What Are the Key Differences of Dextroamphetamine vs Adderall?
When it comes to dextroamphetamine vs Adderall, both medications are stimulant drugs affecting the central nervous system and are primarily prescribed by doctors to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.
According to The Mayo Clinic, dextroamphetamine is a single form of amphetamine that works in the brain to increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters affect alertness, attention, energy, and impulse control levels. In the brains of individuals with ADHD or narcolepsy, the natural production of dopamine and norepinephrine is off balance or disrupted. For people with ADHD, this can look like executive dysfunction problems stemming from a lack of focus or impulse control. With narcolepsy, patients often report extremely excessive daytime sleepiness that makes completing daily tasks a challenge.
By balancing the levels of these brain chemicals, dextroamphetamine can improve symptoms of ADHD or narcolepsy but comes with a list of potential side effects, including:
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia or other sleep issues
- Anxiety
- Mood swings or irritability
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
Adderall, on the other hand, is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine believed by many researchers to have a more balanced effect on patients.
While both medications are effective stimulants used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, understanding the key differences between dextroamphetamine and Adderall can help patients make more informed decisions about their treatment options for dextroamphetamine addiction and avoid harmful reactions.
What Is the Brand Name of Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is most commonly recognized by the brand names Dexedrine and ProCentra. This medication comes in three different forms: liquid, tablet, and extended-release capsules, and is also known by additional brand names, including:
- Dextroamphetamine Sulfate
- Spansules
- DextroStat
- Liquadd
- Zenzedi
The right prescription will vary from person to person as individual factors such as lifestyle, weight, other medications, and more can alter the effects of each of these drugs. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical treatment from a qualified professional before taking one of these stimulants.
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Is Dextroamphetamine Stronger Than Adderall?
The question of which medication is “stronger” when comparing dextroamphetamine vs Adderall has a complex answer depending on a variety of factors. As mentioned earlier, dextroamphetamine is a pure form of amphetamine, leading many to believe in its superior potency over Adderall and Focalin. By directly targeting the brain’s neurotransmitter system, dextroamphetamine is known as a strong treatment option. However, it’s important to note that as the potency of the medication increases, so does the potential for unwanted side effects, particularly increased heart rate or blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety.
For some patients, the side effects of a more potent option can cause further disruptions to their quality of life and may not be worth it. To reduce the potential for unwanted related symptoms, combining the dextroamphetamine with amphetamine tampers those effects, making treatment more manageable for people who may be more sensitive to dextroamphetamine.
Additionally, individual responses to both dextroamphetamine and Adderall can vary widely, not only due to differing variables in body composition and overall health between patients but also because of the impact certain dosages have on the strength and duration of the medication’s effects.
Does Dextroamphetamine Give You Energy?
As a central nervous system stimulant, dextroamphetamine directly affects alertness and focus, which can provide a boost in both mood and personal power. However, this medicine does not simply fill up your lost stores of energy, rather boosts your brain’s ability to regulate itself better, as illustrated in a study performed on rats who were given the drug at regular intervals. That means that while individuals with ADHD or narcolepsy are likely to gain a pep in their step from their daily dose, not everyone will share the same experiences while taking this medication.
If you’re considering taking dextroamphetamine as a solution for chronic fatigue, especially caused by narcolepsy, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and risks with your doctor and consider alternative methods for increasing energy, like taking naps, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.
How Much Dexamphetamine Is in Adderall?
As mentioned, Adderall is made by combining dextroamphetamine with amphetamine, and understanding the ratio of these two stimulants together is crucial to determine how much dextroamphetamine is in Adderall.
The important number to remember here is 3:1. This means that for every three parts of dextroamphetamine, there’s one part of amphetamine. This highly specific ratio is carefully calculated to provide a balanced effect between both compounds. As a result, the exact amount of either in a specific pill will vary depending on the dose.
To illustrate this difference, let’s do some quick math but with cookies instead. Imagine a recipe that calls for three cups of flour per cup of sugar. That’s a ratio. Let’s say you wanted to triple the batch to make extra. To keep the recipe within the required ratio, you’d need nine cups of flour and three cups of sugar. If there’s any deviation, the cookies will taste different.
This is true for Adderall as well. Now, we know the ratio of dextroamphetamine to amphetamine in Adderall is 3:1. Say you have a 10mg pill. The first step is to count the total number of parts. In this case, 3 + 1 = 4 parts total. Now, we find the value of each part by dividing 10mg by 4 parts. This gives us 2.5mg per part. Finally, we multiply the value of each part by how many parts there are. For our example, 2.5mg times 3 is 7.5mg of dextroamphetamine per 10mg Adderall pill.
Let’s consider some other examples:
- 20mg Adderall: approximately 15mg of dextroamphetamine and 5mg of amphetamine.
- 30mg Adderall: approximately 22.5mg of dextroamphetamine and 7.5mg of amphetamine.
- 40mg Adderall: approximately 30mg of dextroamphetamine and 10mg of amphetamine.
These are approximate values, and the exact amounts may vary slightly between different brands depending upon the manufacturer’s individual makeup for that specific pill.
Get Help for Dextroamphetamine Dependence at Resurgence Behavioral Health
Dextroamphetamine and Adderall are both powerful, controlled substances. As such, improper use of these medications can lead to even more serious side effects such as heart attack, psychosis, or even death. For this reason, it is crucial to take this drug under the close supervision of a medical professional who can carefully assess an individual’s needs and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. While dextroamphetamine may be a more potent option for some, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and benefits before making any decisions about medication use.
According to the FDA, dextroamphetamine poses a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, know that treatment is available. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we’re helping people overcome Adderall addiction by providing a full continuum of treatment services, including medical detox, inpatient/outpatient, and aftercare in California. If you are concerned about abusing these medications or need addiction treatment, please call us at 855-458-0050 to begin your recovery journey.
Remember, knowledge is power. By understanding the nuanced reality of dextroamphetamine vs Adderall, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
