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Dexedrine vs Adderall
Introduction
For patients diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, certain medications that modify the concentration of specific neurotransmitters in the brain can help manage symptoms. Dexedrine and Adderall are two such drugs commonly prescribed for these conditions. Both medications have a profound impact on dopamine and norepinephrine levels, aiding in improved focus and reducing impulsivity and hyperactive behavior.
Dexedrine is a psychostimulant medication belonging to the amphetamine class, primarily affecting levels of dopamine. On the other hand, Adderall contains four different types of amphetamine salts: amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and dextroamphetamine sulfate. This combination makes it more versatile than Dexedrine in managing ADHD symptoms by influencing both dopamine and norepinephrine levels.
Dexedrine vs Adderall Side By Side
| Attribute | Dexedrine | Adderall |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Dexedrine | Adderall |
| Contraindications | Worsening symptoms of anxiety or agitation, taking or have taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. | Worsening symptoms of anxiety or agitation, taking or have taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. |
| Cost | For the brand name, around $300 for 60 tablets of 5 mg. For the generic, approximately $0.50 to $3 per day based on dosage. | For the brand name, approximately $350 for 30 tablets of 20 mg. For the generic, roughly $.75-$2.4 daily based on normal doses. |
| Generic Name | Dextroamphetamine | Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Mental/mood changes such as agitation, aggression, mood swings or depression leading to suicidal thoughts; cardiovascular issues like chest pain, irregular heartbeat. | Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling; extreme paranoia or suspicion; new behavior problems, aggression, hostility. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors due to risk of serotonin syndrome. | Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors due to risk of serotonin syndrome. |
| Typical Dose | 5–60 mg/day, with 5-10 mg/day often sufficient for most adults. | 5–60 mg/day for adolescents and adults, with initial doses at 5–10 mg/day and adjustments based on response and tolerance. |
What is Dexedrine?
Dextroamphetamine (the generic name for Dexedrine) was one of the first central nervous system stimulant medications developed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dextroamphetamine has been approved by the FDA since 1975 and works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, effectively enhancing concentration and attention span while reducing impulsivity. It is prescribed for ADHD treatment as well as narcolepsy.
On the other hand, Adderall contains two active ingredients - amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine - making it a more comprehensive treatment option. Like Dexedrine, Adderall also increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine but its dual-action formula may offer broader symptom control for individuals with ADHD. However, this also means that Adderall could have a wider range of side effects compared to Dexedrine due to its stronger influence on these neurotransmitters.
What conditions is Dexedrine approved to treat?
Dexedrine and Adderall are both approved for the treatment of two primary conditions:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), improving attention span, focus, and behavioral issues
- Narcolepsy, helping to prevent sudden attacks of uncontrollable sleepiness.
It's important to note that while they serve similar functions, their composition slightly differs; Adderall is a mix of four different amphetamine salts while Dexedrine contains only one.
How does Dexedrine help with these illnesses?
Dexedrine works to manage the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synapses of the brain. It does this by stimulating their release and blocking their reuptake, allowing these neurotransmitters to be present for longer periods. Dopamine is a key chemical messenger that plays an essential role in motivation, reward, attention, mood, and movement among other functions. Norepinephrine also serves as a vital neurotransmitter involved in alertness, arousal and regulation of blood pressure.
People with ADHD are thought to have imbalances or dysfunctions within their dopamine systems which contribute to their symptoms. By enhancing levels of both dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain's synapses, Dexedrine can help mitigate negative effects associated with ADHD such as lack of focus or impulsive behavior thereby aiding patients manage their condition effectively.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a brand name for a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. These are central nervous system stimulants that affect chemicals in the brain and nerves contributing to hyperactivity and impulse control. It works by increasing the amount of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Adderall was first approved by the FDA in 1996. Since it's not an SSRI antidepressant like Prozac, it does not inhibit serotonin reuptake; instead, its action on dopamine and norepinephrine can help manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms effectively. Its side effect profile differs from SSRIs as well; rather than causing sedation or weight gain common with SSRIs such as Prozac, Adderall might cause insomnia or loss of appetite instead. The effects on dopamine and norepinephrine can be beneficial for those diagnosed with ADHD who do not respond well to non-stimulant medications.
What conditions is Adderall approved to treat?
