Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 5 versus DESOXYN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ADDERALL XR 5 versus DESOXYN.
ADDERALL XR 5 vs DESOXYN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Adderall XR 5 contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, 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.
20 mg orally once daily in the morning
Adults: 5-60 mg/day orally in divided doses, typically starting at 5 mg twice daily; maximum 60 mg/day.
None Documented
None Documented
d-Amphetamine: 10-13 hours (adults), 11-14 hours (children); l-Amphetamine: 13-15 hours (adults). The prolonged terminal half-life of the extended-release formulation supports once-daily dosing.
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 (approximately 90% as unchanged drug and metabolites, with 30-40% as unchanged amphetamine), fecal (minimal, <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