Almost all adults in America consume many types of psychoactive (mind-changing) drugs, out of which, Caffeine is most commonly used to speed up the breathing power as well as heart rate. There are other psychoactive drugs such as morphine, methylphenidate, heroin, amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA(Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) and so on that may cause a sudden feeling of euphoria( a state of extreme happiness or excitement) in the human body.
Meth(methamphetamine) and Adderall drugs are helpful to treat with therapies and OCT (over-the counter medicines in patients, if experiencing the symptoms of ADHD(attention deficit hyperactivity and disorder) and obesity. Some, obese people may suffer from other health disorders, especially ADHD, if left untreated. To minimize the risk of ADHD symptoms, the initial dose of Adderall medicine is prescribed by a doctor. To reduce obesity, Meth medicine’s recommended usual dose is also prescribed by a healthcare provider.
For the effective treatment of ADHD and obesity, in this blog, we will learn and understand the definition, functioning, use and dosages of both Meth and Adderall medications. Also, highlight some common similarities and differences, including side effects among them.
Difference between Meth & Adderall
Meth
What is an Meth Medicine?
Meth is also called Methamphetamine, which is very strong stimulant drug as compared to Adderall to affect the Central Nervous System. Metamfetamine and Methamphetamine are two common generic names of this medicine to effectively and efficiently treat both ADHD and obesity in adults and adolescents. Desoxyn is the brand name, which belongs to a family of well-known drug class known as Sympathomimetic drug.
This psychostimulant drug can cause effects like euphoria, increasing energy and alertness in people with ADHD condition. When this medicine is taken by a normal person, it helps him or her to stay awake during the day and can perform the task in an effective way with the requirement if less sleep.
How Meth Works?
Methamphetamine works on brain cells, which are called neurons to generate the feelings, thoughts and action in a person’s body by transmitting and receiving through chemical messages known as neurotransmitter.
Noradrenaline and Dopamine are two neurotransmitters or active ingredients contains in this branded prescription drug. The combination of these two brain chemicals helps to stimulate the central nervous system.
The Noradeline chemical help in responding towards threats or dangers that might occur in day-to-day to life of a person. Dopamine chemical also help in stimulating the CNS to be attentive, calm and focus in rare situations. This brain signal control unnecessary movements and make memory to work better by performing daily activities such as eating, drinking, sleeping and so on.
Uses
The Methamphetamine drug is rarely prescribed by a healthcare provider because of limited use while treating both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (psychological disorder) and obesity conditions.
Due to high potential risk for abuse and dependence, this branded prescription is classified under Schedule II of Controlled Substance Act (CSA).
By the effective use of this generic drug, one may experience reduced obesity, loss of appetite, heightened mood ( intense feeling of excitement and happiness), increase in alertness, concentration, energy and sexual libido (sex drive) etc.
Dose and Dosage Strengths
The dosage formation of Methamphetamine medicine comes in the form of pills and white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder with round shape.
The dosages of Methamphetamine drug , which can be specifically prescribed by a doctor as follows:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
For treating ADHD in adults, the initial dose is of 5 mg to be taken orally once in a day or within 12 hours an should be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
The daily dose may be increased with 5 mg per day on weekly basis unless an optimal response comes.
The maintenance dose ranges from 20 to 25 mg per day , which is effective for adults with ADHD and its daily dose may divide within 12 hours.
For children, who are below 6 years of age, it should not be prescribed because of safety and efficacy are not well-established.
For children, who are above 6 years and old, it should be prescribed to take the oral dose of 5 mg once in a day or within 12 hours. Further, the daily dose may increase, which lies between 20-25 mg per day at week intervals for optimal response.
Adderall
What is an Adderall Medicine?
It is an brand-name prescription medicine, which is well-recognized by other two branded drugs are Adderall XR(Extended-Release)and Mydayis.
Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine are two active ingredients, which are particularly used and prescribed to treat patients experiencing symptoms of ADHD, if mixed together.
Narcolepsy patients may take the Adderall medicine as it is formed by the combination of other two amphetamine salts that are Dextroamphetamine and Levoamphetamine. Thus, the combination or mixture of four amphetamine salts forms this generic drug to treat people with Narcolepsy (sleeping disorder).
How Adderall Works?
