Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Adderall?What Is Dexedrine?How to TakeSide EffectsSafety ConsiderationsWhich Is Right For You?Frequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Adderall?
What Is Dexedrine?
How to Take
Side Effects
Safety Considerations
Which Is Right For You?
Frequently Asked Questions
Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) are two medications commonly prescribed as first-line treatments forattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). They can help improve attention, focus, and impulse control.
Despite their similarities, some notable differences between Dexedrine and Adderall are important to consider when choosing the most appropriate medication.
This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Dexedrine and Adderall, including their formulations, dosages, duration of action, and potential side effects.
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Adderall is acentral nervous system(CNS) stimulant that contains two medications in one: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is used to help manage ADHD andnarcolepsy.
In doing this, Adderall increases the release of these neurotransmitters and blocks their reabsorption (reuptake) in the brain. This increases the amount of these chemicals that last.
With the increased stimulation in the brain, these neurotransmitters can boost alertness, attention, and impulse control.
Like Adderall, Dexedrine is also a CNS stimulant. However, it only contains dextroamphetamine.
In addition, Dexedrine contains only the strongest form of amphetamine, called dextroamphetamine. Adderall has a 3:1 ratio of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. This means that Dexedrine is stronger than Adderall.
Even though Dexedrine contains a greater ratio of the stronger ingredient, it does not necessarily mean Dexedrine will help you with your ADHD or narcolepsy better than Adderall might.
Dexedrine vs. Adderall: How to Take Each
Adderall and Dexedrine have different forms of administration and dosages based on the specific medication, the condition being treated, and your individual needs.
The common forms of Dexedrine and Adderall are listed below:
Extended-release formulations are often favored when you want the medication to last all day without needing multiple doses. However, immediate-release formulations may be better if you are looking for rapid symptom relief.
Dexedrine Dosing for ADHD
Dexedrine dosing guidelines for ADHD include the following:
Adderall Dosing for ADHD
Adderall dosing guidelines for ADHD include the following:
How Long Do Dexedrine and Adderall Take to Work?
Both immediate- and extended-release Adderall and Dexedrine take about 30 minutes to one hour for you to feel the medication working.
The effects of immediate-release Adderall and Dexedrine typically go away after four to six hours. However, if you take Adderall extended release, the medication can last up to 12 hours.
Dexedrine sustained release tablets can last between eight to 10 hours.
Adderall XR vs. IR: How Are They Different?
What Are the Side Effects?
Since Dexedrine and Adderall are within the same class of medications, they both share similar side effects. Common side effects seen in both Dexedrine and Adderall include:
Rare but serious side effects seen in both Dexedrine and Adderall include:
Adderall and Dexedrine are classified as Schedule II substances. This means they fall within the highest level of control for medications because they have a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Schedule II substances require a written or electronic prescription from a healthcare provider and have strict regulations regarding their distribution, storage, and prescribing practices. The classification as a controlled substance ensures that these medications are used safely and appropriately under medical supervision.
It is important to take Adderall and Dexedrine exactly as prescribed. Taking too much can result in an overdose and symptoms such as:
You may not be able to take Adderall or Dexedrine if you have any of the following:
Taking amphetamines like Dexedrine or Adderall with other drugs that increase serotonin in the body can cause a serious reaction calledserotonin syndrome. These medications include but are not limited to:
Before starting treatment, tell your healthcare provider about all substances you take, including prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary supplements, and herbal medicines.
Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Which Is Right For You?
Choosing the right ADHD medication is a collaborative process between you and your healthcare provider. Openly communicate your concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback on how the medication affects you. This will help guide the decision-making process and ensure you receive the most suitable treatment for your needs.
AdderallAdderall can be used for ADHD in children ages 3 years and older, plus adults.Adderall immediate-release tablets can last about four to six hours in the body.Adderall extended-release can last in the body for about 12 hours.For a 30 day supply of generic Adderall, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, can cost about $30.
Adderall can be used for ADHD in children ages 3 years and older, plus adults.
Adderall immediate-release tablets can last about four to six hours in the body.
Adderall extended-release can last in the body for about 12 hours.
For a 30 day supply of generic Adderall, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, can cost about $30.
Dexedrine tablets and solution can last in the body for about four to six hours
Dexedrine extended-release can last in the body for about eight to 10 hours.
For a 30 day supply of generic Dexedrine, dextroamphetamine, can cost about $175.
Summary
Adderall and Dexedrine are CNS stimulants used to help manage ADHD and narcolepsy. They both increase the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain leading to better regulation of attention, focus, and impulse control.
Common side effects shared between both medications include feeling nervous and excitable, loss of appetite, upset stomach, or dry mouth. Both Adderall and Dexedrine are classified as Schedule II medications. This means the government regulates the drug due to its potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.
