Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus DESOXYN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL 5 versus DESOXYN.
ADDERALL 5 vs DESOXYN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Adderall 5 is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, which are central nervous system stimulants. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft by inhibiting their reuptake and promoting their release from presynaptic neurons.
Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is a sympathomimetic amine that promotes release of catecholamines (primarily dopamine and norepinephrine) from presynaptic nerve terminals, blocks their reuptake, and inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity. It produces CNS stimulation and peripheral alpha- and beta-adrenergic effects.
Initial: 5 mg orally once or twice daily; increase by 5 mg increments at weekly intervals. Maximum: 40 mg/day in divided doses.
Adults: 5-60 mg/day orally in divided doses, typically starting at 5 mg twice daily; maximum 60 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
Immediate-release: 9–11 hours (mean 10 hours for dextroamphetamine); extended-release: 10–13 hours. Terminal half-life may be prolonged with urinary pH >7.
Terminal elimination half-life: 9–14 hours (mean 12 hours) in adults; prolonged in alkaline urine (up to 25–30 hours). Clinically, twice-daily dosing maintains steady state after 2–3 days.
Renal (90% as unchanged drug and metabolites; ~30% unchanged), minor fecal elimination (<5%).
Renal: ~90% as unchanged drug and metabolites (primarily 4-hydroxyephedrine and 4-hydroxynorephedrine) within 48 hours; urinary pH-dependent: acidic urine increases elimination. Biliary/fecal: minor.
Category C
Category C
CNS Stimulant
CNS Stimulant