediate-release formulation only comes in tablet form.
- Adderall’s extended-release formulation can remain effective for up to 12 hours.
- A 30-day supply of Adderall can cost around $30.
- Adderall doses need to constantly be adjusted to avoid negative side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
- Adderall is available in many different strength options depending on the time of formulation you are prescribed. Both the tablet and capsule formulations are available in strengths ranging from 5mg to 30mg.
- Common side effects of Adderall include upset stomach, lowered appetite, weight loss, nervousness, changes in mood and difficulty sleeping.
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Similarities
- Both medications are safe and effective for the treatment of ADHD when used per the recommendation of their medical provider.
- Both medications carry a high potential for abuse with prolonged use of the drugs, which are associated with psychological dependence.
- Both are prescription medications with special requirements
- Both medications reach their highest level of concentration in the blood by 3 hours and can remain effective between 4-6 hours depending on the dosage.
- Both drugs are part of the amphetamine family, but they are not the same and are not interchangeable.
- Both drugs start at low doses and can increase or be changed until an effective dose is found for each individual patient.
- Amphetamine prescription medications such as Dexedrine and Adderall are generally taken orally or injected.
- Both drugs are available in immediate and extended-release formulations and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to take effect.
- Common side effects for both medications include nervousness and excitement, difficulty sleeping, headache, upset stomach, loss of appetite, dry mouth, weight loss, high blood pressure, difficulty with body coordination, seizure, blurred vision, aggressive behavior, psychosis, serotonin syndrome and slowed or stunted growth in children.
- Both medications have a half-life of around 34 hours
- Both medications carry serious cardiovascular issues such as a high risk for cardiac arrest
- Both medications carry serious risk for psychiatric events such as activating undiagnosed mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or psychosis.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Prescription amphetamines have been used to treat symptoms of ADHD for decades. When used as per the recommendation of a medical provider for the purpose of treating ADHD, the medications are safe and very effective. However, amphetamine stimulants are powerful and potent substances that have the potential for dependence and addiction. Behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide programs for those who are struggling with an addiction to amphetamines either prescribed or illegally obtained.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-proven methods that include CBT, DBT and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our clients overcome their addictions and reach their goals of recovery.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321565
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/dexedrine-vs-adderall
https://www.drugs.com/compare/adderall-vs-dexedrine
https://www.goodrx.com/compare/dexedrine-vs-adderall
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/dexedrine-vs-adderall
https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/Amphetamines-2024-Drug-Fact-Sheet.pdf