From the Guidelines
Dexedrine and Adderall are both effective stimulant medications for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, but the choice between them should be based on individual response, side effect profile, and specific symptom presentation, with Adderall being a more commonly recommended option due to its broader effect on symptoms 1.
Key Differences
- Dexedrine contains only dextroamphetamine, while Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine (75% dextroamphetamine salts and 25% levoamphetamine salts) 1.
- Adderall typically has a broader effect on symptoms due to its mixed amphetamine composition, which may provide better symptom control for some patients.
- Dexedrine, being pure dextroamphetamine, may cause fewer physical side effects like increased blood pressure and heart rate for some individuals.
Dosing and Administration
- Dosing for both medications varies by individual needs, with Adderall typically starting at 5-10mg once or twice daily and Dexedrine at 5mg once or twice daily, with gradual increases as needed 1.
- Both medications last 4-6 hours in immediate-release form and 8-12 hours in extended-release formulations.
Treatment Guidelines
- According to recent guidelines, the first-line pharmacological treatment for ADHD may vary by region, but Adderall is often considered a viable option due to its efficacy and safety profile 1.
- The choice between Dexedrine and Adderall should be based on individual response, side effect profile, and specific symptom presentation, as determined through consultation with a healthcare provider.
Important Considerations
- It is essential to monitor patients closely for side effects, such as insomnia, anorexia, headaches, social withdrawal, tics, and weight loss, and to adjust the dose or switch medications as needed 1.
- Regular follow-up appointments should be made to assess the effectiveness of the medication and to address any concerns or side effects.
From the Research
Comparison of Dexedrine and Adderall
- Dexedrine, also known as dextroamphetamine, and Adderall, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, are both stimulant medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 2.
- The safety profiles of these medications have been studied, with results showing that amphetamine, the active ingredient in Adderall, is associated with psychosis and psychotic disorders, hostility/aggression, and other ischemic heart disease 3.
- In contrast, dextroamphetamine, the active ingredient in Dexedrine, has been linked to fewer adverse events, although it is still important to monitor for potential safety concerns 3.
- A study comparing the cardiovascular safety of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate in older adults found no difference in the incidence of major cardiovascular events between the two groups 4.
- The clinical pharmacokinetics of amphetamines, including Dexedrine and Adderall, have been reviewed, with results showing that these medications are rapidly absorbed and extensively metabolized, with dose-proportional pharmacokinetics 5.
- Misuse of stimulants, including Dexedrine and Adderall, has been associated with serious consequences, including psychosis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and sudden death 6.
Key Differences
- The active ingredients in Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) and Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) may affect the safety profiles and potential adverse events associated with each medication 3.
- The age and health status of the individual taking the medication may also impact the safety and efficacy of Dexedrine and Adderall 4, 6.
- The pharmacokinetics of Dexedrine and Adderall, including absorption, metabolism, and elimination, may vary between individuals and affect the medication's efficacy and safety 5.