Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Differences and Similarities

4 minute read

Many people living with ADHD or narcolepsy take stimulant medication to address symptoms associated with these conditions. If you are wondering about Dexedrine vs. Adderall, you’re not alone.

Two of the leading medicines prescribed are Dexedrine and Adderall. While they have many similarities, some important differences and dangers are associated with both if you misuse them.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a stimulant medication used to treat symptoms associated with narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall can increase your attention span, ability to focus, and energy levels. Because this drug is so effective, some people misuse it in an attempt to increase their productivity level. College-aged individuals, as well as people in fast-paced career fields, are particularly susceptible. Misuse can result in physical dependence and eventual addiction. It is a Schedule II drug with a high risk for abuse.

What Is Dexedrine?

Dexedrine (the brand name for dextroamphetamine) is a medicine that helps manage symptoms associated with narcolepsy and ADHD. Dextroamphetamine is one of the ingredients found in Adderall but is also commonly prescribed on its own to address impulse control and hyperactivity. Like Adderall, people can develop physical dependence and addiction if they misuse Dexedrine. This powerful stimulant is also considered a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency.

How Does This Type of Drug Work?

Although the mechanisms behind Adderall are not fully understood, it is generally thought to improve focus and attention by increasing neurotransmitter activity. These neurotransmitters include norepinephrine and dopamine, which regulate attention, concentration, and motivation.

Dexedrine is also a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that increases neurotransmitter activity. When this activity increases, users can control impulsive behaviors, maintain focus, and concentrate better.

Dexedrine vs. Adderall – Are They the Same?

No, Adderall and Dexedrine are not the same. Although they both work similarly, there are distinct differences between the two. First, Dexedrine only contains dextroamphetamine, while Adderall includes a mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. For this reason, Dexedrine is stronger than Adderall. Although it is stronger, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be more effective at treating narcolepsy or ADHD, as each case is unique and depends on your brain’s response to the medication. Doctors do not prescribe Dexedrine as often as Adderall to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Dexedrine vs. Adderall – What Are the Dangers?

Creator: Evan Gove
Published: 2024-10-17T16:20:21+00:00

Just as Adderall and Dexedrine have similar effects on your ability to focus and concentrate, the dangers of misuse are also comparable. Stimulant medications affecting the CNS create a heightened sense of well-being and alertness and increase motor activity. They speed up the messages between your body and brain but can also cause serious side effects when misused.

The dangers associated with Dexedrine misuse include:

Stroke
Increased heart rate and hypertension
Heart attack
A worsening in mental health symptoms
Manic or psychotic symptoms in adolescents
Blurry vision
Seizures

Like Dexedrine, Adderall is associated with dangerous side effects if you misuse it or take more than prescribed:

Hypertension
Heart attack or stroke
Circulation problems (Raynaud’s phenomenon)
New or worsened behavioral symptoms
Worsening mental health symptoms
Seizures
Changes in vision

Adderall can also cause cardiovascular damage due to the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. When you mix stimulants with alcohol (which is a CNS depressant), the consequences can be unpredictable but may include a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues, overdose, and increased aggression.

Stimulant Addiction Treatment at Footprints to Recovery

Professional treatment is available for those struggling with stimulant misuse and addiction. By entering treatment, you can receive professional assistance to overcome stimulant abuse in a safe, supportive environment.

Although everyone’s treatment plan is unique to meet their specific needs, stimulant treatment involves steps to address the physical, psychological, and holistic needs of each client to get to the root of addiction.

Medical detox – Medically supervised detox is usually the first step in stimulant addiction treatment. Medical professionals may administer medications and use a tapering schedule to ease withdrawal and safely decrease the amount of stimulants in your system.
Inpatient or outpatient treatment – After detox, you may attend inpatient treatment, where you reside in a treatment center to receive the support you need in early recovery. This support may include individual and group therapy, medication management, and other components to help you develop the necessary tools to maintain recovery. Some people attend treatment on an outpatient basis, depending on their required level of care and individualized treatment plan.
Aftercare – Once you complete addiction treatment, you still need to safeguard your recovery by participating in aftercare services, which can include continued therapy sessions, support group meetings, and positive coping mechanisms that support a healthy lifestyle free from substance.

Many people require specialized assistance to stop using Dexedrine and Adderall successfully. Here at Footprints to Recovery, we offer evidence-based programs to address stimulant addiction and restore your mental and physical well-being. You can recover from stimulant addiction and enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life. Contact us today to get started.