Dexedrine vs Adderall: is one better for ADHD?

Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) and Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) are both commonly prescribed medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because they both contain forms of amphetamine, they have similarities. So, you may be wondering what the difference between Dexedrine vs Adderall is and if one is better or not.

In this article, we compare Dexedrine and Adderall and tell you what need to know to decide with your provider which may be right for you, if either. 

If ADHD affects your daily life, you may benefit from medications like Dexedrine or Adderall. Find an ADHD provider on Klarity Health today to get an ADHD diagnosis and, if recommended, a prescription for medication in 24 hours or less. 

Dexedrine vs Adderall for ADHD

Adderall and Dexedrine are central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications that help with better focus and overall alertness, as well as a general feeling of well-being. Since it’s hard to focus with ADHD, these medications can be a game-changer for those with the disorder.

While these ADHD medications come from the same drug class, their active ingredients differ. 

• Dexedrine’s active ingredient is dextroamphetamine sulfate. 
• Adderall is a 3:1 mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. 

Their different active ingredients act differently in the body.

Dexedrine only affects the CNS. It helps increase the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters in the brain. Adderall, which targets both the CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS), inhibits dopamine reuptake, making this neurotransmitter more available. Dopamine affects motivation, and norepinephrine affects attention.

While Dexedrine is considered the stronger of the 2 medications, Adderall is often more effective at targeting ADHD symptoms. Dexedrine may be an alternative to Adderall for those who are resistant or don’t tolerate it well. 

Dexedrine vs Adderall at-a-glance

*Prices are according to drugs.com with its discount card at the time of publication

What conditions does Dexedrine treat vs Adderall?

Both Adderall and Dexedrine are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to help with ADHD symptoms and treat narcolepsy. Dexedrine can also used off-label for depression and obesity. Adderall’s off-label uses include depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

Available forms and dosages of Dexedrine vs Adderall

Dexedrine and Adderall are both oral medications available in multiple forms. 

Dexedrine is available in 3 forms:

• Extended-release capsules available as brand-name Dexedrine and generic dextroamphetamine in 5-, 10-, and 15-milligram doses
• Immediate-release tablets available as generic dextroamphetamine in 7 strengths, ranging from 2.5 to 30 milligrams
• A liquid suspension available as generic dextroamphetamine that comes in a 5 milligram/5 milliliter dose

Adderall is available in:

• Extended-release capsules (Adderall XR) in generic and brand-name forms in 9 strengths, ranging from 5 to 50 milligrams
• Immediate-release tablets in generic and brand-name forms in 7 strengths — 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, and 30 milligrams.

Note that, at the time of publication, there’s an Adderall shortage. Some generic dosages from certain manufacturers are unavailable or have limited availability.

Dexedrine vs Adderall: which is more affordable?

Without insurance, you can expect to pay more than $1,100 per month for either Dexedrine or Adderall. This is according to drugs.com and with its discount card applied.  

A 1-month supply of brand-name Dexedrine retails for about $2,231. Generic dextroamphetamine costs less. Depending on the dose, you can get generic extended-release capsules for up to $325 per month or immediate-release tablets for up to $191 per month. A 1-month supply of the liquid suspension costs about $644. 

Brand-name Adderall costs around $1,138 for a 1-month supply. Generic immediate-release tablets retail for $24 to $62 per month, depending on the dose you take and the pharmacy you find Adderall at. The cost for 1 month of generic extended-release capsules ranges from $52 to $1,004.

How do side effects and warnings compare for Dexedrine vs Adderall?

Side effects have been reported with both Dexedrine and Adderall use, though they differ between the 2 medications. 

Common side effects of Dexedrine vs Adderall

Both Dexedrine and Adderall can cause a fast heartbeat, low appetite, trouble sleeping, dizziness, weight loss, headaches, and dry mouth.

Common side effects specific to Dexedrine include tremors and stomach upset. 

Those specific to Adderall include anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, agitation, weakness, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Serious side effects of Dexedrine vs Adderall

Serious side effects that Dexedrine and Adderall have in common are seizures, circulation problems, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, and serotonin syndrome. These are addressed more specifically in each medication’s warnings for use.

Dexedrine and Adderall’s warnings for use

As CNS stimulants, Dexedine and Adderall have the same warnings for use. It’s important to share your health history with your healthcare provider before starting either medication to avoid adverse reactions.

Potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction

As Schedule II controlled substances, both Adderall and Dexedrine have a high potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction. Share your medical history with your healthcare provider and take your stimulant medication as prescribed. If you need to stop taking it, contact your provider. They’ll help you stop safely to avoid or reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Risks to patients with cardiac disease

You shouldn’t take CNS stimulants, like Dexedrine or Adderall, if you have a serious cardiac disease or other heart problems, such as structural abnormalities or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). These drugs can increase blood pressure and heart rate and have been associated with sudden death in patients with serious heart issues. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a family or personal history of heart problems. 

