Both Dexedrine and Adderall are prescription stimulant medications commonly prescribed to children and adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While both medications have similar stimulant effects, they have slightly different formulations. Overall, Dexedrine is considered a slightly more potent medication than Adderall, though both can have similar effects on energy, mood, and concentration. [1][2]
- Dexedrine and Adderall are prescription stimulant medications commonly prescribed in the treatment of ADHD
- Dexedrine and Adderall have slightly different formulations, but have similar effects, side effects, and durations of action
- It can take some trial-and-error to find a medication that works for you, and working closely with a psychiatrist or prescriber is often necessary to find a long-term solution to manage symptoms
Overview of Dexedrine and Adderall
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition that affects a large percentage of the U.S. population. Symptoms include inattentiveness, trouble completing tasks and staying organized, restlessness, and impulsivity. [3] There are a number of prescription drugs that can treat ADHD, including stimulant and non-stimulant options.
Both Dexedrine and Adderall are prescription stimulants that are FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in children, teens, and adults. Dexedrine is an older medication that uses a more pure formulation of d-amphetamine salts, while Adderall contains a combination of four different amphetamine salts. While both are effective in the treatment of ADHD, Adderall is more commonly prescribed and may be easier to find than Dexedrine. [1][2][4]
Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Key differences
The main difference between Dexedrine and Adderall is in their formulation. Dexedrine contains pure d-amphetamine salts, while Adderall contains a combination of four different amphetamine salts. When Adderall was first brought to market, it was argued that the combined formula would result in effects that were more balanced and longer-lasting, although these claims have not been supported by research. [4][5]
Dexedrine is an older drug, which was first developed in the 1930’s and marketed as a treatment for narcolepsy. Today, it is also FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD. Both Adderall and Dexedrine are FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Dexedrine’s formulation is believed to make it slightly more potent than Adderall, but the specific effects of the medication are similar. [4][5]
Both medications come in either an instant release or extended release formulation, and have similar effect windows of 4-6 hours for immediate release or 8-12 hours for extended release versions. Overall, there are no significant differences in the effects, half-life, or efficacy of Dexedrine and Adderall, despite their chemical differences. Still, Dexedrine is less widely prescribed than Adderall and may be harder for some individuals to access. [1][2][4]Â
Comparing effectiveness for ADHD
There are no major comparative studies of the efficacy of Adderall vs. Dexedrine, but both have been independently proven to be effective for the treatment of ADHD symptoms. Both medications work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex, which leads to increased energy, alertness, and motivation. [5]Â
Studies show that stimulants like Dexedrine and Adderall are more effective at reducing symptoms of ADHD than non-stimulant options like Strattera. Still, some individuals prefer non-stimulant ADHD medications because of associated side effects like anxiety, agitation, insomnia, and appetite disturbance. [6]
Side effects comparison
The side effect profile of Dexedrine and Adderall is nearly identical and mirrors that of other stimulant medications. While some users anecdotally report slight differences in the effects of these two medications, these claims have not been reported in studies. [1][2]Â
Here are some common side effects of stimulants like Dexedrine or Adderall: [1][2]
- Feeling jittery, restless, or nervous
- Agitation or increased irritability
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia or sleep difficulties
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal
Less commonly, severe side effects are reported by individuals taking prescription stimulants. These are more likely to occur in some populations, including people with pre-existing health and mental health conditions like heart disease, bipolar, or psychotic disorders. [1][2]Â
Here are some of the potential serious adverse effects of Dexedrine or Adderall: [1][2]
- Extreme irritability or aggression
- Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions
- Increased suicidality
- Seizures
- Slowed or stunted growth in children
- Heart attack or stroke
Addiction and abuse potential
Dexedrine and Adderall are both Schedule II controlled medications, meaning that they are classified as having a high potential for abuse and addiction. Because both medications work on dopamine pathways, regular or frequent use can result in the development of psychological or physical dependence. [7]Â
This may include symptoms like urges and cravings to use, uncontrolled use, development of tolerance, and psychological or physical symptoms of withdrawal when trying to cut back or stop the medication. When people take too much of a prescription stimulant, it is possible to overdose. [3]Â
Addiction to prescription stimulants can sometimes be prevented by taking these steps:
- Taking the medication only as prescribed, and not taking the medication in higher doses or more often than prescribed.
- Taking periodic tolerance breaks or days off from the drug (i.e., only taking on work or school days) to avoid developing a tolerance or dependence.
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of addiction and drug dependence, including prescription medication misuse, cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal.
- Considering non-stimulant ADHD alternatives or behavioral therapies if you feel you are developing an unhealthy dependence on stimulants.
Which medication is stronger?
Dexedrine is believed to be slightly stronger than Adderall, due to its formulation of pure dextroamphetamine. [4] However, these reports are not fully substantiated by the research or reports from individual users, who often describe similar effects and efficacy. The strength and potency of both medications also depend on the dosage and type of medication prescribed.Â
Higher doses and instant release formulations will produce stronger and faster effects, while extended release formulations will have a more gradual onset and longer effect window. Both Dexedrine and Adderall are prescribed in both instant and extended-release versions.Â
Most people are prescribed about 20 mg of Adderall, although doses of 10 mg to 30 mg are available. For Dexedrine, 10 mg-15 mg is a standard dose, but normal doses range between 5 mg and 30 mg. Some prescribers will suggest a lower starting dose for prescription stimulants in order to monitor how well the individual tolerates the medication and prevent serious adverse side effects. [1][2]
Other ADHD treatment alternatives
There are a number of effective treatments for ADHD, and most involve a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medication options. Stimulant ADHD medications like Dexedrine, Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin are often highly effective in reducing symptoms, but may cause unpleasant and unwanted side effects. [6]Â
For this reason, some people prefer non-stimulant ADHD medication options like Strattera, Clonidine, or certain antidepressants used off-label for ADHD. [6] In addition to medications, there are also behavioral therapies that may help people with ADHD learn how to manage their symptoms and reduce the level of impairment in their daily life and functioning. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help people learn to modify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns that contribute to their symptoms.
Choosing the right medication for you
Everyone responds a little differently to medications, and it sometimes takes a little trial and error to find the right medication option for you. If you are looking for medication options to treat symptoms of ADHD, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or other prescriber to discuss your options.Â
In this appointment, be sure to provide honest information about your symptoms and situation, including any other medications or substances you are using. This will help your provider make individually tailored recommendations for your treatment. Also, make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the efficacy of the medication and discuss any concerns or side effects.Â
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