The medicines Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine are used for the treatment of ADHD. ADHD is the disease that causes the person to be hyperactive and impulsive. It is most common in childhood and causes the child to have low self-esteem, trouble in handling a relationship, difficulty working at school and home. It is becoming more common in the new generation because of the environment the children live in.
Amphetamine vs Dextroamphetamine
The main difference between Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine is that they have a different composition and therefore are used at different levels. Amphetamine is the generic name for a combination of drugs that is d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine whereas Dextroamphetamine consists only of Dexedrine which is a central nervous system stimulant.
Amphetamine is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder commonly known as ADHD. It is also used for the treatment of sleep disorders and is the generic name for Adderall. The medicine is said to have many side effects like headaches, dizziness, constipation, etc. It raises the levels of nerve stimulating hormones like dopamine.
Dextroamphetamine is also used for the treatment of ADHD and is a milder dose since it is made up of one main component that uses Dexedrine and is used as a central nerve stimulator. The medicine has various side effects on the mental as well as the physical health of the patient. ADHD increases the formation of nerve hormones like dopamine making the body release anxiety and tension.
Comparison Table Between Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
| Parameters of Comparison | Amphetamine | Dextroamphetamine |
| Composition | Amphetamine consists of two types of salt are d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine in the ratio 3:1. | It is the generic name and consists of a salt that is d-amphetamine in major quantities. |
| Brand names | The brand name for amphetamine is Adderall. | The brand name for Dextroamphetamine is Dexedrine. |
| Forms available | Amphetamine is available in two forms that are tablets as well as extended-release capsules | Dextroamphetamine is also available in capsules along with the span capsule form. |
| Working | Amphetamine raises the levels of nerve stimulating hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine. | Dextroamphetamine is responsible for increasing the production of the hormones like dopamine inside the body. |
| Side effects | Amphetamine causes a range of side effects from mental to physical. The physical effects are dizziness, loss of appetite, headaches, etc. | Dextroamphetamine is also known for causing various side effects like diarrhoea, drying of the mouth, feeling numbness or mood changes. |
What is Amphetamine?
Amphetamine is a medicine that is used for the treatment of ADHD in people. It is suitable for the age group above three years. ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common disease especially among children where they start to have anxiety over small issues, depression, overthinking, etc.
Amphetamine is a combination of two salts mainly l-amphetamine and d-amphetamine and due to the combination of the two, it is a stronger dose used for the treatment. The medicine also contains a percentage of other binders that ensure the proper functioning of the body. The ratio of the two major salts was determined for the proper functioning and was set at 3:1 in which 3 is for d-amphetamine.
Amphetamine comes in two forms that are tablets as well as capsules. The capsule forms are for the extended release of the medicine. The medicine is said to raise the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are called nerve stimulating hormones. The rising levels of these cause the person to calm down and help in lessening the anxiety.
The medicine has a variety of effects on the body. The effects vary from person to person as well as their resistance to it. Some people may suffer from headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite alongside some mental effects like depression, mood swings and also cause damage to the cardiovascular system.
What is Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is yet another medicine used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder commonly known as ADHD. The common systems of the disease include being cut-off from the environment, having mood swings, always being frustrated, etc. The medicine is suitable for everyone above the age of 3 and the disease is common in children.
Dextroamphetamine consists mainly of d-amphetamine and is a lesser stronger version of Adderall. Though they are used for the same treatment the exclusion of one of the salts makes it less harmful to the health of the patients. It also affects the cardiovascular system but in a smaller quantity.
The medicines are generally for release over an extended period. Dextroamphetamine is the generic name for dextrin and is cheaper. It comes in two forms that are span capsule form, that is the content of the capsules are released for a longer period and extended capsules.
The medicine also causes various effects on the body that can be categorised as either physical or mental. The physical effects include headache, loss of appetite, dry mouths, etc whereas the mental effects include mood swings, irritation, frustration for a shorter period, etc.
Main Differences Between Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine
- Amphetamine consists of two types of salt are d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine in the ratio 3:1 whereas Dextroamphetamine is the generic name and consists of a salt that is d-amphetamine in major quantities.
- The brand name for amphetamine is Adderall. In comparison to this, the brand name for Dextroamphetamine is Dexedrine.
- Amphetamine is available in two forms that are tablets as well as extended-release capsules whereas Dextroamphetamine is also available in capsules along with the spancule form.
- Amphetamine raises the levels of nerve stimulating hormones like dopamine, norepinephrine whereas Dextroamphetamine is responsible for increasing the production of the hormones like dopamine inside the body.
- Amphetamine causes a range of side effects from mental to physical. The physical effects are dizziness, loss of appetite, headaches, etc. In comparison to this, Dextroamphetamine is also known for causing various side effects like diarrhoea, drying of the mouth, feeling numbness or change.
Conclusion
Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine are the two most common medicines used for the treatment of ADHD. The disease is becoming more common these days due to the life we live and have. The lifestyle is changing and we are opting towards always being indoor. Amphetamine is a combination of two salts that are l-amphetamine and d-amphetamine whereas Dextroamphetamine is only one salt. Amphetamine is stronger and is relatively more harmful to the cardiovascular system. Amphetamine is used for the treatment of higher versions of ADHD and both of the medicines have side effects like headaches, mood swings, dryness, etc.
References
- https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/107/1/e10.short
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S193897361300024X