Work with your healthcare provider, who can evaluate your specific needs, medical history, and response to determine which medication may be more suitable. Personalized treatment plans can optimize symptom management and help you feel your best.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThere are different ADHD medications available, including stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Concerta (methylphenidate) and non-stimulant medications such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).Each medication has its own characteristics, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss these options with you and the pros and cons of each.No, it is not recommended to take Dexedrine or Adderall while pregnant. There is a potential risk that both of these medications may cause harm to the fetus.You can talk to your healthcare provider for other options to manage your ADHD safely during pregnancy.No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Dexedrine or Adderall. Taking either medication with alcohol can worsen your side effects, such as drowsiness and impaired judgment. In addition, the combination of the two can put you at risk of liver damage or liver failure since they are both processed in the liver.
There are different ADHD medications available, including stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Concerta (methylphenidate) and non-stimulant medications such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).Each medication has its own characteristics, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss these options with you and the pros and cons of each.
There are different ADHD medications available, including stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Concerta (methylphenidate) and non-stimulant medications such as Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine).
Each medication has its own characteristics, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss these options with you and the pros and cons of each.
No, it is not recommended to take Dexedrine or Adderall while pregnant. There is a potential risk that both of these medications may cause harm to the fetus.You can talk to your healthcare provider for other options to manage your ADHD safely during pregnancy.
No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Dexedrine or Adderall. Taking either medication with alcohol can worsen your side effects, such as drowsiness and impaired judgment. In addition, the combination of the two can put you at risk of liver damage or liver failure since they are both processed in the liver.
The author would like to recognize and thank Alexya Rosas for contributing to this article.
10 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.Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, Kochhar P, Harrison RV.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456-464.Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine tablet label.Food and Drug Administration.Adderall label.Soder HE, Cooper JA, Lopez-Gamundi P, et al.Dose-response effects of d-amphetamine on effort-based decision-making and reinforcement learning.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2021;46(6):1078-1085. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0779-8Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine solution label.Food and Drug Administration.Dexedrine Spansule capsule label.Food and Drug Administration.Adderall XR label.Steingard R, Taskiran S, Connor DF, Markowitz JS, Stein MA.New formulations of stimulants: an update for clinicians.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(5):324-339. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0043Mechler K, Banaschewski T, Hohmann S, Häge A.Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents.Pharmacol Ther. 2022;230:107940. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940
10 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.Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, Kochhar P, Harrison RV.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456-464.Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine tablet label.Food and Drug Administration.Adderall label.Soder HE, Cooper JA, Lopez-Gamundi P, et al.Dose-response effects of d-amphetamine on effort-based decision-making and reinforcement learning.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2021;46(6):1078-1085. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0779-8Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine solution label.Food and Drug Administration.Dexedrine Spansule capsule label.Food and Drug Administration.Adderall XR label.Steingard R, Taskiran S, Connor DF, Markowitz JS, Stein MA.New formulations of stimulants: an update for clinicians.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(5):324-339. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0043Mechler K, Banaschewski T, Hohmann S, Häge A.Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents.Pharmacol Ther. 2022;230:107940. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940
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.
Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, Kochhar P, Harrison RV.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456-464.Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine tablet label.Food and Drug Administration.Adderall label.Soder HE, Cooper JA, Lopez-Gamundi P, et al.Dose-response effects of d-amphetamine on effort-based decision-making and reinforcement learning.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2021;46(6):1078-1085. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0779-8Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine solution label.Food and Drug Administration.Dexedrine Spansule capsule label.Food and Drug Administration.Adderall XR label.Steingard R, Taskiran S, Connor DF, Markowitz JS, Stein MA.New formulations of stimulants: an update for clinicians.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(5):324-339. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0043Mechler K, Banaschewski T, Hohmann S, Häge A.Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents.Pharmacol Ther. 2022;230:107940. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940
Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, Kochhar P, Harrison RV.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456-464.
Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001
Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine tablet label.
Food and Drug Administration.Adderall label.
Soder HE, Cooper JA, Lopez-Gamundi P, et al.Dose-response effects of d-amphetamine on effort-based decision-making and reinforcement learning.Neuropsychopharmacology. 2021;46(6):1078-1085. doi:10.1038/s41386-020-0779-8
Food and Drug Administration.Dextroamphetamine solution label.
Food and Drug Administration.Dexedrine Spansule capsule label.
Food and Drug Administration.Adderall XR label.
Steingard R, Taskiran S, Connor DF, Markowitz JS, Stein MA.New formulations of stimulants: an update for clinicians.J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(5):324-339. doi:10.1089/cap.2019.0043
Mechler K, Banaschewski T, Hohmann S, Häge A.Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents.Pharmacol Ther. 2022;230:107940. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940
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