Dextroamphetamine vs. Adderall: Are They the Same Thing?

When you’re living with ADHD, navigating the constantly shifting focus and impulsivity can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the proper tools and strategies. The good news is that there are effective measures of treatment and coping strategies that can help you to feel in control of your focus, emotions, and impulsivity so that you can lead a healthy, functional lifestyle. A common method of treatment for ADHD is the use of medications. While there are many options available including dextroamphetamine and Adderall, each medication has its own unique properties and influences that you will need to consider when choosing the right medication for you. The following article will help you develop the awareness and knowledge of ADHD medications so you can make an informed decision about the best route for you in your ADHD treatment. 

Click here to call Muse Addiction Treatment Center today. Our staff is available 24/7 to provide answers and begin the admissions process. Call (800) 426-1818.

Introduction to ADHD Medications

As you’re preparing to start taking ADHD medications as a form of treatment, there are a number of options to choose from. Each medication offers different treatments for specific symptoms that aim to provide stability to your symptoms while offering clarity in focus and thought processes. For anyone that has been living with ADHD, you have experienced how your ADHD has impacted your daily living and different aspects of your life from relationships, work, school, or personal cognitive or mental health functioning. By finding the right ADHD medication, you’ll find that your symptoms become stabilized and your overall functioning, health, and well-being improve. 

Unraveling the Basics: What are Dextroamphetamine and Adderall?

When you’re exploring the different options for ADHD medication, it is important to have a full understanding of the different ADHD medications and their compositions. Dextroamphetamine, also known as Dexedrine, is a central nervous system stimulant that targets the neurotransmitters in the brain and nerves that influence your hyperactivity and impulse control. Whereas, Adderall is an ADHD medication that is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine which are both stimulants that target neurotransmitters in your brain. Adderall helps to improve a  person’s focus, and concentration, and increase your ability to manage your impulse control. 

Both dextroamphetamine and Adderall are considered to be prescription drugs that fall under the category of stimulants. The use of stimulants has been proven to be an effective treatment method for symptoms of ADHD as they work to increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain which helps to foster concentration and focus while mitigating impulsive, risky behavior. 

Breaking Down the Differences

Before understanding the differences between dextroamphetamine and Adderall, it’s important to understand the similarities and how they both work to treat the symptoms of ADHD. Both Dextroamphetamine and Adderall are prescription stimulants that are designed to target and alleviate the various symptoms of ADHD.  These medications are the two most popular medications given to patients to treat ADHD. Often if one medication is not working for someone, the other medication will be offered as an alternative. When patients begin the use of dextroamphetamine and Adderall, doctors will often prescribe these medications at low doses and gradually increase the dose as patients begin to adjust to the medication and start to feel differences in their symptoms. Both medications are considered to be class 2 federally controlled substances. 

After understanding the similarities between Adderall and dextroamphetamine, it’s important to note the differences so you can make an informed decision on the best ADHD medication to choose for you. A key distinction between the two medications is the composition of each. Dextroamphetamine is designed with one main ingredient which is dextroamphetamine. Adderall is made with two ingredients dextroamphetamine and amphetamines. This makes Dexedrine a more potent option for ADHD medication as it has the one streamlined ingredient that targets ADHD symptom treatment, whereas the use of Adderall can result in a more complex physiological response. 

Dexedrine and Adderall differ in the types of formulations offered. Adderall can vary from immediate-release or extended-release tablets. The variance between the two can include the efficacy and side effects for individuals taking it. Dextroamphetamine is offered in a tablet, extended-release, or liquid formula which provides users with immediate effects and relief from symptoms associated with ADHD. 

Before beginning any form of ADHD medication treatment, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor to discuss the different options, and potential side effects, and explore the right medications for you and your lifestyle. 

Recognizing and Addressing Stimulant Abuse

While stimulant prescription drugs can have effective benefits for individuals with ADHD, there are potential risks for misuse or stimulant abuse. Both Adderall and Dextroamphetamine have an increased potential for someone to become physically and psychologically dependent on them. The stimulant effects can provide a euphoric feeling that can be tempting for someone who has a history of substance use, experiencing underlying contributing factors to addiction, or seeking an escape from day-to-day life. 

The risks associated with stimulant abuse can impact a person’s physical and mental health. Common side effects or adverse effects of stimulant abuse include elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, or in more severe cases of stimulant abuse, cardiovascular concerns or complications. If you have pre-existing mental health concerns and engage in stimulant abuse, there is an increased risk of your mental health symptoms becoming exacerbated and worsening. 

If you’re concerned about your use of stimulants or a loved one’s stimulant use, it is important to speak with healthcare professionals and addiction treatment programs that can offer comprehensive treatment methods for substance use disorders. Through an addiction treatment program, patients are offered alternative treatment methods for ADHD while addressing and healing from the underlying causes of addictive behavior. 

Click here to call Muse Addiction Treatment Center today. Our staff is available 24/7 to provide answers and begin the admissions process. Call (800) 426-1818.

Making an Informed Decision: Which is Right for You?

When you’re exploring the right medications for your ADHD treatment, there are many things to consider when determining the appropriate stimulant medication for you. There are specific factors that will need to be considered such as medical history, your individual needs, and personal lifestyle. 

As with any medication, there are potential side effects that can occur. Before making your decision on medications, you may want to consider the potential side effects, how long the medication will take to kick in, and how your body will personally react to the medication. Speaking with your healthcare provider about your specific factors and lifestyle is important in order for them to guide you in the appropriate direction for medications. 

Navigating ADHD Medications Safely

No matter which option you decide to take for ADHD medications, it is important that you maintain your safety in the highest regard. When you’re taking ADHD medication, it is important that you maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider to review how the medication is working, the effectiveness you are experiencing, any side effects that are present, and discuss adjusting dosages if needed. When taking prescription medications, you should never adjust the dosage of medication on your own and continue to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions as directed. 

To increase the efficacy of ADHD medications, it is recommended to continue with different behavioral interventions and therapy to learn how to manage the symptoms of ADHD with various coping strategies. Through a holistic treatment plan, you’ll learn how to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. 

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