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Compare Desoxyn vs. Adderall

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Desoxyn (methamphetamine) and Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) are both stimulant medications. They’re both approved to treat ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder) and Adderall is also approved to treat extreme sleepiness from narcolepsy. Desoxyn is not commonly prescribed, as other medications for ADHD are more preferred (including Adderall). Both medications are controlled substances, which means they can both lead to dependence and misuse.

Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
Adderall
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
Adderall

Summary of Desoxyn vs. Adderall

Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only

Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a stimulant medication. It's FDA-approved to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but it's not commonly prescribed because other options are preferred. Some side effects of methamphetamine (Desoxyn) include restlessness, high blood pressure, and low appetite. Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is a controlled substance with a risk of addiction and dependence.

Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only

Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

Indications of Desoxyn vs. Adderall

Indications for
•Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people ages 6 years and older
Indications for
•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
•Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons of Desoxyn vs. Adderall

Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros
•Possible option for ADHD when other medications haven't worked
•Taken by mouth
•Available as a generic medication
Cons
•Only available as a tablet
•Might need to take twice daily
•Not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros
•First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
•Starts working within an hour after taking
•Available as a lower-cost generic
•Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
Cons
•Has a risk of misuse and dependency
•A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
•Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
•Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

Common Side Effects of Desoxyn vs. Adderall

Common Side Effects for
•High blood pressure
•Fast heartbeat
•Tremors
•Trouble sleeping
•Dizziness
•Diarrhea or constipation
•Low appetite
•Dry mouth
•Weight loss
Common Side Effects for
•Upset stomach
•Lower appetite
•Weight loss
•Nervousness
•Changes in mood
•Trouble sleeping

Warnings of Desoxyn vs. Adderall

Common Side Effects for
•Addiction, misuse, and dependence
•Serious heart problems
•Changes in behavior or thoughts
•Seizures
•Blood circulation problem (Raynaud's phenomenon)
•Slowed growth in children
•Serotonin syndrome
•Worsening of motor and verbal tics
Common Side Effects for
•Misuse and addiction
•Dependence and withdrawal
•Serious heart problems
•Aggressive behavior and psychosis
•Slowed growth in children
•Seizures
•Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
•Serotonin syndrome
•Drug interactions

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