Adderall and Dexedrine are two famous and easily available medications for ADHD. Both of the medications are CNS stimulants. Stimulants are called the trigger points that trigger the sleepy or slowed brain activities. Adderall and Dexedrine are also stimulants by nature. They trigger the brain activities that increase alertness and energy level. Their chemical structure and dosing make them unique from each other. It is important to know the difference between these two medicines. In today’s blog, Adderall vs Dexedrine, we will understand the dosages, side effects, and warnings of both medicines, which will help you to understand which is stronger, Adderall or Dexedrine.
Understanding The Key Difference In Dosages, Potency, and Formulations
Adderall and Dexedrine Overview
Adderall is a Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used to treat people suffering from attention-related issues or ADHD and Narcolepsy. It is made by the mixture of four types of salts, and two are the main ingredients of the medication. They are dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. It is widely used by students as a study aid. It increases the alertness of the system by reducing inattention. Dexedrine is also a stimulant that works by increasing the level of brain chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. When these chemicals are increased, they help the brain to ignore the distraction and increase concentration. It is an effective solution for ADHD and daytime sleepiness.
What is The Difference Between Adderall and Dexedrine?
Adderall vs Dexedrine Dosage
| Drug type | Age | Dose |
| Adderall immediate release | 3 to 5 years old | 2.5mg |
| Adderall immediate release | 6 years old or older | 5mg |
| Adderall extended release | 6 to 12 years old | 5 to 10mg |
| Adderall extended release | 13 to 17 years old | 10mg |
| Adderall extended release | 18 years old or older | 20mg |
| Dexedrine tablets or solution | 3 to 5years old | 2.5mg |
| Dexedrine tablets or solution | 6 to 16 years old | 5mg |
| Dexedrine sustained-release capsules | 6 to 16 years old | 5mg |
Medical use
Adderall and Dexedrine are mainly designed to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy symptoms. ADHD is a disease where an individual is not able to focus their attention or concentration on any work for too long. Narcolepsy is a common health issue where people feel extra sleepy throughout the day. Some recent research says Adderall and Dexedrine can be used to treat some other health issues by using them off-label. So, let’s see what other uses of these drugs are.
- Obesity or weight loss
- Severe Fatigue
- Memory enhancement
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Stroke recovery
- Depression
- Bi-polar Activity
Let’s see other differentiating factors one by one in table form;
| Parameters | Adderall | Dexedrine |
| Chemical Ingredients | Mixture of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine salts | Dextroamphetamine |
| Half Life | 10-13 hours | 10-11 hours |
| Effects on the brain | Blended effects | Concentrated effects |
| Peak acting effects | Within 3 hours | Within 2 hours |
| Potential | Less potent | More potent |
| Duration of effect | 4-8 hours | 3-6 hours |
| FDA- approval | ADHD and Narcolepsy | Narcolepsy |
| FDA-approved Patients Age | For children ages 3 and older and adults | For children ages 3-16 |
| Working Area | Works on the Central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system | Only works on the Central nervous system |
| Mechanism of Action | It delays or cancels the reabsorption of dopamine | It increases dopamine and norepinephrine production |
| Formulas | Immediate-release Tablets and extended-release capsules | Oral solution, tablets, and capsules |
Is Adderall and Dexedrine The Same Thing?
No, Adderall and Dexedrine are not the same medications. For instance, their effects may seem similar, but they are apart from each other in various ways. Adderall is safe to use for patients starting from the age of 3 to elders, but Dexedrine is used in children of 3-16 years old. The major difference between these two powerful drugs is hidden in their chemical composition. Adderall can give a balanced effect that will last for a long time. On the other hand, Dexedrine provides quick relief and a concentrated effect. Although they are both CNS stimulants, their effects and composition vary significantly.
Precautions of Adderall or Dexedrine
- Always obey your doctor and prescription religiously.
- Consume your first dose of the medications early in the morning every day. Because taking it in the afternoon or late may decrease its effect.
- When you are asked to take the medication more than one time then make sure you are taking the medication in a gap of 4-6 hours.
- Take the medications regularly a the same time range.
- Never stop taking the medications suddenly or without your doctor’s permission.
- If you do not want the effects to be delayed, then you can take the medications without food.
Adderall vs Dexedrine Side Effects
Side effects are the aftereffects that show the medication has started working in the body. Sometimes people misuse the drug unknowingly and knowingly. Overdose of these powerful opioids can cause severe damage and harm to our body. So, it is always asked to take your medications responsibly to avoid any harm. The common side effects of Adderall and Dexedrine include;
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Sleep-related issues
- Diarrhea
- Mood changes
- Fast Heartbeat
- Less Appetite
- Nausea
- Stomachache
- Changes in libido
- Nervousness
- Tics
- Weight loss
Stop using the medication and get medical help immediately if you see side effects like;
- Sudden spike in your blood pressure
- Tics
- Aggression
- Psychosis
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Priapism
- Cold Feeling
- Skin color Change
- Fainting
- Hostility
- Sudden death or Coma
- Heart attack or stroke
Alternatives
Alternatives are used when the originally prescribed medication can not be used due to some reason related to the patients other health condition. Adderall and Dexedrine also have some effective alternatives available in the market. Let’s see what are those;
Focalin
Concerta
Vyvanse
Mydayis
Strattera
Bottom Line
We hope this comparison blog has given you a clarity on how Adderall and Dexedrine are different from each other despite having a lot of similarities. So, we can conclude that both drugs are effective at treating ADHD symptoms, but it will be better and helpful for the individuals to consult a doctor before deciding which is the best drug for them.