Amphetamine is a psychostimulant drug that increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Its primary effects are wakefulness and improved focus. The drug is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Few studies have compared the efficacy of methylphenidate and amphetamine in the treatment of ADHD. Although methylphenidate is generally recommended first, some researchers believe that both medications should be tried prior to one or the other being chosen. It’s not uncommon for some individuals to respond better to amphetamine than methylphenidate and vice versa.6
Amphetamine is highly addictive and should only be used under the careful supervision of a qualified physician. Amphetamine-based stimulant medications are also more likely to cause a loss of appetite and weight loss than methylphenidate-based medications. Amphetamines can also be deadly when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant.
Like all stimulant medications, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can cause sleeplessness, loss and appetite and weight loss. Other common side effects include the following:
Other more severe side effects include the following:
Few studies have compared the efficacy of methylphenidate and amphetamine in the treatment of ADHD. Although methylphenidate is generally recommended first, some researchers believe that both medications should be tried prior to one or the other being chosen. It’s not uncommon for some individuals to respond better to amphetamine than methylphenidate and vice versa.5 6
Amphetamine is available both short- and long-acting formulas. The short-acting formulas generally work for about four hours whereas the long-acting formulas are good for the entire day. Amphetamines come in tablets and extended-release capsules. The tablets should never be chewed or crushed whereas the capsules can be broken open and sprinkled on food. The brand names for the different formulas are summarized here:
Short-acting
Long-acting
Dosages
Amphetamines are twice as strong as methylphenidate. Therefore, the minimum starting dose for children is 2.5 mg or half of what it would be for methylphenidate. The standards minimum dose for adults is 5 mg. The maximum amount of amphetamine is 40 mg versus 60 mg for methylphenidate.4
Research suggests that amphetamine is a safe and effective treatment in reducing the symptoms of individuals with ADHD. Adolescents with ADHD treated with mixed amphetamine salts showed significant improvements to their symptoms over a four-week period. The study further concluded that the 258 subjects tolerated a single dose of up to 40 mg well.3
Amphetamine is highly addictive and should only be used under the careful supervision of a qualified physician. Amphetamine-based stimulant medications are also more likely to cause a loss of appetite and weight loss than methylphenidate-based medications. Amphetamines can also be deadly when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a type of antidepressant.
Like all stimulant medications, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can cause sleeplessness, loss and appetite and weight loss. Other common side effects include the following:
Other more severe side effects include the following:
Research suggests that amphetamine is a safe and effective treatment in reducing the symptoms of individuals with ADHD. Adolescents with ADHD treated with mixed amphetamine salts showed significant improvements to their symptoms over a four-week period. The study further concluded that the 258 subjects tolerated a single dose of up to 40 mg well.4 3
Amphetamine is available both short- and long-acting formulas. The short-acting formulas generally work for about four hours whereas the long-acting formulas are good for the entire day. Amphetamines come in tablets and extended-release capsules. The tablets should never be chewed or crushed whereas the capsules can be broken open and sprinkled on food. The brand names for the different formulas are summarized here:
Short-acting
Long-acting
Dosages
Amphetamines are twice as strong as methylphenidate. Therefore, the minimum starting dose for children is 2.5 mg or half of what it would be for methylphenidate. The standards minimum dose for adults is 5 mg. The maximum amount of amphetamine is 40 mg versus 60 mg for methylphenidate.3 4
Amphetamines increase the synaptic activity of the dopamine and norepinephine neurotransmitters. Amphetamines stimulate the release of dopamine, block dopamine reuptake, inhibit dopamine storage and inhibit dopamine destruction.1 In addition to treating ADHD, amphetamines and dexamphetamines are commonly used to treat asthma and narcolepsy. Like methylphenidate, amphetamines are fast-acting; changes in behavior are apparent within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion.2
Amphetamine—along with methylphenidate—is considered to be a first-line therapy for controlling the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Research shows that amphetamines are just as effective as methylphenidate for treating ADHD. The amphetamine medication for ADHD is sold under the brand names Adderall, Dexetrine, Destrostat and Vyvanse.
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Amphetamines increase the synaptic activity of the dopamine and norepinephine neurotransmitters. Amphetamines stimulate the release of dopamine, block dopamine reuptake, inhibit dopamine storage and inhibit dopamine destruction.1 In addition to treating ADHD, amphetamines and dexamphetamines are commonly used to treat asthma and narcolepsy. Like methylphenidate, amphetamines are fast-acting; changes in behavior are apparent within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion.2
