How Do Adderall and Meth

(Methamphetamine) Differ?
Medically reviewed by Philip Ngo, PharmD — By Chantelle Pattemore on January 20,
2023

Differences Side effects Misunderstandings Replacement

Alternatives Takeaway

While Adderall is similar to “meth,” they aren’t identical

chemicals. Methamphetamine can be used to treat ADHD
but only under careful doctor supervision.

Prescriptions for drugs to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are on the
rise in the United States.

According to the data, amphetamines have become one of the most prescribed drugs in
the United States — with more being prescribed each year.

A commonly prescribed drug for ADHD is Adderall, a stimulant that aids in enhancing
attention and focus.

However, it’s sometimes confused with methamphetamine (also known as “meth”), which
is another type of stimulant. So how do they vary?

The difference between Adderall and

methamphetamine (meth)
While Adderall and methamphetamine are two different drugs, some of their differences
are more pronounced than others.

“Adderall is an amphetamine drug that is related in structure to methamphetamine but is

not specifically the same product,” says Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist with Mindpath
Health.

“You can think of them both chemically as cousins,” he continues. “The main difference
between the chemical structure of amphetamine and methamphetamine is a single
methylation, which is why the name is essentially the same except with the prefix ‘meth.’”
Illustration by Alyssa Kiefer

However, it’s vital to understand that not all methamphetamines are created equal.

First, there’s meth in its illegal form: the type made and sold illegally and often misused as
a recreational drug.

“Illicitly obtained methamphetamine should not even be called ‘methamphetamine,’”

states Dr. David Brody, clinical president at Done, an ADHD treatment service. “It has
intentional or accidental impurities, some of which have been demonstrated to increase
(the) toxicity of the methamphetamine itself.”

On the other hand, there’s a legal form of meth that’s prescribed for ADHD treatment.

“Many will be shocked to learn that there is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-
approved medication for the treatment of ADHD that is, in fact, methamphetamine,”
reveals Khan.

This type of meth is found under the brand name Desoxyn “and is the only legal meth
product (available),” he adds.

Compared with illegal meth, Brody explains, prescribed stimulants such as Adderall and
Desoxyn are:

can be taken legally

are taken with the intent to treat a condition diagnosed by a qualified clinician
are controlled by a practitioner (in cooperation with the person) with regard to
timing, mode of administration, dosage, and other crucial parameters
are taken in a stable pattern over an extended period of time
aren’t taken in very large doses during a short time span or stopped abruptly
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The side effects of Adderall vs. meth

Adderall, Desoxyn, and illegal meth all have side effects — although these can vary
depending on the length of time they’re taken.

Some potential side effects arising from Desoxyn (as well as Adderall) are similar to those
seen with meth. However, Brody explains it’s essential to understand that the safety and
tolerability of legalized prescription ADHD medications are miles apart compared with
illegal meth.

“To emphasize this, I will compare it to the degree to which the distance to the moon
dwarfs the distance to the local supermarket,” he states.
The following are the side effects of Adderall/Desoxyn and illegal methamphetamine:

Adderall/Desoxyn Illegal methamphetamine

dry mouth tooth decay

trouble sleeping trouble sleeping

weight loss weight loss

reduced appetite sweating

headaches mood disturbances

anxiety anxiety

irritability irritability

upset stomach increased blood pressure

faster heartbeat Rapid or irregular heartbeat

increased blood pressure psychosis

psychosis (when misused) —

When taking Adderall or Desoxyn, “moderate or severe adverse effects are uncommon,”
states Brody. He notes that, in clinical trials, “only 10% of adults treated with stimulant
medications discontinued the medication due to adverse events.”

Why do people believe Adderall is the

same as meth?
Some people are reluctant to take Adderall because they think it’s the same as meth or
similar illegal drugs we see in shows such as “Breaking Bad.” But why might this be?

Khan believes it’s largely because of their names being very similar.

“When a patient picks up their prescription from the pharmacy, and it has
‘dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts’ listed instead of ‘Adderall,’ it can be a bit jarring
to see,” he explains.

Furthermore, Brody says: “They are very similar medications. Their chemical structure is
almost the same.” While these small differences are important in how they affect us,
without a degree in chemistry, they can be difficult to discern.
 Is Adderall safe?
“In appropriate doses and under a doctor’s supervision, Adderall is certainly safe
for those with ADHD to take,” states Khan.

