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Key takeaways
Desoxyn and Adderall are both CNS stimulants used to treat ADHD but differ in their active ingredients, with Desoxyn containing methamphetamine and Adderall containing a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics considers Adderall a first-line treatment for ADHD over Desoxyn, due to its efficacy based on numerous studies.
Both medications have a high potential for abuse and are classified as schedule II narcotics by the DEA, with specific guidelines and restrictions for prescribing.
Side effects common to both medications include elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, palpitations, and the potential for severe cardiac events, necessitating careful consideration and monitoring by healthcare providers.
Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
Desoxyn and Adderall are two medications belonging to a class of medications known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. CNS stimulants are most commonly used to treat a condition known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Diagnosing a patient with ADHD takes many steps and observations. Patients with ADHD may struggle with listening, organization, or forgetfulness in daily activities. They may also need special accommodations in settings such as the classroom or workplace in order to successfully complete their work.
Once a diagnosis is made, there are treatment options to help these patients achieve a better level of functioning in daily activities and improved mental health. CNS stimulants are one treatment option. Other well-known ADHD medications include Ritalin (methylphenidate), Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release), Daytrana (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and Focalin/ Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate). There are also non-stimulant treatment options for ADHD. Learn more about ADHD diagnosis and treatment options in the following sections.
What are the main differences between Desoxyn and Adderall?
Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is a prescription drug used in the treatment of ADHD. It is also indicated in the short-term treatment of obesity which has been resistant to other interventions. The drug has been used off-label, or without approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in the treatment of narcolepsy.
The active metabolite of methamphetamine is amphetamine. Amphetamines stimulate the release of norepinephrine, and the primary site of this activity is in the cerebral cortex of the brain. CND stimulation by amphetamines leads to a decreased sense of fatigue, an increase in motor activity and alertness, and an overall better mood.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) deems Desoxyn a schedule II narcotic drug. This is due to its high abuse potential, and there may be guidelines and restrictions for obtaining Desoxyn, which differs by state. Desoxyn’s active ingredient, methamphetamine hydrochloride, is the same ingredient in the street drug known as crystal meth or street meth. Patients with a personal history or family history of substance abuse should not be prescribed Desoxyn. Long term, high doses of drugs like Desoxyn may lead to withdrawal symptoms when a patient is unable to obtain the drug. Desoxyn is available as an oral tablet in just one strength: 5 mg.
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts) is also a prescription drug used in the treatment of ADHD. It is also approved by the FDA in the treatment of narcolepsy. This mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts has the same mechanism of action as Desoxyn, the release of norepinephrine.
The DEA also considers Adderall a schedule II narcotic due to its abuse potential. Adderall is available in a much wider range of strengths as compared to Desoxyn. Adderall immediate-release tablets are available in strengths of 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule formulation and is available in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg.
| Main differences between Desoxyn and Adderall | ||
|---|---|---|
| Desoxyn | Adderall | |
| Drug class | Central nervous system stimulant | Central nervous system stimulant |
| Brand/generic status | Brand name and generic available | Brand name and generic available |
| What is the generic name? |
Methamphetamine | Amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine salts |
| What form(s) does the drug come in? | Immediate-release tablet | Immediate-release tablet, extended-release capsule |
| What is the standard dosage? | 5 mg once or twice daily titrated up to 25 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? | Children and adolescents 6 years of age and older, Adults | Children and adolescents 3 years of age and older, Adults |
Conditions treated by Desoxyn and Adderall
Desoxyn is indicated in the treatment of ADHD which is characterized by moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is also indicated 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. It is sometimes used off-label to treat narcolepsy, or extreme daytime sleepiness.
Adderall is also indicated in the treatment of ADHD. It carries an approved indication for the treatment of narcolepsy.
| Condition | Desoxyn | Adderall |
| Attention hyperactivity deficit disorder (ADHD) | Yes | Yes |
| Refractory obesity | Yes | No |
| Narcolepsy | Off-label | Yes |
Is Desoxyn or Adderall more effective?
While Desoxyn is indicated in the treatment of ADHD, it is not the preferred treatment in the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for managing ADHD. Based on a number of meta-analyses reviewed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to create these guidelines, Adderall is considered highly effective in the treatment of ADHD and is a first-line treatment.
Long-term use of methamphetamine has been linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is characterized by blocked vasculature and right heart failure. Prescribers are encouraged to use extra caution when selecting methamphetamine in the treatment of ADHD and other disorders.
Coverage and cost comparison of Desoxyn vs. Adderall
Desoxyn is a prescription medication that is typically covered by commercial insurance. Coverage by Medicare plans may vary or require special exceptions to be made. The out-of-pocket price for generic Desoxyn can be as high as $600. A coupon from SingleCare can bring the price of the generic to less than $100 at select pharmacies.
Adderall is a prescription medication that is typically covered by commercial insurance. Coverage by Medicare plans may vary or require special exceptions to be made. The out-of-pocket price for generic Adderall can be more than $100. A SingleCare coupon SingleCare can lower the price to less than $30.
| Desoxyn | Adderall | |
| Typically covered by insurance? | Yes | Yes |
| Typically covered by Medicare Part D? | No | No |
| Standard dosage | 30, 5 mg tablets | 60, 30 mg tablets |
| Typical Medicare copay | n/a | n/a |
| SingleCare cost | $86-$140 | $29-$50 |
Common side effects of Desoxyn vs. Adderall
Desoxyn and Adderall are each linked to instances of elevated blood pressure, tachycardia, and palpitation. In some instances, myocardial infarction (heart attack) and sudden death have occurred. Caution should be used when prescribing stimulants such as Desoxyn and Adderall in patients when pre-existing cardiac abnormalities.
Stimulant drugs may lead to a sleep disorder known as insomnia, or an inability to fall and stay asleep. This can affect daily functioning and should be monitored. Dry mouth and dizziness are also well-known side effects of stimulants.
Stimulant medications have also been associated with severe cardiac adverse events, including death, especially in patients with heart defects and rhythm abnormalities, such as irregular heartbeat. Only your healthcare provider can decide which treatment is best for your condition.
If you experience any of these side effects, you should discuss them with your healthcare professional.
The following is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of potential side effects. A complete list can be obtained from your healthcare professional.
| Desoxyn | Adderall | |||
| Side effect | Applicable? | Frequency | Applicable? | Frequency |
| High blood pressure | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Tachycardia | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Palpitation | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Insomnia | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Decreased appetite | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Vomiting | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Weight loss | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Dry mouth | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
| Dizziness | Yes | Not defined | Yes | Not defined |
Source: Desoxyn (DailyMed) Adderall (DailyMed)
Drug interactions of Desoxyn vs. Adderall
Desoxyn and Adderall should not be used in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOI antidepressants 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 incidence of serotonin syndrome can be increased when Desoxyn or Adderall are used with serotonergic drugs. This syndrome can result in the patient feeling agitated, dizzy, and having an increased heart rate. Serotonergic agents include a variety of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and 5HT3 antagonists, otherwise known as triptans.
The following list is not intended to be a complete list of drug interactions. It is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list.
| Drug | Drug class | Desoxyn | Adderall |
| Selegiline Isocarboxazid Phenelzine Linezolid |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) | Yes | Yes |
| Fluoxetine Paroxetine Sertraline Citalopram Escitalopram |
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) | Yes | Yes |
| Venlafaxine Duloxetine Desvenlafaxine |
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) | Yes | Yes |
| Sumatriptan Rizatriptan Eletriptan Zolmitriptan Naratriptan Frovatriptan |
5HT3 Antagonists (Triptans) | Yes | Yes |
| Desipramine Protriptyline Amitriptyline Nortriptyline |
Tricyclic antidepressants | Yes | Yes |
| Omeprazole Esomeprazole Pantoprazole Rabeprazole Lansoprazole |
Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) | Yes | Yes |
Warnings of Desoxyn and Adderall
Strokes, myocardial infarction, and sudden death can happen in children and adults taking CNS stimulants such as Desoxyn and Adderall. This may be more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions. Prescribers may screen for these conditions and will use extreme caution in prescribing these drugs for patients who may have cardiac abnormalities.
CNS stimulants 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.
Weight and height should be monitored in children and adolescents taking stimulants as long-term use may lead to growth suppression. Patients experiencing slow growth while on stimulants may be encouraged to temporarily halt treatment. Oftentimes, healthcare providers recommend taking breaks from treatment when children are not in school, such as weekends, holidays, and summer breaks.
Frequently asked questions about Desoxyn and Adderall
What is Desoxyn?
Desoxyn is a CNS stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. It is considered a schedule II narcotic by the DEA due to its abuse potential and is available by prescription only. Desoxyn is only available as a 5 mg immediate-release tablet.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is also a CNS stimulant used in the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. It is also considered a schedule II narcotic by the DEA due to its abuse potential and is available by prescription only. Adderall is available in a variety of strengths in both immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules.
Are Desoxyn and Adderall the same?
While they belong to the same class of medications and share similar indications, Desoxyn and Adderall are not the same. Desoxyn contains methamphetamine, which is converted to amphetamine in the body. Adderall is a mixture of both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts.
Is Desoxyn or Adderall better?
In the treatment of ADHD, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends Adderall as a first-line treatment in the management of ADHD. Based on their analyses of data available, they do not recommend Desoxyn in the treatment of ADHD.
Can I use Desoxyn or Adderall while pregnant?
Desoxyn and Adderall are pregnancy category C, meaning there are no adequate, controlled studies to establish safety. These drugs should only be used in pregnancy when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
Can I use Desoxyn or Adderall with alcohol?
Alcohol use could increase the serum blood concentrations of amphetamine-related drugs, and therefore alcohol should be avoided when on these medications.
How long does Desoxyn last?
Desoxyn’s effects can begin as soon as 30 minutes after taking the dose and may last for up to eight hours.
Is Desoxyn addictive?
Desoxyn is a highly addictive controlled substance and has a high potential for abuse. This is why the DEA classifies it as a schedule II narcotic, and there are restrictions in place for prescribing.