People living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) require medications and therapies to manage their symptoms. Prescription stimulant drugs are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD.[1] Two of the most common stimulants for treating attention disorders are Dexedrine and Adderall.
While these medications produce similar effects, some crucial differences exist. In this article, we will examine the differences between Dexedrine and Adderall. You will learn:
- Information about the effects and risks of Adderall and Dexedrine
- The differences between these medications
- How to recognize prescription stimulant abuse
- Where to find treatment for prescription drug abuse and addiction
If you or someone you love struggles with stimulant medication abuse, you are not alone. Effective, compassionate treatment is available at The Best Treatment. Contact our intake team to explore our programs or schedule an intake assessment.
What is Dexedrine?
Dexedrine is a brand-name medication containing a drug called dextroamphetamine. Doctors may prescribe Dexedrine to patients with ADHD and narcolepsy to manage symptoms of these conditions.[2]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Dexedrine for use in 1976. Currently, some people use this drug to manage symptoms of ADHD. However, it is not commonly prescribed in the United States due to the abuse potential.
What are the Effects and Risks of Dexedrine?
All medications can cause side effects. Some of the most common physical side effects of Dexedrine include:[2]
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Rapid heart rate
- Sleep problems
- Tremors
- Upset stomach and nausea
- Weight loss
Dexedrine can also cause serious side effects and risks, including:
- Changes in vision
- Heart attack
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Psychosis
- New or worsening mental health symptoms
- Mania
- Seizures
- Stroke
People who misuse Dexedrine are more likely to experience severe side effects of this prescription medication. A life-threatening overdose is possible, especially in those who abuse it.
An overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. If someone near you is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD and sleep disorders. Its active ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.[3] The FDA approved Adderall for use in 1996. Years later, the drug’s manufacturer released Adderall XR, which is available in slow-release tablets.
Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is a commonly prescribed central nervous system (CNS) stimulant with a high potential for abuse and addiction. People who abuse Adderall may become addicted to it.
What are the Effects and Risks of Adderall?
Common side effects of Adderall include:
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Mood swings
- Headache
- Rapid heart rate
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Stomach ache
- Weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
Adderall may also cause more severe side effects. The potential side effects of Adderall include:
- Problems with circulation
- Increased blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- New or worsening mental health symptoms
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Vision changes
- Slowed growth in children
- Mania
People may experience severe side effects of Adderall when taking it as prescribed. Dangerous drug interactions can occur from mixing Adderall and alcohol or other substances.
What is the Difference Between Dexedrine and Adderall?
Dexedrine and Adderall are both ADHD medications. However, there are some critical differences between these prescription drugs.
- Dexedrine contains only dextroamphetamine, while Adderall contains both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.
- Dexedrine is available in tablet, extended-release capsule, and liquid form. Adderall is available in immediate-release and extended-release pills.
- Adderall provides longer-lasting symptom relief than Dexedrine. It typically has fewer side effects than Dexedrine when people take it exactly as prescribed.
It is important to note that both medications are stimulants with the potential for misuse and abuse. People who misuse Dexedrine or Adderall have a higher risk of unwanted side effects, including physical dependence and addiction.[4]
Recognizing Stimulant Abuse and Addiction
Stimulant addiction can cause short and long-term harm to your physical and emotional health. Stimulant abuse and addiction can change how a person looks, feels, and behaves. Recognizing these changes can help you get help as soon as possible.
Some signs of stimulant abuse or addiction include:
- Agitation
- Dilate pupils
- Excessive talkativeness
- Decreased need for sleep
- Having a new group of friends
- Increased energy or activity
- Neglected hygiene
- Isolation
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Quick, significant weight loss
- Noticeable behavior changes
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from using stimulant drugs
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and fatigue, if they stop taking stimulants
Young adults and teens are more likely to abuse stimulants than other groups. However, anyone can develop stimulant addiction if they misuse them.
Stimulant addiction is a severe and complex condition. People who become addicted to stimulant drugs often require comprehensive treatment and support to avoid relapse.
Find Treatment for Stimulant Addiction Now
If you or someone you love struggles with stimulant abuse or dependence, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment specialists to learn about our holistic treatment programs or to find support at any stage of your recovery.
References:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Using Stimulants for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Clinical Approaches and Challenges
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Dexedrine Prescribing Information
- FDA: Adderall Prescribing Information
- NIH: Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine
