Key takeaways
Dexedrine and Adderall are prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Dexedrine contains dextroamphetamine, while Adderall contains dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine.
Dexedrine and Adderall work in similar ways, but their available formulations, strengths, and dosing differ.
A healthcare provider may consider symptom control, side effects, duration of action, cost, and other factors when choosing between Dexedrine and Adderall.
Dexedrine and Adderall are prescription stimulants used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The main difference is their active ingredients: Dexedrine contains dextroamphetamine, while Adderall contains a combination of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine in a 3:1 ratio. Because the medications are closely related, they have many of the same uses, side effects, warnings, and drug interactions. However, their formulations, available strengths, dosing, and individual effects can differ.
Dexedrine vs. Adderall at a glance |
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|---|---|---|
| Feature | Dexedrine | Adderall |
| Drug class | Central nervous system stimulant | Central nervous system stimulant |
| Brand/generic status | Brand and generic available | Brand and generic available |
| What is the generic name? | Dextroamphetamine sulfate | Amphetamine salts (d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine) |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Tablets, spansules, and extended-release capsules | Tablets and extended-release capsules |
| What is the standard dosage? | 5 mg once or twice daily titrated up to 40 mg/day | 5 mg once or twice daily titrated up to 60 mg/day |
| How long is the typical treatment? | Long-term (indefinite) | Long-term (indefinite) |
| Who typically uses the medication? | Patients 3 years of age and older | Patients 3 years of age and older |
What are the main differences between Dexedrine and Adderall?
Dexedrine is a brand-name medication whose generic is dextroamphetamine sulfate. It is a CNS stimulant, and more specifically, it is a type of amphetamine. Amphetamines prevent reuptake and increase the elease of norepinephrine and dopamine, and the primary site of this activity is in the brain’s cerebral cortex. CNS stimulation by amphetamines leads to decreased fatigue, increased motor activity and alertness, and improvedmood. Dexedrine is FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. It is also used off-label, or without approval from the FDA, for the treatment of certain types of obesity-resistant to other interventions. Dexedrine is available in immediate-release tablets in strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg. Dexedrine spansules, the extended release formulation, is available in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. Generic extended-release capsules of dextroamphetamine are available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg.
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine salts, containing a 3:1 ratio of dextroamphetamine (d-amphetamine) and levoamphetamine (l-amphetamine). It contains the active ingredient of Dexedrine, combined with other amphetamine salts. It is a prescription drug used in the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy and works in the same manner as Dexedrine. Adderall is available in a much wider range of strengths as compared to Dexedrine. Adderall comes in immediate-release tablets. Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule formulation.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) deems Dexedrine and Adderall as schedule II controlled substances. Due to the fact that they are habit-forming and have a high potential for abuse, there are restrictions and guidelines to obtaining these drugs, which vary by state.
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Conditions treated by Dexedrine and Adderall
Dexedrine and Adderall are FDA approved to treat ADHD. ADHD is characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. If left untreated, ADHD can affect academic and professional performance, as well as basic daily functions.
Dexedrine and Adderall are each FDA approved for narcolepsy as well. Narcolepsy is excessive and uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. Like ADHD, untreated narcolepsy can have negative effects on day-to-day activities.
Dexedrine is used off-label in the short-term (few weeks duration) treatment of obesity, which has not been responsive to other interventions such as diet, exercise, group programs, or other drugs.
Only your healthcare provider can determine what treatment is best for your condition.
Compare Dexedrine vs. Adderall conditions treated |
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|---|---|---|
| Condition | Dexedrine | Adderall |
| Attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD) | Yes | Yes |
| Narcolepsy | Yes | Yes |
| Refractory obesity | Off-label | No |
Is Dexedrine or Adderall more effective?
A head-to-head comparison of the efficacy of Dexedrine and Adderall has not been conducted. Even in indirect comparisons, like meta-analyses, differences in efficacy are inconsistent and difficult to interpret, as many are based on studies with small sample sizes. The choice between medications will largely fall on formulation, duration of activity, tolerability, out-of-pocket cost to the patient, and patient response. Working with your healthcare provider is the best way to determine which treatment is best for you.
Coverage and cost comparison of Dexedrine vs. Adderall
Dexedrine costs about $280 for 10, 10 mg extended-release capsules without insurance. A Dexedrine coupon from SingleCare can bring the generic price to about $28 at select pharmacies.
Adderall is available in immediate-release and extended-release (XR) forms. Adderall XR costs about $339 for 30, 30 mg extended-release capsules without insurance. An Adderall XR coupon from SingleCare can bring the price of the generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine XR to approximately $26 for 30, 30 mg capsules at select pharmacies.
Adderall and Dexedrine are typically covered by commercial insurance. Coverage by Medicare plans may vary or require special exceptions to be made.
Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR cost & coverage comparison |
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|---|---|---|
| Cost & coverage | Dexedrine | Adderall XR |
| Typically covered by insurance? | Yes | Yes |
| Typically covered by Medicare Part D? | No | No |
| SingleCare cost per pill | $2.80 per 10 mg, extended-release capsule | $0.87 per 30 mg, extended-release capsule |
| How to save | Get coupon | Get coupon |
Common side effects of Dexedrine vs. Adderall
.As stimulants, Dexedrine and Adderall potential side effects and warnings overlap significantly, and include:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
Drug interactions of Dexedrine vs. Adderall
Dexedrine and Adderall, when used concurrently with serotonergic drugs, may increase the incidence of serotonin syndrome. This syndrome can result in the patient feeling agitated, dizzy, and having an increased heart rate. Common antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, as well as the pain medication Tramadol, may cause this interaction with Dexedrine or Adderall.
Dexedrine and Adderall should not be used in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAO inhibitors slow amphetamine metabolism, increasing the amphetamine’s effect on the release of norepinephrine and other monoamines from the nerve endings, causing headaches and other signs of hypertensive crisis.
The following list is not intended to be a complete list of drug interactions. It is best to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a complete list.
Drug interactions of Dexedrine vs. Adderall |
|
|---|---|
| Drug | Drug Class |
| Selegiline
Isocarboxazid |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) |
| Fluoxetine | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) |
| Venlafaxine | Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) |
| Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium lactate |
Antacid |
| St. John’s Wort | Supplement |
| Topiramate | Antiepileptic |
| Tramadol | Opioid pain reliever |
| Sumatriptan | 5HT3 Antagonists (Triptans) |
| Desipramine | Tricyclic antidepressants |
| Omeprazole | Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) |
Warnings of Dexedrine and Adderall
Dexedrine and Adderall have been linked to serious side effects such as elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, and palpitation. In some instances, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and sudden death have occurred. Prescribers should screen for these conditions and use extreme caution in prescribing these drugs for patients with cardiac abnormalities.
Dexedrine and Adderall may lead to a sleep disorder known as drug-induced insomnia or an inability to fall and stay asleep. This can affect daily functioning and should be monitored. These drugs are also known to cause dry mouth and dizziness. You should discuss these adverse events with your healthcare provider if they occur and are bothersome.
Some types of ADHD medication, such as Dexedrine and Adderall, can exacerbate behavior disturbances in patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders. These patients should be monitored closely if CNS stimulants are necessary. Bipolar patients may experience mixed or manic episodes while on CNS stimulants.
Stimulant use in children and adolescents has been linked to growth suppression, which is generally considered a modest effect that is both dose- and duration-dependent. Patients experiencing slow growth while on stimulants may be encouraged to temporarily pause treatment. In select instances healthcare providers may recommend taking breaks from treatment when children are not in school, such as on weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. However, this is a case-by-case determination and should only be considered in close observation with a medical professional.
If you have experienced allergic reactions to other stimulants or amphetamine drugs, you should not take Dexedrine or Adderall.
Frequently asked questions about Dexedrine vs. Adderall
Are Dexedrine and Adderall the same?
Dexedrine and Adderall are similar drugs but are not exactly the same. Dexedrine is composed of dextroamphetamine sulfate, while Adderall is made of mixed amphetamine salts, including dextroamphetamine. Both drugs are CNS stimulants and have similar side effects and drug interaction profiles.
Is Dexedrine stronger than Adderall?
Dexedrine and Adderall contain the same isomer of amphetamine, and both are available in multiple dosage strengths. The best approach to determining the optimal medication is working with a healthcare provider.
How long does Dexedrine last compared with Adderall?
The duration of action of Dexedrine (the immediate release formulation) is typically 4 to 6 hours, while Dexedrine spansules (the extended release formulation) is extended up to 8 hours. In comparison, Adderall’s duration of action is 4 to 6 hours, based on the immediate release formulation, and up to 8-12 hours with the extended-release formulation.
Can you switch from Adderall to Dexedrine?
Switching from Adderall to Dexedrine is possible. Often, a 1 mg: 1 mg conversion is used, and then dosing is further titrated to effect. Formulation should also be matched, such as by using an immediate release or an extended release.
Can I use Dexedrine or Adderall while pregnant?
These medications should only be used in pregnancy when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk of untreated or undertreated moderate to severe ADHD. General recommendations are to exhaust non-pharmacological therapies, like behavioral therapy, but if the decision to use medication is determined appropriate by a medical professional, use the lowest effective dose and the minimum number of medications possible. The concern arises from limited data which suggests use of these medications during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Oct. 20, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- Amphetamines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
- A Randomized Controlled Trial of Interventions for Growth Suppression in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treated With Central Nervous System Stimulants, J Am Acad Adolesc Psychiatry (2020)
- Dexedrine, NIH DailyMed (2025)
- Adderall, NIH DailyMed (2024)
- FDA Announces Shortage of Adderall, FDA (2023)
- Teratogen update: amphetamines, Birth Defects Res (2020)
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