Are you looking for drugs that are used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, then Desoxyn and Adderall are the drugs health experts prescribe. Both drugs affect different neurotransmitters but both have positive results for ADHD patients by increasing focus and reducing impulsivity in patients.
Desoxyn and Adderall both belong to the class of medication called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. Today, we will see Desoxyn vs Adderall to determine which drug is better, its uses, effectiveness, doses, and dangers.
What is Desoxyn?
Desoxyn is a central nervous system stimulant that is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The generic name of Desoxyn is methamphetamine hydrochloride(HCL). Desoxyn is also prescribed to lose obesity if other diets and medications have not shown improvement in weight loss. It increases neurotransmitter levels like dopamine and norepinephrine which help patients to feel good, improve concentration, increase focus, and improve impetuous behavior in patients ages 6 and older with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is effective in the short-term to treat obesity as it reduces appetite, leading to a sense of fullness in patients.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a well-known central nervous system stimulant that helps to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients. It contains racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine which increase norepinephrine, dopamine, and to some extent serotonin levels in the brain which helps in increasing attention and reducing impulsive behavior in patients ages 3 and older. In addition to ADHD, it is also used to treat narcolepsy.
Are Desoxyn and Adderall the same?
Desoxyn and Adderall increase levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin which improves ADHD patients’ concentration levels and decreases impetuous behavior. Both Desoxyn and Adderall are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This drug contains a significant risk of abuse, which can result in addiction and physical dependence with ease. As central nervous system stimulants, they have some common side effects like headaches, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, weight loss, itching, and insomnia.
Differences Between Desoxyn vs Adderall:
The key difference between Desoxyn and Adderall is that Desoxyn contains methamphetamine hydrochloride(HCL) whereas Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Next, we will compare both medicines based on various aspects given below:
Dosages:
Some strengths of Desoxyn are 5 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg. The 5 mg dose of Desoxyn is sufficient for 12 hours in a day after 12 hours you have to take the refill. 20 and 25 mg doses work for the entire day you do not need to take any refill for 24 hours.
Adderall is available in a wide range of dosages and is offered in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Immediate-release Adderall tablets are available at 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg and 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg of Extended-release Adderall tablets are available.
The wide range of dosages of Adderall makes more safer and more effective as it helps to determine the correct dosage of the drug for each patient.
Effectiveness:
Both Adderall and Desoxyn treat ADHD patients, but Desoxyn is not preferred for the treatment of ADHD patients. Desoxyn contains methamphetamine which long-term use can lead to pulmonary arterial hypertension, along with several other health complications.
After reviewing numerous meta-analyses, the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP) considers Adderall more effective in treating ADHC patients therefore it is most preferred.
Drug Interactions
Adderall and Desoxyn are not prescribed to patients who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as these antidepressants slow the metabolism of amphetamines on the release of norepinephrine and other monoamines from nerve endings.
Adderall interacts with 181 other drugs that is 37 of these interactions are major (involving 140 brand and generic names), 135 are moderate (involving 695 brand and generic names), and 9 are minor (involving 35 brand and generic names).
Whereas Desoxyn interacts with 212 drugs that is 44 of these interaction are major ( involving 204 brand and generic names), 162 are moderate (involving 774 brand and generic names) and 6 are minor drug interactions (involving 25 brand and generic names).
Side effects:
As both drug Desoxyn and Adderall treats ADHD patients, Using these drugs may also cause some side effects.
Side effects of Desoxyn:
An increased probability of mental and mood change including agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, and hallucinations and it might be serious. Symptoms of an allergic reaction or a severe skin reaction may include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in the face or throat. Muscle stiffness, spasms, and twitching may also occur as severe symptoms. Vision difficulties, including blurred vision or diplopia, can also be symptoms. Cardiovascular problems such as rapid, forceful, or irregular heartbeat or discomfort in the chest may manifest.
Side Effects of Adderall:
It may increase the probability of experiencing changes in mental or mood states, such as feelings of nervousness or the occurrence of uncontrollable movements or tics. The circulatory system may experience complications, leading to irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and fainting.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include :
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Loss of coordination
- Rapid heartbeat
- Severe nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle twitching
- High fever
It is uncommon, but there is a possibility of experiencing rare allergic reactions, including symptoms like a rash, itching, or swelling, particularly on the face, tongue, or throat. Additionally, dizziness and difficulty in breathing may also occur.
How should Desoxyn and Adderall be taken?
An initial dose of 5 mg Desoxyn once or twice daily is advised for the treatment of children aged 6 or older who have a behavioral syndrome marked by moderate to severe distractibility, impulsivity, emotional lability, short attention span, and hyperactivity.
Take Adderall exactly as prescribed. If the current medicine is not appropriate for you, the doctor may change the medicine to see its effectiveness. Generally, You can take two to three Adderall daily.
Conclusion:
Both Desoxyn and Adderall are central nervous system stimulants that are used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. However, Adderall is considered more effective as compared to Desoxyn for treating ADHD patients. Also, Adderall has a wider range of dosages available. While choosing the best drug to treat ADHD, you must consider there potential side effects and drug interactions.
You are abusing Adderall or Desoxyn if you use them without a prescription. If you take them more frequently, in larger dosages, or for longer than recommended. Substance misuse may swiftly result in addiction, which frequently causes relational troubles, financial difficulties, and health concerns.