Nowadays neuro-developmental disorders Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy are often found in children and adults. In these conditions, taking medicine is required to avoid this uncomfortable feeling. Due to poor performance of the brain, people may suffer from this disorder. The use of drugs more essential for people to manage the symptoms. There are two common medications namely Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine that help in managing the symptoms of both Narcolepsy and ADHD. But, in some cases, they have differences. So, we will discuss an Amphetamine vs Dextroamphetamine comparison that will help an individual choose the best one according to their health conditions.
What is Amphetamine:
The generic drug Amphetamine is used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy disorders. This prescription drug belongs to the CNS stimulant drug class. It is categorized under the Schedule II Controlled Substance Act. Furthermore, the medicine is FDA-approved to manage ADHD and narcolepsy symptoms.
Moreover, it is sold under multiple brand names such as Adzenys ER, Dyanavel XR, Eveko, Evekeo ODT, etc. There are a few similar drugs such as Adderall, Concerta, Vyvanse, Ritalin, etc used to treat ADHD in people. All the drugs similarly work like Amphetamine.
What is Dextroamphetamine?
It is a generic drug that is sold under various brand names like Xelstrym, Procentra, Zenzedi, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Liquadd, etc. The medicine is a CNS stimulant drug that falls under the Schedule II Controlled Substance Act.
For treating ADHD and Narcolepsy, people use this FDA-approved Dextroamphetamine tablet.
The drug comes in extended-release capsules, oral tablets, oral solutions, and transdermal film forms.
Function: Amphetamine vs Dextroamphetamine
It works in the brain’s neurotransmitters and increases dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels. Through this, the medicine supports an individual to stay focused and attentive. However, it starts to work in 30 to 60 minutes and stays active in the body for up to 24 hours.
Doctors prescribe it to those who are above 6 years old. However, the drug comes in four dosage forms, oral tablets, oral solution, extended-release tablets, and disintegrating tablets.
Dextroamphetamine works in the central nervous system of the brain and enhances the dopamine level. As a result, it helps to stabilize the ADHD conditions and improve the power of focus. This drug stays active in the body for 48 hours.
Efficacy of Dextroamphetamine:
It refers to treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy conditions. Let’s discuss it briefly-
- It is widely used and effective to manage ADHD symptoms in both adults and children. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are the symptoms included.
- This medicine can increase the ability of attention, focus, and behavior in people with ADHD. Many health experts considered this drug as a first-line treatment for ADHD.
- It also manages narcolepsy symptoms. This drug improves the ability to wake up and decreases excessive daytime sleeplessness and frequency of paralysis.
- The efficacy of Dextroamphetamine varies from person to person. Also, it may not be suitable for every people. So, healthcare expert recommends to patients after knowing their medical history, and response to treatments.
Efficacy of Amphetamine Drug:
The efficacy of this drug depends on factors such as the response of an individual to the medication, the specific condition of a patient, and the dosages of the medication. let’s discuss some conditions for which this drug is prescribed-
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Amphetamine drugs such as Adderall and Vyvanse are recommended to manage ADHD symptoms (impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity). As per research, it has been seen that it is an effective solution to improve attention, focus, and controlling impulsive behavior in people. The efficacy may vary among patients, so it is important to consult with health experts to find an effective treatment.
Narcolepsy: Amphetamine medications also treat narcolepsy which is a sleeping disorder. It is characterized by sudden muscle weakness and excessive daytime sleep. This drug can help improve the ability to wake up and reduce muscle paralysis with sleeping problems.
Obesity: This drug is also used for obesity as an off-label use. The doctor may prescribe this drug to help those individual who are overweight. It reduces appetite and increases metabolism in patients. However, it is advised not to use this drug as a long-term treatment for weight loss because it is not prescribed for primary treatment.
Doses of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
Amphetamine Doses:
Some amphetamine dosages are –
- Amphetamine 5 mg (oral white round tablet) Imprint: S 5
- Amphetamine 10 mg ( Blue round oral tablet) Imprint: 10
- Amphetamine 20 mg (orange round oral tablet) Imprint: U 30
Dextroamphetamine Doses
The various dosages of this drug are as follows-
- Dextroamphetamine 5 mg (orange round tablet) Imprint: b 952 5
- Dextroamphetamine 10 mg (white four-sided tablet) Imprint: M 10
- Dextroamphetamine 15 mg ( white capsule) Imprint: M 8962 15 mg
Similarities between Both Drugs:
- Both medicines are prescription drugs and are available in oral forms.
- The two drugs are used to treat Narcolepsy and ADHD disorders.
- Both are generic drugs.
- The two medications are CNS stimulant drugs.
- Both medicines cause psychological problems.
- Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine are categorized under the Schedule II Controlled Substance Act.
- People who are above 6 years old, only can use these two drugs.
- Both drugs work are also similar.
Differences: Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
- Both drugs have different brand names.
- Both drugs come in unique dosage strengths and forms.
- Amphetamine’s dosage comes in oral tablets, solutions, and extended-release. Dextroamphetamine is available in transdermal film, oral capsule, and extended-release.
Uses Instruction of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Drug:
When patients start taking these ADHD medications they have to follow some instructions. These include-
- Take the doses as directed by the doctor.
- Consume the drugs for the recommended duration.
- While using tablets do not crush and chew them.
- Drink an adequate amount of water while taking the oral tablet of any medicine.
- When taking the oral solution measure the dose with the help of a measuring tool.
- While having a disintegrating dose avoid drinking water.
Side Effects of Both ADHD Medications:
Following are the side effects of both medicines.
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Joint pain
- Dark urine
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Unusual dreams
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Body ache
- Weakness in body
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Sweating
- Discomfort
- Urge of frequent urination
- Unusual tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Precautions Should be Taken While Taking These Drugs:
- Keep these medicine capsules and tablets out of toddlers’ reach.
- Before taking these drugs, get a prescription from a doctor.
- Do not recommend any drug to other people without a prescription.
- Alcohol addicts are advised not to use these drugs.
- If you have any mental illness history, then inform your doctor.
- You must tell your doctor if you are taking withdrawal from these medicines.
- seek medical assistance immediately, If you experience side effects when using this drug,
- If you have other health complications, such as glaucoma, heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, etc. A consultation is important before using these medications.
- Do not use these (Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) tablets, if you are allergic.
- Carefully read the label before using any of these pills.
- Take these capsules as per your age and health condition.
Conclusion
In this blog, you have learned about two ADHD medicines, Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine. You have also seen the side effects, precautions and differences between the drugs. We hope whenever you use any one of this medicine under the guidance of a doctor. This knowledge would assist you to differentiate between both of them.
