Amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine are stimulant medications commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
However, when reviewing medication and ADHD treatment options, you might wonder what the difference is between the two. It’s important to understand the elements of a medication before taking it. That way, you have a good grip on its use cases, effects, and any potential risks.
One of the biggest risks with both medications is they have a high potential for addiction if they’re misused or abused. So, there’s a big need to be aware of that before taking them and to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
We’ll cover everything you need to know about the differences between amphetamine salts vs. dextroamphetamine to help you make informed medical decisions. That includes how to spot addiction and treatment options available. Keep reading for all the details.
Chemical Composition and Formulations
When going through stimulant medication comparisons, you might realize that amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine are often linked. Looking at their chemical compositions will explain why.
Chemical Composition of Amphetamine Salts
Common ADHD medications like Adderall contain amphetamine salts which are a mixture of different types of amphetamines.
The main ones in Adderall are dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine in a 3:1 ratio. Therefore, dextroamphetamine is a key component in the amphetamine salts in Adderall. It’s a big reason for its stimulating effects on the central nervous system (CNS) which helps regulate focus, energy, and impulse control.
Chemical Composition of Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine, also called by the brand name Dexedrine, is known as a dextro-isomer of amphetamine. In less scientific terms, it essentially means that dextroamphetamine has more powerful stimulating effects on the CNS than regular amphetamine.
These potent effects are why stimulants like Adderall containing dextroamphetamine are very effective. It can also be why they’re very addictive when misused and abused.
Adderall vs. Dexedrine
Knowing that Dexedrine is part of Adderall’s composition, you might wonder if they could be considered the same thing. The answer is no, they aren’t quite the same.
Adderall is a prescription medication that contains both the ingredients amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
On the other hand, Dexedrine is a different prescription medication that contains only dextroamphetamine.
Depending on patient needs, doctors may prescribe one or the other, and both medications can affect patients a little differently. Getting a diagnosis and consulting your doctor about options is best to understand which medication may be right for you.
Medical Uses
Both amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine contained in medications like Adderall are FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It’s important to remember that stimulant medications like Adderall should only be taken when they’re prescribed by a doctor after being diagnosed with one of these conditions.
Mechanism of Action
When you take amphetamine salts or dextroamphetamine, they have a similar effect on the mind and body.
Once they make their way to the stomach, they’ll get absorbed into the bloodstream and flow to the brain.
Then, in the brain, their CNS-stimulating properties will cause a release of neurotransmitters that regulate motor activity and mental functions.
The main neurotransmitters released during this process are norepinephrine and dopamine. These affect things like mental alertness, stress response, and ability to focus. These effects are why stimulants like amphetamine salts or dextroamphetamine can help someone with ADHD focus better, or someone with narcolepsy stay awake.
Efficacy and Duration of Action
As mentioned earlier, the effectiveness of medications containing amphetamine salts or dextroamphetamine can vary by individual. For example, someone may not respond well to Dexedrine on its own but may respond better to the combination of ingredients in Adderall which includes dextroamphetamine.
After being diagnosed with ADHD, it would be important to work closely with your doctor so they can prescribe the right medication, manage dosage and side effects, or switch you to a different medication if it isn’t helping.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Typically, after taking a medication with amphetamine salts like Adderall, the effects will last between 4-6 hours in immediate-release forms and 8-12 hours in extended-release forms.
On the other hand, Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) lasts for about 6-8 hours. Therefore, Dexedrine can provide a middle ground when compared to Adderall for specific treatment situations that require it.
Side Effects and Risks
Some of the most common side effects associated with dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts are:
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Increased heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Anxiety or panic
- Headache
- Stomachache
If these side effects don’t go away after a short time or become very uncomfortable, you should talk to your doctor about them as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to help you manage them, adjust the dosage, or get you on a different medication if needed.
Serious Side Effects
One of the most serious risks with these medications is the potential for abuse. The FDA classifies dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salt medications as a Schedule II controlled substance. That means they can legally be prescribed for medical uses, but they do have the potential for addiction.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid buying pills sold to you by someone else or not dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
When these medications are misused or abused, serious side effects become more likely, such as:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Hallucinations/delusions
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Dangerously high blood pressure
- Slowed breathing
- Loss of consciousness
If someone you know experiences these effects, it may be a sign of an overdose. You should contact 911 right away to get them immediate medical attention.
Considerations for Individuals in Recovery
When someone has experienced previous struggles with substance use disorder, it’s important to practice precaution before prescribing medications containing amphetamine salts or dextroamphetamine since they can be so addictive.
Generally, doctors will opt for alternative treatments for ADHD in those cases like behavioral therapy, mindfulness exercises, and lifestyle changes.
What To Do When Struggling with Addiction to Amphetamine Salts or Dextroamphetamine
When you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to amphetamine salts or dextroamphetamine medications, seeking help from a treatment center can be a great first step toward recovery.
A drug treatment center can provide a full diagnosis and comprehensive services like medical detox and residential care that’ll help get you back on the right track.
Conclusion
Amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine are effective medications for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. However, due to their potential for addiction or serious side effects when misused, it’s important to practice precaution when taking them and follow your doctor’s instructions closely.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we can help at Genesis House. Our treatment center provides medical detox and residential care for drug and alcohol addiction. We’ll be there for you each step of the way, from a confidential consultation to implementing a personalized plan for success.
References
- PubChem. “Dextroamphetamine Sulfate.” Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dextroamphetamine-Sulfate
- “Drug Approval Package: Adderall (Mixed Salts of a Single-Entity Amphetamine Product) FDA #011522/S30.” https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2002/11-522S030_Adderall.cfm
- Nazila Sharbaf Shoar, et al. “Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 26 Dec. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/
- “Short- and Long-Acting ADHD Meds: What’s the Difference?” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-short-long-acting-meds
- Nazila Sharbaf Shoar, et al. “Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 26 Dec. 2019, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/
