Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR

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

Key takeaways

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine Spansule, ProCentra, Zenzedi) and Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts extended release) are both stimulant medications used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They also share the off-label use of treating narcolepsy. However, they differ in several ways. Dextroamphetamine is a single-ingredient medication available in immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and a liquid solution, while Adderall XR is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts available only in extended-release capsules. Dextroamphetamine can be used in children as young as 3 years old, whereas Adderall XR is typically used for children 6 years and older. Both medications have a risk of misuse and dependency, but Adderall XR is often considered a first-choice medication for ADHD. Common side effects for both include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite, headaches, and nervousness. Both medications can interact with other drugs, especially those affecting serotonin levels, and should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

  • Dextroamphetamine
    Adderall xr
  • Dextroamphetamine
    Adderall xr

  • Summary of Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Dextroamphetamine is used for the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It can also be used to treat uncontrollable daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy). Some side effects of the medication include difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and loss of appetite (that might lead to possible weight loss).

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall XR is the extended-release version of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salt combo. It's a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It comes as a capsule that you take once a day in the morning. The prescriber can adjust the dosage depending on how well it helps you focus and if you have side effects that bother you. These side effects can include low appetite, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping. It's a controlled substance because of its high risk of misuse and dependency. Adderall XR is available as a brand-name medication and a generic.

  • Indications of Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR

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

  • Pros and Cons of Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules
    •Available as a liquid solution if you have difficulty swallowing pills
    •Tablets and solution are okay to use in children as young as 3 years old
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Can cause trouble sleeping if taken late in the day
    •Not the best option if you have heart problems
    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ADHD
    •Only taken once a day
    •Starts working within 45 minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop the medication too suddenly
    •Not the best choice for people with heart conditions

  • Common Side Effects of Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR

    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heartbeat
    •Loss of appetite
    •Stomach upset
    •Dry mouth
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Tremors
    •Trouble sleeping
    Common Side Effects for

    Children:

    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Stomach pain

    Adults:

    •Dry mouth
    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Feeling nervous
    •Weight loss

  • Warnings of Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR

    Common Side Effects for
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Serious heart-related problems
    •Aggressive behavior and psychosis
    •Slowed growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risks to people with serious heart conditions
    •Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
    •Strange thoughts or behaviors
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR

    Learn more about Dextroamphetamine
    Learn more about Adderall xr

Compare other ADHD drugs

Dextroamphetamine Er vs Adderall XrAdderall vs ConcertaAdderall vs StratteraAdderall vs XanaxAdderall Xr vs AdderallArmodafinil vs AdderallAtivan vs AdderallAzstarys vs AdderallConcerta vs Adderall XrDaytrana vs AdderallDesoxyn vs AdderallDexedrine vs AdderallDextroamphetamine vs AdderallDyanavel Xr vs Adderall XrEvekeo vs AdderallFocalin vs AdderallFocalin Xr vs Adderall XrGuanfacine vs AdderallIntuniv vs AdderallKapvay vs AdderallLexapro vs AdderallModafinil vs AdderallMydayis vs AdderallNamenda vs AdderallPhentermine vs AdderallProzac vs AdderallQelbree vs AdderallRitalin vs AdderallStrattera vs Adderall XrVyvanse vs Adderall Xr
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.