The medicines Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine are used for the treatment of ADHD. ADHD is a disease that causes the person to be hyperactive and impulsive.
It is most common in childhood and causes the child to have low self-esteem, trouble in handling a relationship, and difficulty working at school and home. It is becoming more common in the new generation because of the environment the children live in.
Key Takeaways
- Amphetamine is a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, while dextroamphetamine is a type of amphetamine used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
- Amphetamine is a mixture of different amphetamine enantiomers, while dextroamphetamine is a single enantiomer of amphetamine.
- Amphetamine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, while dextroamphetamine is also a Schedule II controlled substance.
Amphetamine vs Dextroamphetamine
Amphetamine is a stimulant drug in which the drug compound contains both dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine enantiomers. Dextroamphetamine refers specifically to the dextro enantiomer. Dextroamphetamine is considered the more potent and desired form, used in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Amphetamine is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. It is also used for the treatment of sleep disorders and is the generic name for Adderall.
The medicine is said to have many side effects like headaches, dizziness, constipation, etc. It raises the levels of nerve-stimulating hormones like dopamine.
Dextroamphetamine is also used for the treatment of ADHD and is a milder dose since it is made up of one main component that uses Dexedrine and is used as a central nerve stimulator.
The medicine has various side effects on the mental as well as the physical health of the patient. ADHD increases the formation of nerve hormones like dopamine, making the body release anxiety and tension.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Amphetamine | Dextroamphetamine |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Amphetamine consists of two types of salt are d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine in the ratio 3:1. | It is the generic name and consists of a salt that is d-amphetamine in major quantities. |
| Brand names | The brand name for amphetamine is Adderall. | The brand name for Dextroamphetamine is Dexedrine. |
| Forms available | Amphetamine is available in two forms that are tablets as well as extended-release capsules | Dextroamphetamine is also available in capsules along with the span capsule form. |
| Working | Amphetamine raises the levels of nerve stimulating hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine. | Dextroamphetamine is responsible for increasing the production of the hormones like dopamine inside the body. |
| Side effects | Amphetamine causes a range of side effects from mental to physical. The physical effects are dizziness, loss of appetite, headaches, etc. | Dextroamphetamine is also known for causing various side effects like diarrhoea, drying of the mouth, feeling numbness or mood changes. |
What is Amphetamine?
Amphetamine is a medicine that is used for the treatment of ADHD in people. It is suitable for the age group above three years.
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common disease, especially among children where they start to have anxiety over small issues, depression, overthinking, etc.
Amphetamine is a combination of two salts, mainly l-amphetamine and d-amphetamine, and due to the combination of the two, it is a stronger dose used for the treatment.
The medicine also contains a percentage of other binders that ensure the proper functioning of the body. The ratio of the two major salts was determined for the proper functioning and was set at 3:1, in which 3 is for d-amphetamine.
Amphetamine comes in two forms that are tablets as well as capsules. The capsule forms are for the extended release of the medicine.
The medicine is said to raise the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are called nerve-stimulating hormones. The rising levels of these cause the person to calm down and help in lessening the anxiety.
The medicine has a variety of effects on the body. The effects vary from person to person as well as their resistance to it.
Some people may suffer from headaches, dizziness, and loss of appetite alongside some mental effects like depression and mood swings which also cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
What is Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is yet another medicine used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD.
The common systems of the disease include being cut off from the environment, having mood swings, always being frustrated, etc. The medicine is suitable for everyone above the age of 3, and the disease is common in children.
Dextroamphetamine consists mainly of d-amphetamine and is a lesser stronger version of Adderall. Though they are used for the same treatment, the exclusion of one of the salts makes it less harmful to the health of the patients.
It also affects the cardiovascular system but in a smaller quantity.
The medicines are for release over an extended period. Dextroamphetamine is the generic name for dextrin and is cheaper.
It comes in two forms: span capsule form, that is, the content of the capsules is released for a longer period and extended capsules.
The medicine also causes various effects on the body, categorised as physical or mental.
The physical effects include headache, loss of appetite, dry mouth, etc., whereas the mental effects include mood swings, irritation, frustration for a shorter period, etc.
Main Differences Between Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
- Amphetamine consists of two types of salt are d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine, in a ratio of 3:1, whereas Dextroamphetamine is the generic name and consists of a salt that is d-amphetamine in major quantities.
- The brand name for amphetamine is Adderall. In comparison to this, the brand name for Dextroamphetamine is Dexedrine.
- Amphetamine is available in two forms: tablets and extended-release capsules, whereas Dextroamphetamine is also available in capsules along with the spancule form.
- Amphetamine raises the levels of nerve-stimulating hormones like dopamine and norepinephrine, whereas Dextroamphetamine is responsible for increasing the production of the hormones like dopamine inside the body.
- Amphetamine causes a range of side effects, from mental to physical. The physical effects are dizziness, loss of appetite, headaches, etc. In comparison to this, Dextroamphetamine is also known for causing various side effects like diarrhoea, drying of the mouth, and feeling numbness or change.
- https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/107/1/e10.short
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S193897361300024X
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
I wasn’t aware of the differences between these medicines, thank you for the post.
I think you should mention the long term effects of these medicines.
I find the side effects of these medications concerning.
The post is both comprehensive and thought-provoking.
It is satisfying to see the content properly cited.
This is such an informative and eye-opening post.