Risk for psychiatric adverse reactions

CNS stimulants, including Dexedrine and Adderall, can cause new or worsening psychiatric problems, such as tics or Tourette’s syndrome, psychosis, and mania in bipolar disorder. It’s important to tell your provider if you have a personal or family history of psychiatric or mental health problems before taking stimulant medications and to monitor your symptoms throughout treatment.

Serotonin syndrome

CNS stimulants calm ADHD symptoms, but because they affect chemicals in the brain, they can cause serotonin syndrome when taken with other serotonin-increasing drugs. These include monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants, among others. 

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include changes in mental status, autonomic instability (including fast heart rate, dizziness, and high body temperature), neuromuscular symptoms (including tremor, rigidity, and incoordination), and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you take a CNS stimulant, such as Adderall or Dexedrine, and experience these symptoms, get medical help immediately and follow up with your provider to discuss medication and/or dosage changes.

Dexedrine vs Adderall: which ADHD medication is right for you?

Dexedrine and Adderall are both effective treatments for ADHD, but their chemical compounds differ. Dexedrine contains a single active ingredient and is more effective for some people, while others benefit from Adderall’s combination of ingredients. 

Both ADHD medications are CNS stimulants and Schedule II controlled substances. They have similar side effects and both warn of a potential for substance abuse and dependence. They aren’t recommended for people with serious heart diseases or certain mental health problems.

Talk to your doctor about ADHD meds, like Dexedrine or Adderall, and whether they’re right to treat your symptoms. Share your health history and current medications, and be open to stimulant vs nonstimulant options that may work better for you.

Find the right medication for you with help from Klarity

If you need a prescription for ADHD medication, such as Dexedrine vs Adderall, it’s time to see a licensed healthcare provider. Find a provider on Klarity Health today and have an appointment in 24 hours or less. 

FAQs about Dexedrine vs Adderall

What type of ADHD are Dexedrine and Adderall best for treating?

Dexedrine and Adderall treat all 3 recognized types of ADHD — hyperactive, inattentive, and combined. If you subscribe to Dr. Daniel Amen’s 7 types of ADHD, stimulant medications, like Dexedrine and Adderall, are recommended for the classic and inattentive types.

Can Dexedrine and Adderall make you gain weight?

CNS stimulants, like Dexedrine and Adderall, are typically associated with weight loss. They make you less hungry and speed up your metabolism, causing your body to burn calories faster. But, you may experience a rebound in weight, and even gain more weight, once you stop taking Dexedrine or Adderall. It’s also possible to gain weight while taking these medications if you overeat when the daily effects wear off. To prevent this, maintain a healthy diet and try to eat small meals regularly.

Will Dexedrine and Adderall give you energy?

Yes, Dexedrine and Adderall can give you energy. Not only do they rev up your metabolism, they stimulate your central nervous system to increase your attention span, reduce hyperactivity, control impulsive behavior, and manage executive dysfunction. Relieving ADHD symptoms can give you more energy because it doesn’t take as much effort to manage your symptoms as it did before.

What other medications can be used to treat ADHD symptoms in adults?

Other stimulant medications for ADHD include active ingredients methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Metadate) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). 

Read more about Ritalin vs Adderall, Concerta vs Adderall, Focalin vs Adderall, and Vyvanse vs Adderall. 

Non-stimulant ADHD medications include Strattera (atomoxetine), Kapvay (clonidine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Qelbree (viloxazine).

Read more about Strattera vs Adderall.

Sources

Cohen Children’s Medical Center (Northwest Health), ADHD Medication Guide, https://www.adhdmedicationguide.com/pdf/adhd_med_guide_050724.pdf

DailyMed, Label: Adderall- dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate tablet, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f22635fe-821d-4cde-aa12-419f8b53db81

DailyMed, Label: Dexedrine Spansule- dextroamphetamine sulfate capsule, extended release, https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=cc717b9b-22ea-4c60-a1d4-ee38a40bce78

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Pediatric Obesity, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications and BMI trajectories: The role of medication type, sex, and age, Matthew J. Gurka, et al., Oct. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8276278/

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Dr. Amen’s 7 Types of ADHD, Eve Kessler, Esq., https://www.smartkidswithld.org/getting-help/adhd/7-types-adhd/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA Drug Shortages List, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity are independent practitioners with full medical authority. No diagnosis result or treatment option is guaranteed for the services rendered through the Klarity platform.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

How we reviewed this article: This article goes through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author.