Adderall is a stimulant medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
How does Adderall help with these illnesses?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in motivation, reward, and attention. Low levels of dopamine have been associated with conditions such as ADHD. Adderall works by increasing the levels of dopamine available in the brain, thereby alleviating some symptoms of ADHD like hyperactivity and impulsivity. Its action on norepinephrine also contributes to its effectiveness as an ADHD medication. Since it contains four different amphetamine salts, it provides a broader range of effects compared to Dexedrine which only contains one type (dextroamphetamine). This makes Adderall potentially more effective for patients who do not respond well to other stimulant medications or may be combined with non-stimulant drugs if needed.
How effective are both Dexedrine and Adderall?
Both dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine combinations (Adderall) have long-standing histories of success in treating patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. Both medications were approved by the FDA several decades ago, Dexedrine in 1976 and Adderall in 1996. They act on similar neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and norepinephrine, thus they may be prescribed under equivalent circumstances.
A comprehensive review conducted in 2014 indicated that both Dexedrine and Adderall are effective options for managing symptoms of ADHD starting from the first week of treatment. Their side effect profiles are comparable to each other but do differ slightly; any potential adverse effects should be weighed against the benefits when deciding between these two drugs. The same study reports that despite their similarities, some patients may respond better to one drug over the other due to genetic differences affecting metabolism.
A double-blind clinical trial comparing Dexedrine against Adderall noted that while both medications significantly reduced symptoms associated with ADHD, there was a slight preference for Adderall regarding duration of action per dose due to its mixture of different amphetamine salts. Nonetheless, given their similar efficacy, choosing between these two will often come down to individual patient response or specific needs such as dosing flexibility or cost considerations.
While both drugs are considered first-line treatments for ADHD management when behavioral interventions alone aren't sufficient; clinicians must consider an individual's medical history before prescribing either medication as they can exacerbate certain conditions like pre-existing heart disease or mental health issues like anxiety disorders.
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At what dose is Dexedrine typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Dexedrine range from 5–60 mg/day, but studies have shown that 5-10 mg/day is often sufficient for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in most adults. Children over the age of six may be started on a dose of 2.5 mg/day. If there is no response after a few weeks, dosage can be increased under medical supervision. The maximum daily dosage should not exceed 40 mg for children and adolescents or 60mg for adults in any case.
Adderall oral dosage ranges between 5-30mg per day depending on the individual's needs and responses to treatment. For ADHD in pediatric patients (6-12 years), initial recommended dose is usually around 5mg once or twice daily which may be increased by increments of up to an additional 5mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained. In adolescents (13-17 years), start with a single daily dose of about approximately10mg per day; this can be raised weekly by increments up to an additional ten milligrams if needed and tolerated, however it should not surpass the upper limit of total daily dose which stands at around forty milligrams.
For both Dexedrine and Adderall, your doctor will typically aim to find the lowest effective dose that manages symptoms with minimum side effects.
At what dose is Adderall typically prescribed?
Adderall treatment typically begins at a dosage of 5–10 mg per day for children and adolescents, and between 5-20 mg/day for adults. The dose can then be increased to a maximum of 40 mg/day for children, 60mg/day for adolescents, and up to a maximum of the doctor's discretion based on patient response and tolerance in adults. Doses are usually taken twice daily, spaced around four hours apart. It may take several weeks to observe a therapeutic effect following initiation or dosage increases, so it is important not to exceed your prescribed dose without approval from your healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects for Dexedrine?
Some possible side effects of Dexedrine and Adderall, both used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may include:
- Increased anxiety or nervousness
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Feeling overly alert or wakeful (inverse of somnolence)
- General weakness and fatigue
- Involuntary trembling or shaking movements (tremors)
- Decreased appetite
- Upset stomach, including nausea and digestive discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Changes in sexual desire (decreased libido)
- Skin rash
- Excessive sweating -Unusual thought patterns, which might disrupt normal sleep patterns leading to abnormal dreams.
These drugs do not typically cause symptoms akin to the flu syndrome, pharyngitis, sinusitis, nor yawning. Always discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Dexedrine?
Although Dexedrine and Adderall are both stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), they may have different side effects. Serious side effects of these medications can include:
- Mental/mood changes such as agitation, aggression, mood swings or depression leading to suicidal thoughts
- Signs of allergic reactions like skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness or trouble breathing
- Changes in vision including blurred vision and difficulty focusing
- Cardiovascular issues such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat or palpitations, shortness of breath and fainting episodes
- Neurological problems like uncontrolled movements or vocal outbursts
- Severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Symptoms indicating low potassium level in the body: muscle cramps/weakness/spasms
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking either Dexedrine or Adderall, seek immediate medical assistance. It's important to remember that this is not a complete list of possible side effects. Always consult with a healthcare provider for more detailed information.
