Amphetamine is a racemic mixture of d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine. The d-isomer is more potent in its CNS effects. The l-isomer has a longer elimination half-life and is more potent than the d-isomer in its cardiovascular effects. For a clear summary of the differences between dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, click HERE.
Short-acting (4 to 6 hours) amphetamine preparations
Mixed amphetamine salts (generic, Adderall®). See Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall® or Adderall XR®)
Dextroamphetamine (generic, Dexedrine® tablets, Zenzedi®). Dextroamphetamine is the more active dextro- isomer contained in the racemic amphetamine. See Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®): Basic Information
Amphetamine (Evekeo®). This is the racemic amphetamine, i.e., a mixture of d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine.
Special formulations of short-acting preparations
Dextroamphetamine oral solution (ProCentra®)
Medium-acting (about 8 hours) amphetamine preparations
Mixed amphetamine salts extended-release (Adderall XR® and generic)
Dextroamphetamine sustained-release (Dexedrine® Spansules). See Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®): Basic Information
Special formulations of medium-acting preparations
Amphetamine extended-release oral suspension (Dyanavel XR®, Adzenys ER®). This is an oral liquid containing an extended-release of amphetamine for once daily use. See Amphetamine (Dynavel-XR®) extended-release oral suspension: Basic information
Amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablets (Adzenys XR-ODT®). See Amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablets (Adzenys XR-ODT®)
Longest-acting (12 hours or longer) amphetamine preparations
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®). See Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®): Basic Information
“Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product” (Mydayis®). This is a triple-bead preparation of mixed amphetamine salts. See Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Mydayis®): Basic information and Triple-bead preparation of mixed amphetamine salts (Mydayis®)
Special formulations of the longest-acting preparations
Lisdexamfetamine chewable tablets (Vyvanse® chewable tablets)
Related Pages
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Tips for prescribing ADHD medications
Tips for managing abuse potential of medications for ADHD
Important interactions when using two medications for ADHD
How should ADHD be treated in persons with stimulant (including cocaine) use disorder
Stimulants
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A dozen tips to manage loss of appetite due to a stimulant (in adults)
Converting stimulants: Equivalent doses
Pros and cons of short-acting preparations of psychostimulants
Tips for managing abuse potential of medications for ADHD
Stimulant medications and irritability in children with ADHD
Stimulants for ADHD with a history of a substance use disorder?
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Stimulant “holidays” (breaks) in adults with ADHD?
How to get full-day coverage with stimulants
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Can a dopamine agonist (pramipexole, ropinirole) and a stimulant be combined?
Laws about prescriptions for psychostimulants
Are stimulants useful after traumatic brain injury?
Amphetamine preparations
Amphetamine preparations: Index and links
Pros and cons of dextroamphetamine versus levoamphetamine.
Eight tips for reducing the risk of abuse/diversion of stimulants
Ketogenic diet and amphetamines
Vitamin C if on a stimulant?
Does lisdexamfetamine really have lower abuse potential?
Converting from OROS methylphenidate to amphetamine is a two-step process
Amphetamine (Dynavel-XR®) extended-release oral suspension: Basic information
Amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablets (Adzenys XR-ODT): Basic information
What is the maximum dose of mixed amphetamine salts?
Do psychostimulant medications cause clinically-significant increases in blood pressure?
How exactly should blood pressure be monitored in persons on stimulants
How to manage stimulant-induced hypertension
When prescribing an amphetamine, warn patients about anti-acid medications
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®): Basic Information
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®): Basic Information
Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall®, Adderall XR®): Basic Information
Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Mydayis®): Basic information
Triple-bead preparation of mixed amphetamine salts (Mydayis®)
Combining stimulants and other medications
Combine a stimulant and atomoxetine?
Combining guanfacine and stimulants for ADHD
Be careful if a person is on both a stimulant and an antipsychotic
What could happen when changing from an antipsychotic to a stimulant?
Last revised October 4, 2022.
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Thanks for the clarifications especially on dosing of Vyvanse. Note that Adzenys is like pure amphetamine base:3.1 to 5mg mixed amphetamine salts or dextroamphetamine salts, 6.3 to 10 mg, 18.8 to 30 mg. Dextroamphetamine is more powerful than levo-amphetamine, I usually will start with a lower dose than the patient’s prior adderall dose.