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Wednesday, Apr. 2, 2025

Is Adderall the same as methamphetamine?

Sean Vanderaa, MinnPost
no

While the amphetamine in Adderall and methamphetamine are related, there are differences in their chemistry and effects. 

Dr. Zishan Khan, cited in Healthline, called Adderall and methamphetamine “chemical cousins.”  Adderall is a medication that contains a mixture of amphetamines, not including methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is an amphetamine with an added CH3 molecule, a process known as methylation. While both amphetamines in Adderall and methamphetamine increase the amount of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, methamphetamine releases more dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure.  

Adderall is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in treating people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is also used to treat narcolepsy, a condition that causes extreme daytime sleepiness. While Adderall has a regulating effect for those with ADHD, people without ADHD using Adderall as a stimulant can experience a high. 

Methamphetamine is also available as a treatment for ADHD under the name Desoxyn. 

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