Desoxyn vs. Adderall: Which Is Right for You?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMain Differences and SimilaritiesWhat Is Desoxyn?Side Effects of DesoxynWhat Is Adderall?Side Effects of AdderallWarnings

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Main Differences and Similarities

What Is Desoxyn?

Side Effects of Desoxyn

What Is Adderall?

Side Effects of Adderall

Warnings

While Desoxyn contains methamphetamine and Adderall is a mix of amphetamine salts, these medications work in similar ways to manage symptoms of ADHD. However, they also have important differences in their chemical makeup, potential uses, and side effect profiles. Understanding how each medication works, along with their risks and benefits, can help determine which treatment option may be best.

Desoxyn is a legally available prescription medication that is used to treat ADHD in adults and children.It contains the stimulant methamphetamine but should not be confused with the street drug “meth,” which includes the same ingredient.Desoxyn, however, is produced in a strict, federally regulated environment to ensure safety.

Benefits

Some advantages of Desoxyn use include:

Common Desoxyn side effects can vary and may include:

Other more serious side effects include stunted growth in children, seizures, and vision changes.

If you notice any worrisome symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. They can help you adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatment options.

For many people, Adderall is highly effective at managing ADHD symptoms.Unlike Desoxyn, Adderall is available in short-acting and long-acting formulations with several different strengths.Dose adjustments are required in those with reduced kidney function.

Some advantages of taking Adderall include:

Common side effects of Adderall include:

In some cases, Adderall can cause more serious side effects, including heart problems, changes in mood disturbances, or increased anxiety.

Discuss any unusual symptoms or changes with your healthcare provider.

Desoxyn and Adderall are both classified as controlled substances, meaning they pose a high risk for abuse and misuse that can lead to dependency.In light of this, healthcare providers are required to regulate these medications more strictly to ensure they are taken safely and appropriately.

Desoxyn should not be used during or within 14 days following the use ofmonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)such as Nardil (phenelzine) and Zyvox (linezolid).

Caffeine and alcohol intake should be avoided or minimized while taking either medication due to the risk of worsening side effects.

Health Risks

Certain groups may be at a higher risk of experiencing side effects when taking Adderallor Desoxyn,such as those with:

Additionally, there are risks associated with the use of Adderall and Desoxyn during pregnancy. Discuss potential risks and your personal or family history of any of the listed conditions with your healthcare provider before starting either medication.

Summary

Adderall has been extensively studied as a safe and effective treatment option for ADHD, and guidelines clearly outline its use as a reliable option for most individuals. Whereas Desoxyn is typically reserved for use only when other treatment options have failed. It is not routinely used for ADHD treatment due to the availability of more appropriate options.

7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Desoxyn.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Adderall XR.Stevens JR, Wilens TE, Stern TA.Using stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: clinical approaches and challenges.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2013;15(2):PCC.12f01472. doi:10.4088/PCC.12f01472U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Methamphetamine.Perrin JM, Stein MT, Amler RW, Blondis TA, Feldman HM, Meyer BP, Wolraich ML.Clinical practice guideline: treatment of the school-aged child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Pediatrics.2001;108(4):1033-1044. doi:10.1542/peds.108.4.1033Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.The Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(9):727-738. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4Gabay M.Federal controlled substances act: controlled substances prescriptions.Hosp Pharm. 2013;48(8):644-5. doi:10.1310/hpj4808-644.

7 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Desoxyn.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Adderall XR.Stevens JR, Wilens TE, Stern TA.Using stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: clinical approaches and challenges.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2013;15(2):PCC.12f01472. doi:10.4088/PCC.12f01472U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Methamphetamine.Perrin JM, Stein MT, Amler RW, Blondis TA, Feldman HM, Meyer BP, Wolraich ML.Clinical practice guideline: treatment of the school-aged child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Pediatrics.2001;108(4):1033-1044. doi:10.1542/peds.108.4.1033Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.The Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(9):727-738. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4Gabay M.Federal controlled substances act: controlled substances prescriptions.Hosp Pharm. 2013;48(8):644-5. doi:10.1310/hpj4808-644.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Prescribers' Digital Reference.Desoxyn.Prescribers' Digital Reference.Adderall XR.Stevens JR, Wilens TE, Stern TA.Using stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: clinical approaches and challenges.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2013;15(2):PCC.12f01472. doi:10.4088/PCC.12f01472U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Methamphetamine.Perrin JM, Stein MT, Amler RW, Blondis TA, Feldman HM, Meyer BP, Wolraich ML.Clinical practice guideline: treatment of the school-aged child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Pediatrics.2001;108(4):1033-1044. doi:10.1542/peds.108.4.1033Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.The Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(9):727-738. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4Gabay M.Federal controlled substances act: controlled substances prescriptions.Hosp Pharm. 2013;48(8):644-5. doi:10.1310/hpj4808-644.

Prescribers' Digital Reference.Desoxyn.

Prescribers' Digital Reference.Adderall XR.

Stevens JR, Wilens TE, Stern TA.Using stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: clinical approaches and challenges.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2013;15(2):PCC.12f01472. doi:10.4088/PCC.12f01472

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.Methamphetamine.

Perrin JM, Stein MT, Amler RW, Blondis TA, Feldman HM, Meyer BP, Wolraich ML.Clinical practice guideline: treatment of the school-aged child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Pediatrics.2001;108(4):1033-1044. doi:10.1542/peds.108.4.1033

Cortese S, Adamo N, Del Giovane C, et al.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.The Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(9):727-738. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30269-4

Gabay M.Federal controlled substances act: controlled substances prescriptions.Hosp Pharm. 2013;48(8):644-5. doi:10.1310/hpj4808-644.

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