What are the most common side effects for Adderall?
Adderall, like Dexedrine, can potentially cause a variety of side effects. These may include:
- Dry mouth and throat discomfort
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia
- Loss of appetite leading to weight loss
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or constipation
- Increased heart rate
- Feelings of anxiety or nervousness
- Possible confusion or agitation
- Headaches and dizziness
- Muscle tension or joint pain It's also important to note that more serious side effects are possible, including rash or other allergic reactions. Some individuals might experience changes in vision too - this is less common but should be reported immediately if experienced.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Adderall?
While Adderall is generally safe when taken as prescribed, it does carry the risk of certain side effects. These can include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling in your face or throat
- Extreme feelings of paranoia or suspicion
- New behavior problems, aggression, hostility
- Circulation problems caused by numbness, pain and discoloration in fingers/toes
- Uncontrolled movements or vocal sounds (tics)
- Changes in vision including blurred sight
- Chest pain especially if it spreads to shoulders and causes nausea
If any such symptoms are experienced after taking Adderall, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Contraindications for Dexedrine and Adderall?
Both Dexedrine and Adderall, along with most other stimulant medications, may worsen symptoms of anxiety or agitation in some people. If you notice your anxiety worsening, or an increase in jitteriness, restlessness, or behavior changes indicative of hyperactivity or impulsivity please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Dexedrine nor Adderall can be taken if you are taking, or have been taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (MAOIs). Always tell your physician which medications you are using; MAOIs will require a period of about 14 days to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with Dexedrine and Adderall. This is because combining these drugs can lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The signs include confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure; very high fever and increased heart rate.
How much do Dexedrine and Adderall cost?
In terms of the brand name versions of these medications:
- The cost for 60 tablets of Dexedrine (5 mg) averages around $300, which works out to between $10–20/day depending on your dosage.
- The price for 30 tablets of Adderall (20 mg) is approximately $350, working out to about $11.67/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Dexedrine (i.e., 15 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Adderall may be less expensive on a per day treatment basis. However, please remember that cost should not be the primary deciding factor in choosing between these two drugs.
For the generic versions:
- Dextroamphetamine (generic for Dexedrine), available in packs from 30 capsules and up, ranges from an approximate cost of $0.50 to $1 per pill making it around $0.50 - $3 per day based on dosages from 5mg to max dose at roughly 40mg daily.
- Amphetamine salt combo (the generic version of Adderall) can come with prices ranging as low as $.25/pill when bought in larger quantities like packs of hundred pills but can go up towards $.80/pill when purchased individually thus costing anywhere from roughly $.75-$2.4 daily based on normal doses varying between three times a day usage at lowest strength(7.5mg) upto twice a day at its highest strength(30mg).
Popularity of Dexedrine and Adderall
Dexamphetamine, in generic form as well as brand names such as Dexedrine, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 400,000 people in the US in 2020. Dexamphetamine accounted for just over 5% of ADHD prescriptions in the US. However, it appears to be a common choice among stimulant medications used for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy. The prevalence of dexamphetamine has been generally stable since 2013.
Amphetamine mixed salts, including brand versions such as Adderall, were prescribed to around 16 million people in the USA in 2020. In the US, these account for nearly half of all stimulant prescriptions and approximately one third of overall ADHD medication prescriptions. The popularity of amphetamine mixed salts has been increasing over the past decade due to their effectiveness and extended-release formulations that allow once-daily dosing.
Conclusion
Both Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) and Adderall (a combination of amphetamine salts) have proven to be effective in managing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, as supported by numerous clinical studies. Occasionally, these two drugs may be used concurrently under careful medical supervision despite their similar mechanisms of action. Both work primarily on the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine to enhance focus and attention.
Dexedrine is often considered a first-line treatment option for ADHD due to its efficacy with fewer side effects compared to other stimulants. On the other hand, Adderall might also be considered as initial therapy or used when patients do not respond adequately to Dexedrine or if they want a longer duration of effect since it contains both immediate-release and extended-release forms in one tablet.
Both are available in generic form which can result in significant cost savings especially for those who must pay out-of-pocket. An adjustment period may sometimes be required with either drug because benefits might not be noticeable immediately after starting treatment.
The side-effects profile is somewhat similar between these two medications; however, some users report that Dexedrine has less potential for adverse effects such as anxiety or restlessness than Adderall does. Patients using either medication should closely monitor any changes especially when initiating therapy or adjusting dosage levels, seeking medical intervention promptly if experiencing rapid heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath or any signs suggestive of psychosis like hallucinations.
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Refrences
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