Dexedrine Vs Adderall: Differences, Similarities, & Which to Take

What Is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine is FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy and ADHD, ages 3 and up. The medication is made up entirely of one specific type of dextroamphetamine salt. Dexedrine and all other amphetamines stimulate receptors in the central nervous system to prevent drowsiness and manage symptoms of ADHD. Since Dexedrine is part of the amphetamine family of medications, it is important to remember that there is a high potential for abuse, especially with long-term use.

Dexedrine is available as an immediate-release tablet or an extended-release capsule. It is available as a brand medication and a cost-effective generic form.^{1, 2}

What Is Adderall

Adderall is FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy and ADHD in ages 3 and up. The medication is made up of multiple types of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall and all other amphetamines stimulate receptors in the central nervous system to manage symptoms of ADHD. This is thought to happen by increasing the amount of active norepinephrine and dopamine in the CNS system.

Since Adderall is part of the amphetamine family of medications, it is important to remember that there is a high potential for abuse, especially with long-term use. Adderall is available as immediate-release tablets or extended-release capsules. Adderall is available as a brand-name medication or as a lower-cost generic.^{3, 4}

Key Differences Between Dexedrine & Adderall

Dexedrine and Adderall are two ADHD medications with much in common, but it is important to remember they are not exactly the same and are not interchangeable.  They are both stimulants and types of amphetamines, but Adderall is a mix of amphetamines, and Dexedrine is one single amphetamine. They can both be used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. They are both available as brand and generic and are both available as immediate-release and extended-release medications. Finally, both are controlled medications that require a prescription and carry a risk of abuse and misuse.

The table below summarizes the key differences between Dexedrine versus Adderall:

What Are Dexedrine & Adderall Used to Treat?

Adderall and Dexedrine are currently both approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Working with your doctor can help determine the best option for you. Things to consider may be what has worked for you in the past, what is covered by your insurance, and which medications are currently available.

The table below compares the medical and mental health conditions Dexedrine and Adderall are used to treat:

Dexedrine & Adderall Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Both Dexedrine and Adderall are prescribed in a similar fashion, starting at low doses and increasing until the correct dose is found. It is important to follow your doctor’s directions exactly to avoid unnecessary side effects. Taking too much or increasing your dose too quickly can be dangerous.

If you are prescribed an immediate-release tablet, you should expect to take 2 or 3 doses each day at different times. If you are prescribed the extended-release capsule, you will most likely take 1 pill each morning. It is important not to take a dose too late in the day, as that can cause issues falling asleep.^{1, 2, 3, 4}

Dexedrine Forms & Strengths

Dexedrine is available as a tablet and a capsule. The tablet releases the drug immediately and usually works for about 6 to 8 hours. If you are prescribed this, you will likely take it more than once per day. The capsule releases the drug slowly throughout the day. If you are prescribed the capsule, you will likely only take it once daily in the morning.  Your doctor will prescribe the tablet or capsule depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and lifestyle.^{1, 2}

Dexedrine is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Oral tablet: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 15 mg
• Oral capsule: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 15 mg

Adderall Forms & Strengths

Adderall is also available as a tablet and a capsule. The tablet releases the drug immediately and usually works for about 6 to 8 hours. If you are prescribed this, you will likely take it more than once per day. The capsule releases the drug slowly throughout the day. If you are prescribed the capsule, you will likely only take it once daily in the morning.  Your doctor will prescribe the tablet or capsule depending on your diagnosis, symptoms, and lifestyle.^{3, 4}

Adderall is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Oral tablet: 5 milligrams (mg), 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg
• Oral capsule: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg

Always take medication as prescribed by your doctor. Changing doses or the number of pills you take without consulting your doctor can be dangerous. It is also very important if you are prescribed an extended-release capsule to avoid chewing the pill. If this happens, you can release large amounts of medication into your system all at once. This can be dangerous and also lead to large crashes later on in the day.^{2, 4}

Side Effects of Dexedrine & Adderall

The side effects of Dexedrine and Adderall are very similar. Most side effects of these and other stimulants stem from how the medications affect the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body. It is important to understand the possible side effects of the medication you are prescribed before you take the medication. This can help you plan for ways to cope with the side effects and determine if the medication is a good fit for you. Be sure to seek medical assistance in an emergency.

