Two medicines, side by side
Dextroamphetamine vs methylphenidate
Dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate are both labeled for ADHD. Drugs@FDA records approvals of dextroamphetamine since 1976 and of methylphenidate since 1955. Pharmacies paid $0.373 per dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet and $0.158 per methylphenidate 10 mg tablet (NADAC, October 7, 2026). Methylphenidate's other strengths are brand-only: $2.43 per mL (Quillivant XR 25 mg/5 mL suspension).
Check it at the source: the dextroamphetamine FDA label on DailyMed (effective November 26, 2025); the methylphenidate FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 31, 2026).
Highlights of the dextroamphetamine record
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) · label of November 26, 2025
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Dextroamphetamine sulfate has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including dextroamphetamine sulfate, can result in overdose and death (see OVERDOSAGE ), and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Used for
From the label: indicationsZenzedi ® (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate Tablets, USP) is indicated for: Narcolepsy. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- August 2, 1976
- Generic labelers
- 14 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.373 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- No current entry
- Recalls
- 24
Highlights of the methylphenidate record
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) · label of July 31, 2026
ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD, can result in overdose and death [see Overdosage ( 10 )], and this risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.
Used for
From the label: indicationsMethylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Capsules CD is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric patients 6 to 15 years of age. […]
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- December 5, 1955
- Generic labelers
- 31 labelers
- Pharmacy cost
- $0.158 per tablet
Supply and safety
- Shortage
- In shortage
- Recalls
- 55
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA (Dextroamphetamine label of November 26, 2025, Methylphenidate label of July 31, 2026); NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA, NADAC, FDA shortages and recalls (October 8, 2026)
How do dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate differ on the record?
Both are in FDA's class central nervous system stimulants.
Both labels carry a boxed warning; the records quote them.
Generics: dextroamphetamine since 1975; methylphenidate since 1977 (Drugs@FDA).
| Dextroamphetamine | Methylphenidate | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | ADHD | ADHD |
| Pharmacologic class | Central Nervous System Stimulant | Central Nervous System Stimulant |
| How it works (label) | n/a | Methylphenidate hydrochloride is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. The mode of therapeutic action in ADHD is not known. |
| Half-life (label) | n/a | n/a |
| Earliest approval on file (Drugs@FDA) | August 2, 1976 | December 5, 1955 |
| First generic approved | May 29, 1975 | December 23, 1977 |
| Generic labelers (NDC) | 14 labelers | 31 labelers |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC, each one's most listed form; strengths differ) | $0.373 per tablet (Dextroamphetamine 10 mg tablet) | $0.158 per tablet (Methylphenidate 10 mg tablet) |
| 12-month price change | -33% | -14% |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
| Recalls recorded | 24 | 55 |
| FAERS reports (a report is not proof of cause; counts follow how widely a medicine is used) | 7,605 | 73,102 |
| DEA schedule | CII | CII |
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages and recalls, FAERS via openFDA (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What do the labels say about using others of their kind?
Dextroamphetamine label, warningsIf concomitant use of dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with other serotonergic drugs or CYP2D6 inhibitors is clinically warranted, initiate dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets with lower doses, monitor patients for the emergence of serotonin syndrome during drug initiation or titration, and inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome.
Source: FDA drug labels via openFDA
What next?
- Alternatives to dextroamphetamine
- every medicine labeled for the same conditions