{"id":3357,"date":"2018-12-05T20:36:24","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T01:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3357"},"modified":"2026-10-20T21:54:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T01:54:00","slug":"dexedrine-vs-adderall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dexedrine-vs-adderall\/","title":{"rendered":"Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dexedrine<\/a> and Adderall<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Dexedrine vs. Adderall at a glance<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Feature<\/b><\/td>\nDexedrine<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nCentral nervous system stimulant<\/td>\nCentral nervous system stimulant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nDextroamphetamine sulfate<\/td>\nAmphetamine salts (d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nTablets, spansules, and extended-release capsules<\/td>\nTablets and extended-release capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\n5 mg once or twice daily titrated up to 40 mg\/day<\/td>\n5 mg once or twice daily titrated up to 60 mg\/day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term (indefinite)<\/td>\nLong-term (indefinite)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nPatients 3 years of age and older<\/td>\nPatients 3 years of age and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What are the main differences between Dexedrine and Adderall?<\/h2>\n

Dexedrine<\/a> 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Adderall<\/a> 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<\/a> comes in immediate-release tablets. Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule formulation.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tSave up to 80% on Dexedrine with SingleCare\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\tDifferent pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDexedrine 15 mg (30 Capsules)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\"CVS\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$30.02\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAdderall 20 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Conditions treated by Dexedrine and Adderall<\/h2>\n

Dexedrine and Adderall are FDA approved to treat ADHD<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

Dexedrine and Adderall are each FDA approved for narcolepsy as well. Narcolepsy<\/a> is excessive and uncontrollable daytime sleepiness. Like ADHD, untreated narcolepsy can have negative effects on day-to-day activities.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Only your healthcare provider can determine what treatment is best for your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Dexedrine vs. Adderall conditions treated<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nDexedrine<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Narcolepsy<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Refractory obesity<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Dexedrine or Adderall more effective?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Dexedrine vs. Adderall<\/h2>\n

Dexedrine costs about $280 for 10, 10 mg extended-release capsules without insurance. A Dexedrine coupon from SingleCare<\/a> can bring the generic price to about $28 at select pharmacies.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> can bring the price of the generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine XR to approximately $26 for 30, 30 mg capsules at select pharmacies.<\/p>\n

Adderall and Dexedrine are typically covered by commercial insurance. Coverage by Medicare plans may vary or require special exceptions to be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Dexedrine vs. Adderall XR cost & coverage comparison<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Cost & coverage<\/b><\/td>\nDexedrine<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall XR<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost per pill<\/b><\/td>\n$2.80 per 10 mg, extended-release capsule<\/td>\n$0.87 per 30 mg, extended-release capsule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How to save<\/b><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Dexedrine vs. Adderall<\/h2>\n

.As stimulants, Dexedrine<\/a> and Adderall<\/a> potential side effects and warnings overlap significantly, and include:<\/p>\n