Comparison Between Phentermine vs. Adderall
Both Phentermine and Adderall are prescription medications used for managing the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. While Adderall is approved for that, Phentermine is used off-label for ADHD. You can find Phentermine under the name Adipex-p or Lomaira on the market.
You cannot interchange these drugs, as both have visible differences in terms of dosage, age range it is used for, and side effects. Yes, both are CNS stimulants, but both have completely different modes of action. Learn more about Phentermine vs Adderall in this blog.
But before that, contact Therapy Fleet and connect to our online medical professionals. They can guide you through the different treatment options for ADHD and devise the best plan for you.
What Is It Like to Have ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological disease characterised by symptoms of impulse control, inattention and hyperactivity. ADHD is usually diagnosed during childhood but remains throughout. Adderall is the first-line treatment for ADHD.
Your doctor will prescribe over-the-counter supplements or non-stimulants if it does not work out. Most often, people with ADHD suffer from anxiety; in this case, non-addictive anxiety drugs are prescribed. When taken as directed, Adderall helps control impulses and reduces hyperactivity.
What Are the Differences Between Phentermine and Adderall?
Phentermine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action
Phentermine belongs to a class of drugs called anorectics, which are drugs that aid in weight loss. Biologically, it is related to amphetamines. Phentermine is a Schedule IV drug, making it vulnerable to abuse and dependency. Phentermine comes in the form of tablets and extended-release (XR) capsules. It is used for appetite suppression and helps in weight loss in adults for short-term only, over the age of 17.
With the correct drug administration, Phentermine suppresses appetite. You can also find Phentermine by the name of Qsymia, which consists of Phentermine and Topiramate. The FDA approves Qsymia for chronic weight management in people over the age of 12. Phentermine is a part of the treatment plan, which includes a low-calorie diet and exercise.
The Effects of Adderall on Your Body
Adderall is a prescription medication available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations. Adderall IR is used for treating ADHD and narcolepsy in children and adults, while Adderall XR is only used for ADHD in children and adults.
Adderall vs Phentermine: both are central nervous system stimulants, but Adderall is a Schedule II drug. It comes with a boxed warming and has a high potential for abuse. The active ingredient in Adderall is the amphetamines salts.
Adderall alters the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to stay focused and alert. The correct Adderall dosage for adults is important for keeping ADHD symptoms at bay. Signs your Adderall dose is low are also noticeable.
Adderall works by increasing the number of certain substances in the brain that help with alertness, concentration, and focus. Treatment for Adderall includes lifestyle changes, therapy, such as ABA therapy for ADHD, CBT exercises for ADHD, and educational interventions.
Phentermine vs Adderall- Potencies and Dosing
Phentermine
- It is available in capsules- 15, 30 and 37.5 mg tablets 8mg and Lomaira 37.5 mg.
- The usual dosage is 15, 30 or 37.5 mg/ day, usually in the morning, 2 hours before breakfast.
- In contrast, Lomaira consists of a low quantity of phentermine and is prescribed as one-half (4 mg) or one (8 mg) tab by mouth three times per day, preferably 30 minutes before meals.4
Adderall
- Adderall IR is available at 5, 7.5, 12.5, 15, 20, and 30 mg, while Adderall XR is available at 5,10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mg only.
- Adderall XR for children between 6 to 17 years- 10mg/day, preferably in the morning
- For adults, 20mg/day, preferably in the morning.
- For children with ADHD between 3 and 5 years- the initial dose is 2.5mg.
Phentermine vs Adderall: Safety & Side Effects
All medicines come with side effects. If your doctor prescribed you Phentermine vs Adderall, look out for visible side effects that are bothering you. If the symptoms do not resolve after 2-weeks, contact your doctor.
Note: Adderall comes with a boxed warning; misusing it can lead to complications of the heart and sudden death, too.
Phentermine
Potential side effects include;
- Stomach problems, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting
- Dry mouth and
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Serious Side Effects
Call 911 right away if you notice the following
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Angina
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping
Adderall
Some common side effects are;
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Stomach problems like nausea, constipation or diarrhoea
- Changes in sex drive; erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Menstrual cramps
- Weight loss
- Headache
Serious Side Effects
Look out for the following;
- