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.