When the Adderall drug is taken, it mainly acts on the central nervous system, which in turn increase the level of two neurotransmitters basically are dopamine and norepinephrine. This medicine may increase the movement of brain signals, which helps ADHD patients to improve their attention, focus and control impulsive and hyperactive behavior.
In order to relieve symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy, the Adderall is
specifically used but not completely so patients should carefully listen the dosage prescription.
Thus, Addreall works better on the central nervous system, if taken accordingly under the supervision and guidance of a medical doctor., especially neurological doctor.
Uses
Apart from ADHD, this branded drug is also used to treat people with Narcolepsy(sleep disorders). While the main reason to use it only for relieving the symptoms of ADHD or treating ADHD condition effectively.
In order to efficiently treat Narcolepsy, especially those patients who are suffering from the most common sleeping problem is Insomnia. The Adderall medication help in reducing its symptoms and feel more active, relaxed throughout the day.
Also, patients experiencing ADHD can go with other treatment programs such as behavioral, psychological and social therapy to get the actual treatment instead of consuming for a prolonged interval.
Dose and Dosage Strengths
This branded drug generally available at pharmaceutical stores in oval shape,which comes in white color with two dosage formations are:
- Oral tablets
- Oral capsules
Further, it is categorized into two forms of dosages that are tablets form with immediate release and capsules form with extended release . They both offers complexity in their dosing schedules depending on a patient’s needs.
The dosages of Adderall (IR) immediate release tablets are listed-below:
- 2.5 mg
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
The dosages of Adderall XR(extended-release (ER)*) capsules are as follows:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 25 mg
- 30 mg
If ADHD patients are taking Adderall (IR) immediate release tablets then the drug lasts for approximately 6 hours. Also, if ADHD and narcolepsy patients are taking Adderall (XR) extended-release capsules then this medicine lasts for near to 12 hours.
Similarities Among Meth and Adderall Medications
- The Methamphetamine and Adderall medicines are grouped together into same drug class called CNS stimulant to affect the brain and nerve chemicals.
- In order to increase the concentration power, focus or concentration and alertness, both medications have common brain chemicals that are dopamine and norepinephrine to increase the speed of brain signals.
- If the treatment procedures are left untreated, an individual may experience or lead to common side effects such as loss of appetite, difficulty in sleeping, high blood pressure, fast heart rate etc.
- The initial dosages of these drugs are prescribed by a healthcare provider for specializing the common treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) occurring in patients.
- Differences Between Meth and Adderall Stimulant Drugs
- The Adderall medicine is ethically available only by prescription and has well-known medical use, while methamphetamine medicine is illicit to have without a prescription because of its high abuse and potential risk.
- The Adderall drug is used alternatively for ADHD and narcolepsy under the guidance of a healthcare expert, whereas methamphetamine drug is hardly prescribed and its medical use is limited.
- The Methamphetamine medication is highly strong and addictive as compared to the Adderall medication. Thus, Meth is more severe and related with higher risks of dependence, tolerance and health complications.
Common Side Effects of Both Meth and Adderall Medicines
- Insomnia(trouble sleeping)
- Decreased in appetite
- Fast heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Euphoria (feeling of extreme excitement and happiness)
- Wakefulness
- Increased alertness
- Cardiovascular issues
- Psychiatric disorders
Precautions
- ADHD patients should not exceed or more than the recommended dosage strengths of Adderall medicine as prescribed by a doctor.
- Seek medical assistance in order to avoid the symptoms while taking the initial dosages of Methamphetamine and Adderall drugs specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Do not combine these drugs as it may adverse effects on the cardiovascular and digestive system, which in turn lead to either coma or death, if left untreated.
- Do not interact with other stimulant drugs unless prescribed by a doctor for treating narcolepsy and ADHD patients.
- Avoid the prolonged use of both medicines as it may lead to high risk of symptoms such as seizures, confusion, agitation etc., occurring in a patient’s body.
Conclusion
Both methamphetamine and Adderall share some therapeutical effects because of their common stimulant properties. However, they differ in respect of their chemical formation, legal information, use, potential risk of addiction to improve overall well-being.
Thus, it is essential to use these medicines only when prescribed and to avoid misuse, overdose, which in turn may lead to either serious health issues or complications.