Food and Drug Administration (FDA)in 1976 under modern standards, but the drug was previously available on the market under different guidelines.īy contrast, Adderall is a much newer medication, with the instant-release form of the drug approved by the FDA in 1996. The medications work by acting on the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with hyperactivity, impulsiveness, inattention.ĭextroamphetamine was first approved by the U.S. Other drugs belonging to the central nervous system stimulants class of drugs include Ritalin and Vyvanse.Ĭompared to Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall and dextroamphetamine are stronger, more stimulating medications. Adderall: OverviewĪdderall and dextroamphetamine belong to a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants.Īdderall is the brand name for a medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine as its active ingredients, while dextroamphetamine is the generic name for a medication sold under the brand name Dexedrine. When comparing ADHD medications, there are similarities and differences associated with both. Up to 10 percent of children in the United States are estimated to have the disorder, which can make behaviors like paying attention, sitting still, and staying calm very challenging.ĪDHD may result in low levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.Īdults and children ages three and older who are diagnosed with ADHD may be prescribed a stimulant medication for the treatment of their condition.ĭextroamphetamine and Adderall are two popular prescription stimulant drugs commonly prescribed for treatment of ADHD. One of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children in the United States is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD.

Dextroamp amphetamine