Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that causes attention difficulties, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. Studies have estimated that 8.7 million adults in the United States have ADHD.
ADHD is often treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. The most common type of medication used to treat ADHD is prescription stimulant drugs. These substances alter dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, causing you to experience improvements in attention and impulsivity.
Two of the medications used to treat ADHD are Desoxyn and Adderall. While Adderall is the most widely known prescription stimulant, Desoxyn is not as common. These medications have some similarities, but there are many differences to be aware of.
First, Adderall and Desoxyn contain different substances. Adderall is a combination of different amphetamine salts while the active ingredient in Desoxyn is methamphetamine hydrochloride. Because of the risks and potential side effects of Desoxyn, healthcare professionals tend to prefer Adderall for ADHD treatment.
What is Desoxyn?
Desoxyn contains methamphetamine, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that can treat ADHD. You have probably heard of meth in the context of substance abuse, as many people abuse it to experience increased energy and euphoria. While meth is commonly abused, Desoxyn is an FDA-approved version of the drug that can manage impulsiveness and attention issues among those with ADHD.
The common side effects associated with Desoxyn include:
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Tremors or shaking
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
This medication can also lead to serious side effects like addiction, serotonin syndrome, circulation problems, and more. If you are prescribed Desoxyn, your doctor will help you manage side effects and weigh the risks and benefits.
Since Desoxyn contains meth, a Schedule II stimulant, you should always use caution when taking it. Abusing it will lead to a substance use disorder that requires professional treatment.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD. Like Desoxyn, it is considered a stimulant and a Schedule II drug. While it has medicinal uses, it is a known substance of abuse.
Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. By altering the way your brain processes dopamine and norepinephrine, it can manage impulsivity and attention issues among those with ADHD. However, if you do not have ADHD, this medication will cause a high that includes increased energy, fast heart rate, and a rush of euphoria.
The common side effects of Adderall include:
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- Changes in sex drive
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
What is the Difference Between Desoxyn and Adderall?
The main difference between Desoxyn and Adderall is their active ingredients. While Desoxyn contains methamphetamine, Adderall has a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts.
Additionally, the dosage for these ADHD medications is different. While Desoxyn is only available in 5mg, Adderall has a range of doses.
The available doses for Adderall include:
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
One of the reasons healthcare professionals prefer Adderall over Desoxyn is because it has more dosing options.
It is important to note that Desoxyn usually is not the first line of treatment for ADHD. It is not prescribed until other medications like Adderall are ineffective in managing your symptoms due to the risk of addiction associated with methamphetamine, the active ingredient in Desoxyn.
Are Desoxyn and Adderall Addictive?
Both Desoxyn and Adderall are habit-forming and addictive when misused. If you are taking either medication and do not have ADHD, you are likely to develop a substance use disorder. Even those with ADHD can develop an addiction if they are taking the medication in a manner other than prescribed.
The signs of Desoxyn or Adderall addiction include:
- Running out of your prescription early
- Taking more than you are prescribed
- Going to multiple doctors to receive more than one prescription
- Stealing pills from friends or loved ones or taking Desoxyn or Adderall without a prescription
- Experiencing cravings to misuse Adderall or Desoxyn
- Needing to increase your dose of the medication to experience the desired effect
- Mixing Adderall or Desoxyn with other substances like alcohol
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of Desoxyn or Adderall
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Adderall or Desoxyn
If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction to Adderall or Desoxyn, it’s time to seek help. Drug rehab programs can offer the tools and support you need to overcome a stimulant use disorder.
Dangers of Abusing Prescription Stimulants
Addiction is only one of the risks of abusing prescription stimulants like Desoxyn and Adderall. Long-term abuse of these drugs can lead to several adverse health reactions, including psychosis, cardiovascular conditions, and overdose.
The dangers of abusing stimulants like Adderall and Desoxyn include:
- Irregular or fast heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Heart attacks
- Respiratory issues
- Tremors or tics
- Paranoia and psychosis
- Seizures or convulsions
- Kidney and liver conditions
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Life-threatening overdoses
- Coma and death
If you frequently abuse a stimulant drug, addiction treatment is vital to your health. As you can see, there are countless long-term consequences of abusing stimulants. Addiction treatment centers can help you overcome stimulant abuse before you develop lasting health conditions.
Find Help for Adderall or Desoxyn Abuse
If you or a loved one abuses stimulant drugs like Adderall or Desoxyn, it’s time to seek help. At Mandala Healing Center, we offer a combination of compassionate and evidence-based care to ensure our clients get the help they need.
Contact us today for more information on our prescription drug addiction treatment center.