Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Two Treatments for ADHDMedically Reviewed by Steven Kim, MD. April 6, 2. 01. 5. Written by James Roland ADHD Treatment. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition common in childhood and adolescence, although it can last into adulthood. ADHD and attention deficit disorder (ADD) used to be considered separate conditions. ![]() Now, the term ADHD includes ADD. The symptoms of ADHD include: hyperactivity and impulsive behaviordifficulty maintaining attention or focuseasily distracted by external stimulia combination of impulsive behavior and inattention. ![]() Psychotherapy, behavior training, and education can be effective for many people with ADHD. However, treating ADHD often includes the use of medications. ![]() Before turning to these medications, the FDA recommends that you be checked for heart disease since these drugs can have fatal effects in patients with heart problems. Comparison Similarities and Differences. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (brand name: Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (brand name: Dexedrine) are both central nervous system stimulants. They’re approved for the treatment of ADHD and also for narcolepsy (a neurological condition marked by severe daytime drowsiness). These drugs are more stimulating than methylphenidate (brand name: Ritalin), which is often the first drug your doctor might give you. Why They’re Prescribed. When prescribed and used properly, both medications can help people with ADHD focus more effectively. Because they contain amphetamines, both drugs are sometimes abused. Over time, use of the drugs may lead to dependence. The drugs work in two ways. They make neurotransmitters last longer in the parts of the brain that control attention and alertness, and they also increase the concentration of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send signals from one brain cell to another. By making these areas more active, the drugs can help a person focus their attention. Surprisingly, stimulants can help calm a person with ADHD. Forms and Dosing. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) are usually taken in tablet form once a day. However, they may also be taken twice (or even three times) a day, depending on how a person responds to the medication. Both drugs are FDA approved to treat ADHD in adults and children aged 3 and older. If your doctor prescribes dextroamphetamine, the starting dose will often be between 2. The dose may need to be adjusted gradually, as your doctor monitors how well the drug is working. Adult doses range from 5 mg to 6. Children may be given doses ranging from 2. There are several strengths and an extended release form, so the dose can be individualized. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine is also started at a low dose, usually 5 mg and may be gradually adjusted by your doctor. The maximum daily dose is 4. Adderall vs. Dexedrine comparison. Adderall and Dexedrine are similar prescription stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) and. Adderall is a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a stimulant, but when used at the doses for ADHD, it has a. Learn about Adderall XR (Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine Mixed Salts) may treat, uses, dosage, side effects, drug interactions, warnings, patient labeling, reviews. Dexedrine vs. Adderall: What’s the difference? There are a couple of notable differences between Dexedrine and Adderall. First, Dexedrine is only available in. Children are often started at 2. There are several strengths and also an extended release form, which makes it easier for your doctor to find the right dose for you. You will need a written prescription from your doctor, to obtain either drug. Cost. Both drugs are available in generic forms, which are less expensive than brand name medications. Ask your doctor and talk to your pharmacist about taking the generic form. Side Effects Side Effects of Each. The potential side effects of both drugs are similar. ![]() They both may raise blood pressure. The increase is usually minor, but if you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition or hypertension, discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with your doctor. The two medications may also cause: diarrhea or constipationurinary symptoms such as burning while urinatingpalpitations or irregular heartbeatsdry mouth loss of appetiteweight lossreduced growth (in children)insomniachanges in libido and impotence. In rare cases, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) use may result in alopecia, which is hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. Warnings Warnings and Interactions. People taking either medication should take the lowest dose possible, in order to avoid a possible overdose. ![]() Explains the medication amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR), two drugs used in combination to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is unclear whether spironolactone can help in the fight to lose weight. It definitely flushes fluid from the body, helping you to look and. Adderall XR is a prescription medication that is used to treat ADHD. This eMedTV resource explains how Adderall XR works, lists its potential side effects, and offers. It’s true — decreased appetite and weight loss are possible side effects of Adderall use. Both adults and children can have these effects while using this drug. Although rare, both drugs can cause peripheral vasculopathy, which is a problem with blood vessels of the fingers, hands, legs, and feet. If your fingers start to feel numb or cold, or if unusual wounds appear on your fingers or toes, consult a doctor immediately. If you have psychiatric illness or a seizure disorder, these drugs may make it worse. Tell your doctor about your medical history before taking a stimulant drug. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) may cause motor tics or changes in speech similar to Tourette syndrome. ![]() Changing the dosage or changing to a different medication may alleviate some of these problems. Both medications are often abused, and if these drugs are taken for a long time, you can become dependent on them. These drugs are not appropriate to take if you have a history of substance abuse. Keep both medications in a secure location in your home. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. There haven’t been extensive studies conducted on how either drug affects pregnant women and their babies. However, there are concerns that amphetamines, even used at prescribed levels, may pose risks to a developing fetus, such as lower birth weight or premature birth. There is also a risk of behavioral problems in childhood. Nursing mothers should not take these drugs. Amphetamines can pass through breast milk and have toxic effects on infants. Drug Holidays. If you take a stimulant drug, you can experience side effects that can include loss of appetite and weight loss. Children can also experience reduced growth. Your doctor may prescribe a “drug holiday,” which is a deliberate break in treatment for a specific amount of time and purpose, such as identifying side effects. For example, your doctor may prescribe a drug holiday for your child during the summer when school is not in session. Everyone who takes stimulant drugs should be periodically re- evaluated, to see if the drug is still effective and needed. Potential Drug Interactions. Amphetamines in both medications may interact negatively with several other medications. These drugs can interfere with the action of anti- seizure medications, like ethosuximide, phenobarbital, or phenytoin. The drugs may block the sedative effects of antihistamines in allergy medications. Antihypertensive drugs may be less effective at lowering blood pressure if you take either drug. There is also a risk of complications if you take these ADHD medications and certain antidepressant or antipsychotic drugs. If you take either of these stimulant drugs with multivitamins, iron, or fluoride, the drug levels may drop and they may not work as well. If you take antacids, certain antibiotics, MAO inhibitors, or proton pump inhibitors with either drug, the drug level may be increased. If you’re prescribed either drug, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the other drugs and over- the- counter products you currently take. Ask your health providers about warnings and side effects. Choosing Which One Is Best? The effectiveness and safety profiles of both drugs are relatively similar. But, because each person responds differently to a medication, you may find that your attention is better with one medication compared to the other. Your doctor may try you on one medication, and then the other, to determine which one is most effective. You may also have side effects with one drug that you don’t have with the other. You should know within several days of starting a new medication whether it’s effective and how well you tolerate the side effects. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall) is more widely prescribed than dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t do just as well or better on dextroamphetamine. Make sure your doctor has your complete medical history so they can make an informed recommendation. Don’t hesitate to ask for a different drug or a different dose, if you’re not happy with the first one you try. Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Comparison. Dexedrine is a psychostimulant drug primarily used to treat severe cases of ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall Comparison Chart. As you can determine from the chart below, Dexedrine and Adderall are relatively similar drugs. Narcolepsy. ADHD. Narcolepsy. Ingredients. Dextroamphetamine. Mixed Amphetamine Salts (7. Dextroamphetamine / 2. Levoamphetamine)Formats. Spansule (Sustained- release capsule)IR (Immediate release) or XR (Extended release)Dosages. IR: 5 mg/7. 5 mg/1. XR: 5 mg/1. 0 mg/1. Manufacturer. Amedra Pharmaceuticals. Shire Pharmaceuticals. Legal Status. Schedule II (US)Schedule II (US)Mechanism of action. Functions by increasing levels and inhibiting reuptake of stimulatory neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Irritability. Nervousness. Restlessness. Stomach aches. Weight loss. Abdominal pain. Appetite loss. Irritability. Nervousness. Weight loss. Date approved(1. 98. February 1. 3 (1. Effect duration. 8 to 1. IR: 4 to 6 hours / XR: 1. Investigational uses. Nasal congestion. Treatment- resistant depression. Stroke rehabilitation. Treatment- resistant depression (Read: Adderall for depression). Dexedrine vs. Adderall: What’s the difference? There are a couple of notable differences between Dexedrine and Adderall. Adderall. Below is a synopsis of the commonalities between Dexedrine and Adderall. Abuse potential: Both Dexedrine and Adderall are considered to have a high potential for abuse. Drug type: These drugs are classified as psychostimulants, and function by increasing CNS stimulation. Efficacy: Both drugs are clinically effective for ADHD and narcolepsy; there is no evidence to suggest superior efficacy for one over the other. Generic availability: Dexedrine Spansules are available as generics under “dextroamphetamine ER” and Adderall is sold generically as “mixed amphetamine salts.”Half- life: The estimated elimination half- life of Dexedrine is 1. Adderall is estimated to range between 1. Legal status: The U. S. They are legal to possess and use when prescribed to treat a medical condition, but are illegal if used outside medical constraints. Mechanisms of action: Each of these drugs inhibits reuptake of stimulatory neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. They also elicit further presynaptic activity, stimulating increased release of these neurotransmitters. Medical uses: Medically, Dexedrine and Adderall can be used to treat ADHD and/or narcolepsy. Side effects: The side effect profiles of these drugs is nearly identical, with subtle differences as a result of the presence of levoamphetamine in Adderall. Withdrawal: Discontinuation of either psychostimulant is a difficult endeavor, characterized by severe fatigue, psychomotor slowing, and sleepiness. Differences (Recap): Dexedrine vs. Adderall. Below are some differences between Dexedrine and Adderall. Cost: Brand name Dexedrine costs over $3. Adderall XR costs over $2. Adderall IR costs over $1. Dexedrine is the most expensive brand name option, whereas the generic Dexedrine is actually slightly cheaper than generic Adderall XR. Duration of effect: Dexedrine Spansules are thought to elicit an effect for 8 to 1. Adderall XR lasts up to 1. Adderall IR is shorter- acting than Dexedrine Spansules with an effect of 4 to 6 hours. Formats: Dexedrine Spansules and Adderall XR are very similar in that they are capsules filled with “beads.” Adderall is available as an IR format in the form of tablets, whereas Dexedrine is not. Ingredients: The active ingredient in Dexedrine is dextroamphetamine, whereas Adderall contains both dextroamphetamine (7. Investigational uses: Adderall has been investigated for cognitive rehabilitation among stroke patients, whereas Dexedrine has been investigated for the treatment of nasal congestion. Manufacturers: Dexedrine is manufactured by Amedra Pharmaceuticals, whereas Adderall is manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals. Popularity: The popularity of Dexedrine is virtually nonexistent when compared to Adderall – which is still the single most popular psychostimulant in generic format. Potency: The potency of Dexedrine is thought to be slightly higher than Adderall due to the fact that it is 1. Adderall is only 7. Which drug is better for ADHD? Dexedrine vs. Adderall. Those searching for a drug to treat their ADHD or narcolepsy will likely stumble upon the options of Adderall and Dexedrine. Dexedrine or Adderall? If you’ve tried Dexedrine Spansules and Adderall, how do they compare?
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