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Compare Nameda vs. Adderall

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

Key takeaways

Memantine (Namenda) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both prescription medications, but they are used to treat different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Memantine is an NMDA antagonist used to treat moderate-to-severe dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. It works by slowing down certain chemical activities in the brain to prevent nerve damage. Adderall, on the other hand, is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It raises the levels of chemicals like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in your brain to help improve attention and focus. Memantine is not a controlled substance, while Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high risk for misuse and addiction. Memantine is typically taken once or twice daily, whereas Adderall can be taken once or multiple times per day depending on the form. Common side effects of memantine include dizziness and headaches, while Adderall can cause trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

  • Memantine (Nameda)
    Adderall
  • Memantine (Nameda)
    Adderall

  • Summary of Nameda vs. Adderall

    Summary for NMDA antagonist
    Prescription only

    Memantine (Nameda) is an NMDA antagonist used to treat moderate-to-severe dementia linked to Alzheimer's disease. It works by slowing down certain chemical activities in the brain to prevent nerve damage. Memantine (Nameda) is taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on if you're taking the extended-release capsules, or the regular-release tablet or oral solution. Some side effects of memantine (Nameda) include dizziness, headaches, and confusion.

    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 Nameda vs. Adderall

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe dementia related to Alzheimer's disease (AD)
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Nameda vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for NMDA antagonist
    Pros
    •Available as a once-daily capsule
    •Available as a liquid for people who've a hard time swallowing tablets
    •Extended-release capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
    Cons
    •Can take a few weeks to kick in
    •Doesn't cure Alzheimer's disease
    •Doesn't work as well in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease
    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 Nameda vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablet and oral solution:

    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Headache (6%)
    •Confusion (6%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Constipation (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upset stomach
    •Lower appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Nervousness
    •Changes in mood
    •Trouble sleeping

  • Warnings of Nameda vs. Adderall

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of side effects
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Nameda vs. Adderall

    Learn more about Memantine
    Learn more about Adderall

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