Main Difference
The main difference between Dextroamphetamine and Adderall is that Dextroamphetamine is the generic name of the drug, while Adderall is the brand name of a drug containing both dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.
Dextroamphetamine vs. Adderall
Dextroamphetamine is a single drug, while Adderall is a combination of two drugs. Dextroamphetamine is the generic name of the member of amphetamine while Adderall is the brand name of the amphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is dextroamphetamine; on the other hand, Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine immediate-release tablets are available in different strengths (2.5 ,5 , 7.5, 10 mg, 15, 20, and 30)in mg while Adderall immediate-release tablets are available in different strength (5, 7.5 , 10, 12.5 , 15 , 20 , and 30) in mg. Dextroamphetamine extended-release capsules are available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg strength; on the other hand, Adderall extended-release dosage form is available in the same strength as its immediate release dosage form strength. Dextroamphetamine oral solution is available as 5 mg/5 mL while Adderall is not available in oral solution form.
Comparison Chart
What is Dextroamphetamine
Dextroamphetamine is the dextrorotatory synthetic amphetamines. It is potent CNS stimulator and sympathomimetic. Dextroamphetamine is more potent CNS stimulant than the Levoamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine has many mechanisms of actions like it blocks the uptake of adrenaline and dopamine, stimulates the release of monoamines, and inhibits monoamine oxidase. Dextroamphetamine is used to treat narcolepsy, attention deficit disorders, and hyperactivity in children. Dextroamphetamine is also used in cognitive enhancement and in athletic performance. Dextroamphetamine also finds its use as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant Dextroamphetamine is a psychotomimetic so it is also a drug of abuse. Dextroamphetamine exhibits the phenomena of dependence and addiction when it is used for a long period. Dextroamphetamine is available in dosage form, pharmaceutically as Dextroamphetamine sulfate. Dextroamphetamine can also be prescribed as the inactive prodrug (Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) which after absorption converts into the Dextroamphetamine
Example
The most famous brand containing Dextroamphetamine is Dexedrine.
What is Adderall
Adderall is a combination of salts of amphetamines. Among the amphetamine salts, Adderall has 25% levoamphetamine salts and 75% dextroamphetamine salts. Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorders. Adderall is also used to enhance cognitive functions and physical performance. Adderall is highly abused as a recreational drug. Adderall shows its pharmacological actions by enhancing the activity of the norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It is available as immediate release and extended-release tablets. Immediate-release Adderall contains a 3:1 mixture of immediate release d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine. Extended-release Adderall contains an equal amount of immediate-release and delayed-release d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine. Adderall shows the phenomena of tolerance. Overdose of Adderall leads to poisoning of the drug, which involves the convulsions and comma. High doses also lead to abnormal functioning of the cardiovascular and central nervous system.
Example
Adderall itself is an example of the brand of amphetamines.
Key Differences
- Dextroamphetamine is dextroamphetamine, whereas Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine.
- Dextroamphetamine is a generic term while Adderall is a brand name.
- Dextroamphetamine immediate-release tablets and solution are available while Adderall immediate-release tablets are available.
Conclusion
The conclusion of the above discussion is that both Dextroamphetamine and Adderall are Amphetamines used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorders and the basic difference is one is generic and other is a brand name of amphetamines.