Both he and Brody emphasize the importance of remembering that no

medications are 100% safe, and all have the potential of side effects. And just like
illegal meth, Adderall can be misused, illegally obtained, or used as a recreational
drug.

However, continues Brody, “The deleterious effects of untreated moderate or

severe ADHD far outweigh the relatively mild (if any) adverse effects of
(prescription drug) treatment.”

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Is there a safe dosage of

methamphetamine to replace Adderall?
Methamphetamine in its illegal form is never a suitable alternative to Adderall.

However, “for certain patients, there is undoubtedly a safe dosage of Desoxyn to replace
Adderall,” states Brody. “But it is impossible to say which patients and what dosage that
would be unless one is the prescribing clinician.”
Desoxyn tablets come in standard doses of 5 milligrams and can be multiplied if
considered necessary by a doctor or healthcare professional. However, a dose that works
for one person might not be suitable for another. Therefore, it’s critical to work with a
healthcare professional to determine what’s best for you.

Getting support for severe ADHD

If you’re experiencing severe ADHD symptoms, you don’t need to face them
alone. These resources offer guidance, support, and the chance to connect with
other people with ADHD.

ADDitude: Attend expert-led webinars and access recordings of previous

sessions for free.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(CHADD): Find which of its nationwide in-person support groups are closest
to you.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): If there’s no in-person group
nearby, there are online support groups and webinars you can join.
ADHD Online: Have questions about ADHD? This site runs free webinarsSUBSCRIBE
with expert advice and question-and-answer sessions.

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Alternative medications during the

Adderall shortage
The FDA announced  in October that supplies of Adderall were facing a shortage. It’s
thought that increased demand and supply chain issues are behind the shortfall.

Stock levels aren’t expected to return to normal until early next year. So what medications
can people with ADHD look to instead?

Brody says that potential alternatives include:

amphetamine (such as Adzenys)

methamphetamine (in Desoxyn form)
 lisdexamfetamine (also known as Vyvanse)
methylphenidate (such as Ritalin)
dexmethylphenidate (such as Focalin)
atomoxetine (such as Strattera)
bupropion (such as Wellbutrin)
viloxazine (also known as Qelbree)
nortriptyline (also known as Pamelor)
dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, also known as the D-isomer of amphetamine)
Mydayis (a long lasting mixed salt combination of amphetamine)
methylphenidate patches (Daytrana) or methylphenidate liquid (Quillivant)
nonstimulants such as clonidine and guanfacine

“Many of the medications in this list are available in immediate-release, intermediate-

release, and extended-release forms,” Brody adds. Some are also classed as stimulants,
while others aren’t.

Talk with a doctor

If you can’t get Adderall or are looking to switch to an alternative ADHD
medication, it’s vital to speak with a doctor before doing so. All drugs come with
different side effects and can also interact with other medications — meaning
certain ones may not be suitable for you.

“Adjustment of any medication, for any reason, must be individualized by a

practitioner with knowledge of the patient and their history,” states Brody.

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The bottom line

Essentially, there are two types of methamphetamine: the illegal variety and the FDA-
approved legal medication in the form of Desoxyn. While the illegal type should never be
used as an alternative to Adderall, Desoxyn can be used to treat ADHD.
Adderall and Desoxyn are similar in chemical composition and side effects, and their
generic names (amphetamine and methamphetamine, respectively) are also alike —
meaning they can sometimes be confused.

Just like methamphetamine, Adderall has the potential for misuse and addiction. Both
Adderall and Desoxyn are Schedule II stimulants under the Controlled Substances Act,
which means “they have a high risk for abuse, addiction, and the development of
dependence,” explains Khan.

“With any medication, there need to be precautions taken,” says Khan, who added that
people “must continue to be monitored during follow-up visits with their doctors,”
whether taking Adderall or Desoxyn for ADHD.
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Last medically reviewed on January 20, 2023

How we reviewed this article:

 SOURCES HISTORY

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our
articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jan 20, 2023

Written By
Chantelle Pattemore

Edited By
Rayne Whitington

Medically Reviewed By
Philip Ngo, PharmD

Copy Edited By
Brennan Doherty

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