amphetamine/dextroamphetamine vs dexmethylphenidate
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and dexmethylphenidate. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Adderall, Adderall XR
Focalin, Focalin XR
Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
AZSTARYS is a stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD. It can help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older. ADHD can make it hard to focus, pay attention, and control impulsive behavior. This medicine can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity.
AZSTARYS is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. ADHD can make it hard to focus, pay attention, and control impulsive behaviors. This medicine can help manage these symptoms.
Adderall XR works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. These substances affect attention and behavior. It helps to improve focus and reduce impulsive actions.
AZSTARYS contains two ingredients that affect chemicals in the brain. These chemicals help improve focus and attention. One ingredient is released right away, and the other is released slowly over time.
- • Loss of appetite
- • Trouble sleeping
- • Stomach pain
- • Feeling emotional
- • Throwing up
- • Decreased appetite
- • Trouble sleeping
- • Feeling sick to your stomach
- • Stomach pain
- • Weight loss
- Harm from different substances 2,100
- Misuse of medicine 1,661
- Death by suicide 796
- Taking too much medicine 437
- Heart stops 387
- Nausea 196
- Anxiety 189
- Headache 183
- Fatigue 169
- Abnormal Behaviour 166
Adderall XR has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store this medicine safely and do not give it to anyone else.
AZSTARYS has a high risk for abuse and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store it safely and don't give it to others.
Adderall XR may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Adderall XR.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if AZSTARYS will harm your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy registry to track outcomes in women who take ADHD medicines during pregnancy.
Also Compare, Nearby Drugs
Compare amphetamine/dextroamphetamine with
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How to Read This amphetamine/dextroamphetamine vs dexmethylphenidate Comparison
amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is classified in the CNS Stimulant drug class, while dexmethylphenidate sits within the CNS Stimulant class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine has 5,381 submissions while dexmethylphenidate has 903. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine or dexmethylphenidate.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.