The table below compares the most common side effects of Dexedrine and Adderall:*^{2, 3}

*All medications, including Dexedrine and Adderall, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Warnings & Precautions for Dexedrine & Adderall

Dexedrine and Adderall both have specific warnings that should be understood before taking the medication. Each person should review these warnings and review their health history with their prescriber before taking a stimulant medication. This can help prevent unnecessary risk from taking Adderall or Dexedrine. These warnings exist due to reported side effects during studies of each medication.^{1, 3}

Risks to consider when taking Dexedrine and Adderall include:

• Interactions with alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking any stimulant medication is not recommended. Alcohol has depressive effects, which counteract the stimulating effects of Dexedrine or Adderall, which can be dangerous.
• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions are life-threatening and require medical attention right away. If you have swelling of the face or neck, trouble breathing, or rashes on the entire body, you should call 911 right away. If you do suffer an allergic reaction, do not start taking your medication until you talk with your doctor.
• Abuse and dependence: Amphetamines have a high risk of abuse and dependence that can be dangerous. It is important not to take any more than prescribed and not stop taking the medication unless you are under the supervision of your doctor. If you have a history of substance abuse, Adderall or Dexedrine may not be right for you.
• Serious cardiovascular events: Heart problems, including sudden death from cardiac arrest, have been reported from people taking amphetamine stimulants. It is important to ensure your heart is healthy enough to take Dexedrine or Adderall. If you notice any changes that may be related to your heart, you should seek help immediately.
• Seizures: Taking stimulants has been shown to increase the risk of seizures. If you have a history of seizures, Dexedrine or Adderall may not be right for you.
• Psychiatric events: Taking stimulants can activate undiagnosed underlying mental health illnesses like bipolar disorder or cause psychosis. It is important that you are screened for other mental health illnesses before starting Dexedrine or Adderall.

Potential Drug Interactions With Dexedrine & Adderall

Stimulants can interact with many other medications. It is important to understand how other medications can affect Dexedrine or Adderall or vice versa. Taking the time to go through your current list of medications with your prescriber can help to prevent drug interactions. Some drug interactions are mild, while others can be very dangerous. It is important to keep a list of all current medications you take and to alert your healthcare team if you begin taking anything new.

Disclaimer: Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Dexedrine and Adderall can change how these medications work in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Medications and substances that have harmful interactions with Dexedrine and Adderall include:

Costs & Insurance Coverage

Both Dexedrine and Adderall are available as generic medications and are relatively inexpensive. It is important to check with your insurance first, as one may be preferred over the other. If insurance does not cover your medication of choice, discounts may be available, such as Adderall coupons. Be sure to notify your prescriber if one medication will be preferred over the other. Compared to other ADHD medications, these two are more affordable.

Which Is Right for You: Dexedrine or Adderall?

The right medication for you depends on many factors. Finding the right healthcare provider is the first step. Be sure to consider all options, including online psychiatry services, if seeing a doctor in person isn’t feasible. A quality provider can help you consider the benefits and risks of each medication. Remember that it may take some trial and error to find the right ADHD treatment for you. Communicating effectively and consistently with your provider will help you achieve optimal treatment safely and efficiently.

How to Get a Prescription for Dexedrine & Adderall

Both Dexedrine and Adderall are controlled substances that require a prescription. It is important that you check with your pharmacy of choice about any additional state laws that apply to your prescription. Most states require a new 30-day prescription for each fill and will limit how frequently you can pick up the medication. This is important to remember so that you can plan accordingly. Missing a day or two of medication can interrupt successful treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Dexedrine & Adderall

Fully understanding the risks and benefits of taking Dexedrine or Adderall is an important part of safe and effective treatment. Take the time to ask questions and talk about potential outcomes before you begin taking either medication. A quality healthcare provider will take the time to answer all of your questions.

Questions to ask your prescriber about Dexedrine and Adderall include:

• Is it safe to take Dexedrine or Adderall with my other medications?
• Will Dexedrine or Adderall be covered by my insurance?
• Which one has the best results as a treatment for ADHD?
• Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either?
• How long can I expect side effects to last?
• How often should I see you for checkups while taking Dexedrine or Adderall?
• What should I do if I am unsure whether ADHD medications are right for me?
• Can I travel with Dexedrine or Adderall?
• I am worried about getting enough sleep, what can I do?
• Can I still drink alcohol while taking Adderall or Dexedrine?
• What should I do if I want to stop taking Adderall or Dexedrine?
• My pharmacy tells me there is a shortage, what should I do?