 | Adderall | Dexedrine |
|---|---|---|
| Type of drug | Psychostimulant | Psychostimulant |
| Used to treat | ADHD, narcolepsy | ADHD, Narcolepsy |
| Active Ingredient | mixed amphetamine salts - Dextroamphetamine and Levoamphetamine. 25% is the inactive L-enantiomer. | Dextroamphetamine Sulfate R-enantiomer of amphetamine. |
| Legal status | ℞ Prescription only; Schedule II (US) and Schedule I (CA) | Prescription only; Schedule II US, Schedule I Canada, Class B UK, Controlled S8 AU |
| Forms Available | Tablet (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 20, 30 mg) or extended-release capsule (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 36 mg) | Tablet or extended-release spansule |
| Off-label use | Depression, obesity, sleep cycle disorders | Depression, obesity, sleep cycle disorders |
| Addictive? | Yes | Yes |
| Routes | Oral, Insufflated, Intravenous | (Medical) Oral, (Recreational) Oral, Insufflated, Intravenous |
| Effect | Increases amount of dopamine and norepinephrine between synapses in the brain. | Increases amount of dopamine and norepinephrine between synapses in the brain |
| Manufacturer | Shire | Amedra |
| Dosage | Tablet taken 2-3 times daily, 4-6 hours apart - dosages vary. Extended release ("XR") capsules taken once daily - XR capsules available in 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg. | 10mg Dex = 7.5mg Adderall |
| Side effects | Weight loss, insomnia, headaches, irritability, increased muscle tension, anxiety, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, reduced efficacy over time. Slows physical growth in childhood. | Weight loss, insomnia, headaches, irritability, anxiety |
| Pregnancy cat. | C (US) | C (US) |
| Restrictions | Should not be taken during pregnancy or alongside MAOIs | Should not be taken during pregnancy or alongside MAOIs |
| Refillable? | No | No |
| Dependence liability | High | High |
| Generic Available? | Yes | Yes |
| Withdrawal symptoms | Extreme fatigue, insomnia, irritability and mental depression | Extreme fatigue, insomnia, irritability and mental depression |
| Trade names | Adderall, Adderall XR | Dexedrine |
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