Adderall vs Methamphetamine For ADHD: Explain Medical Uses & Dangers of Abuse

Adderall vs Methamphetamine: Here, we will compare a very commonly used and a very rarely used ADHD drug. When you first hear about Adderall and Methamphetamine, you may think they are two very distinct substances. There are a lot of similarities between Adderall and Methamphetamine. But there are some factors that make them apart from each other. Adderall contains some part of amphetamine, but Methamphetamine contains amphetamine with an additional methyl group. It is crucial to know Adderall vs Methamphetamine differences which will help you understand the health issues, side effects, and other facts related to these drugs effectively.

Adderall vs Methamphetamine: Understanding Differences, Addiction Symptoms, & Effects

Definition of Adderall

Adderall is a combination drug which is made by combining two types of active ingredients, which are called dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is a medication which is used to increase alertness and provide refreshing effects in the brain. It is widely used among patients ranging from children to older people. It works by stopping or cancelling the absorption of brain chemicals back into the nerve cells. It is a stimulant, and its nature is to trigger brain activity, which will result in more energy and focus. But there are some health conditions that make an individual unfit for Adderall.

• Overactive Thyroid
• Hypertension
• Low blood flow
• Seizures
• Tics
• Psychosis
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding

Definition of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a dangerously addictive drug which affects the central nervous system. It is sold under the brand name of Desoxyn, but due to its addictive nature, it is rarely suggested. So, most of the time, it is made illegally under unregulated conditions with harmful and toxic chemicals by the abusers. It comes in the form of white, odourless, bitter powder or in a crystal form known as crystal meth. It is purchased by various street names like meth, ice, crank, speed, and crystal meth. It is not suggested to use this drug because it can worsen the effects of health conditions like;

• Agitation
• Depression
• Seizures
• Malnutrition
• Glaucoma
• Low blood circulation in fingers and toes
• Hypertension
• Heart attack

What’s the Difference Between Adderall and Methamphetamine?

There are some differences between Adderall and methamphetamine. The differentiating factor ranges from chemical structure to the legality of the medications. Let’s look below to understand how.

Adderall vs Methamphetamine Chemical Structure

Legal Status

• Adderall is a legal and FDA-approved drug that is used to treat attention deficit symptoms and narcolepsy. It is always prescribed by doctors to treat patients with ADHD effectively. Even if Adderall is used for medical purposes, some drug addicts try to purchase and sell it with various street names like study buddies, smart pills, and so on.
• Methamphetamine is a famous, illegally used drug. Its illegal form is known as crystal meth. It is misused by some addicts because of its high potential for addiction. Its production is unregulated and made using toxic substances. But due to its medical benefits, it has a legal version made in pharmaceutical laboratories, which is called Desoxyn. It is very rarely used to treat extreme ADHD.

Dosage

Duration of Effect

Addiction Signals of Adderall and Methamphetamine

This is another point of comparison between Adderall and Methamphetamine because if Adderall is used in excess amounts, then it can cause overdose symptoms. But Methamphetamine is an illegally made drug that is highly dangerous and has no safe level of use. Let’s see what the overdose/addiction symptoms of each medication are.

Addiction symptoms of Adderall

• Aggressive behaviour
• Mania
• Excessive weight loss
• Easily excited
• Changes in social circle
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Addiction symptoms of Methamphetamine

• Increased euphoria
• Continuous elevation in body temperature
• Impulsive or violent behaviour
• Twitching
• Skin sores

Which is The Safer Option, Adderall or Methamphetamine?

Misuse of any drug is full of dangerous risks, but the illegal production and use of Methamphetamine makes it more dangerous and less safe than Adderall. Methamphetamine is often made with toxic chemicals with lower purity and is highly dangerous due to its intense effect on the reward system. But Adderall is made under the careful supervision of chemical labs and can be used for individuals ranging from teenagers to adults. When Adderall is used responsibly, it has almost no risks associated with it when used under a doctor’s care and supervision.

Adderall vs Methamphetamine Side Effects

Both Adderall and Methamphetamine share a lot of similarities, and side effects are one of the vital similarities. It is because they both are central nervous system stimulants and are related to each other chemically. They have shared side effects ranging from mild and very common to severe and life-threatening conditions.

Very common side effects;

• Paranoia
• Unusual tiredness
• Fever
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Fainting
• Dark-colored Urine
• Muscle breakdown
• Weight Loss
• Headaches

Serious Side effects;

• Hypertension
• Uneven heartbeat
• Psycosis
• Irritability
• Dependence
• Heart stroke
• Seeing things that do not exist in reality

Methamphetamine Interaction and Alternatives

Methamphetamine is highly addictive and can create dependence. It is also highly interactive with other drugs. If you are using Methamphetamine legally in the form of medication, then make sure not to mix it with other medications because of the interaction. Drugs that interact with Methamphetamine are as follows;

• Tramadol
• Oxycodone
• Opium
• Cocaine
• Morphine
• Hydrocodone
• Fentanyl
• Trazodone

If you can not adjust to Methamphetamine due to any health reasons, then you can use other alternatives available in the market, which are effective and safe to use. They are;

• Ritalin
• Focalin
• Concerta
• Adderall
• Dexedrine
• Vyvanse
• Strattera

Bottom Line

At the end of the blog, we hope that this blog is helpful for you and provides you with sufficient and necessary data regarding the use, aftereffects and interactions of both the drugs. Make sure not to use any illicit drugs for the euphoric feeling because this might put your life at risk.