Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Kapvay vs. Dexedrine

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

Key takeaways

Clonidine ER (Kapvay) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) are both used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they belong to different medication classes and work differently in the body. Clonidine ER is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that can be used alone or with other ADHD medications, and it is not a stimulant. It works by reducing the activity of stress hormones, which can cause sleepiness. Dextroamphetamine, on the other hand, is a stimulant that raises levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the brain to improve focus and attention. Unlike clonidine ER, dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Clonidine ER is available in a generic form and is not controlled, while dextroamphetamine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms and has strict prescription requirements. Additionally, clonidine ER can cause sedation and low blood pressure, whereas dextroamphetamine can lead to trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate.

  • Clonidine er (Kapvay)
    Dextroamphetamine
  • Clonidine er (Kapvay)
    Dextroamphetamine

  • Summary of Kapvay vs. Dexedrine

    Summary for Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
    Prescription only

    Extended-release clonidine (Kapvay) is an alpha-2 agonist. It's a non-stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children. Clonidine ER (Kapvay) is taken by mouth, typically twice per day. Some of the more common side effects include sleepiness and headache. This medication rarely causes insomnia (trouble sleeping), and isn't known to cause weight gain. Brand name Kapvay has been discontinued; clonidine ER (Kapvay) is only available as a generic medication.

    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).

  • Indications of Kapvay vs. Dexedrine

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

  • Pros and Cons of Kapvay vs. Dexedrine

    Pros and Const for Alpha-2 adrenergic agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •A non-stimulant option for ADHD
    •Can be taken by children ages 6 years and older
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice option for ADHD
    •Need to take twice daily
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Kapvay vs. Dexedrine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 38%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Fatigue (up to 16%)
    •Upper stomach pain (up to 15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Fast heartbeat
    •Loss of appetite
    •Stomach upset
    •Dry mouth
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Tremors
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Kapvay vs. Dexedrine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm problems
    •Extreme sleepiness and dizziness
    •Allergic reaction
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Kapvay vs. Dexedrine

    Learn more about Clonidine er
    Learn more about Dextroamphetamine

Compare other ADHD drugs

Focalin vs KapvayKapvay vs AdderallKapvay vs DesoxynKapvay vs DexedrineRitalin vs KapvayVyvanse vs KapvayAzstarys vs VyvanseEvekeo vs FocalinEvekeo vs VyvanseFocalin vs AdderallFocalin vs ConcertaFocalin vs DesoxynFocalin vs DexedrineFocalin vs IntunivFocalin vs ProvigilFocalin vs RitalinFocalin vs StratteraFocalin vs VyvanseGuanfacine vs VyvanseNuvigil vs VyvanseQelbree vs VyvanseVyvanse vs AdderallVyvanse vs Adderall XrVyvanse vs ConcertaVyvanse vs DesoxynVyvanse vs DexedrineVyvanse vs IntunivVyvanse vs RitalinVyvanse vs StratteraXelstrym vs Vyvanse
View More

Browse medications

View All

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