Q:

Dexedrine vs. Adderall

I have been taking amphetamines since winter, and honestly my life has done a 180 in terms of productivity, mood, curbing dangerous and sporadic tendencies, and drug and alcohol use. I have one burning question though:

I started treatment with Concerta (Ritalin) and that gave me bad side effects, then I moved to Adderall, which was a great help but also had side effects, then I started on Dexedrine, which had almost no bad side effects. I never take meds without extensive research and looking through things like adhdforums.com I don't understand why Dexedrine is not prescribed over Adderall, as personally and with peers have cited that Dexedrine is much smoother and easier on the body/mind.

Is there something that I'm not being told? Why is there a stigma against Dexedrine and why do I feel judgmental eyes upon me in the pharmacy? Is Dexedrine worse for you? Adderall feels awful compared to Dexedrine for me.. I know every one is different and responds in their own ways, but Dexedrine has been around 50+ years and wasn't originally marketed as a weight loss drug... I guess I just want a little clarity why its not more popular/why it has a stigma and if I'm not understanding a risk? Thank you for your time.

 

A:

I would first like to say that I am VERY GLAD that you found something that works for you. That is what is important!

You had bad side effects with Concerta - Ritalin - Methylphenidate type drugs and so it was natural to change to the Amphetamine type drugs. This does not absolutely mean that you would respond the same way to other types of Methyphenidate drugs like Daytrana, Focalin, etc but is suggestive and would not be what I would think of trying next.

The most commonly used Amphetamine drug is Adderall = Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine. You also had side effects with this - so the natural response was then to make it the most pure form that it could be and just use the Dextroamphetamine. You are responding well to this which is wonderful!

As to why Dexedrine is not prescribed over the other medications is because everyone responds differently. Some doctors will actually have the patients try all the stimulant medications and then have them pick the best one for them. Research is now trying to see if there is a way to tell ahead of time which medicine will work the best but it is still in the research phase.

If you would like to come in and talk about this, I would be happy to see you.

~The Doc