Desoxyn vs Adderall

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders affecting children. Desoxyn and Adderall are brand names for prescription drugs used for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Desoxyn and Adderall are both Schedule II controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II substances have a high potential for substance abuse, which can lead to dependence both psychologically and physically.

Here we will explain how Desoxyn and Adderall work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Desoxyn?

Desoxyn is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved ADHD medication manufactured by Ovation Pharmaceuticals. Inc. Desoxyn is a central nervous system stimulant medication. As a stimulant drug, Desoxyn works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine to improve mood, motivation, concentration, focus, and impulsive behavior

Desoxyn is used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is also used for the treatment of obesity in people who have been unable to lose weight through diets or other treatments. Desoxyn tablets are subject to control under DEA schedule II.

The active ingredient in Desoxyn, methamphetamine hydrochloride, is the same ingredient in the street drug known as crystal meth or street meth (crystal meth is not for medical use).

Desoxyn dosage

Desoxyn is available in tablet form, in the following doses: 5 mg.

Please read the full prescribing information and the medication guide for the full patient safety information. Always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice or about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Shire US Inc. Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication and belongs to the same drug class as Desoxyn. Adderall is also used to treat ADHD in children (ages 6-12), adolescents (ages 13-17), and adults. It is also approved to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder with excessive daytime sleepiness and episodes of sleep attacks.

The active ingredients in Adderall are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall can become physically addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.

Adderall dosage

Adderall is available as an immediate-release tablet formulation, in the following doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg. It is also available in the extended-release form (Adderall XR) of a capsule in the following doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg.

Your daily dose will be based on your age:

• Children aged 6-17 years of age – 10 mg once daily in the morning
• Adults – 20 mg once daily in the morning

For additional safety information, read the full prescribing information and medication guides. Always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice or about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

Common side effects of Desoxyn and Adderall

The most common side effects of Desoxyn in clinical trials include:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Headache or dizziness
• Tachycardia (fast heartbeats)
• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Tremors
• Loss of appetite, weight loss

In rare instances, Desoxyn can cause more serious side effects. These can include:

• Stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, or a heart defect
• Heart problems – chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling faint
• New or worsening psychosis especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder
• Circulation problems that can cause numbness, pain, or discoloration in your fingers or toes
• Seizures
• Muscle spasms (tics)
• Changes in your vision
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome – agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

The most common side effects of Adderall in clinical trials include:

• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Insomnia
• Abdominal pain
• Changes in mood
• Vomiting, nausea, and fever
• Anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Headache, dizziness
• Fast heart rate
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Asthenia
• Urinary tract infections

More serious side effects of Adderall include

• Serious cardiovascular events
• Increase in blood pressure
• Psychiatric adverse events – may cause treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in patients with no prior history, or worsening of symptoms in patients already suffering from psychosis
• Long-term suppression of growth
• Seizures
• Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Visual disturbance
• May exacerbate tics

These aren’t all the side effects Desoxyn or Adderall can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.

Desoxyn and Adderall drug interactions

Desoxyn can interact with other medications. These include:

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – ibuprofen, naproxen
• Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, such as MDMA,  “ecstasy,” St. John’s wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine and venlafaxine)
• Insulin requirements in diabetes mellitus may be altered
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Phenothiazines antagonize the CNS stimulant action of amphetamines

Adderall can interact with other medications. These include:

• MAOI antidepressants
• Alkalinizing agents (GI antacids and urinary)
• Acidifying agents (GI and urinary)
• Adrenergic blockers
• Antihistamines
• Antihypertensives
• Tricyclic antidepressants – norepinephrine, and meperidine

Desoxyn and Adderall can interact with other prescription medications. This can change how Desoxyn and Adderall and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Desoxyn and Adderall contraindications

You should not use Desoxyn if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient methamphetamine
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Desoxyn
• Have glaucoma
• Have an overactive thyroid
• Have severe agitation
• Have high blood pressure, heart disease, or coronary artery disease
• Have a history of drug abuse
• Have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
• Are younger than 6 years old
• Are an adolescent younger than 12 years old being treated for obesity
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Talk to your doctor before using Desoxyn if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Desoxyn
• Have cardiovascular problems or a congenital heart defect, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease or sudden death
• Have depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, psychosis, or suicidal thoughts or actions
• Have Tourette’s syndrome
• Suffer from seizures or epilepsy
• Have an abnormal brain wave test (EEG)
• Have diabetes
• Have blood circulation problems in your hands or feet
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant

You should not use Adderall if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient methylphenidate
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Concerta
• Have known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, or other serious heart problems
• Have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine
• Are younger than 3 years old
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Talk to your doctor before using Adderall if you:

• Have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse
• Have a history of depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts or actions
• Have glaucoma
• Have an overactive thyroid
• Have severe agitation
• Have high blood pressure, heart disease, or coronary artery disease
• Have vascular disease
• Have motor tics or Tourette’s syndrome
• Suffer from seizures
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Blood circulation problems in your hands or feet
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant

Other drugs for ADHD

• Dexedrine (d-amphetamine)
• Ritalin (methylamphetamine)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

If you have any concerns about Desoxyn or Adderall side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. They can discuss the best treatment options with you. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.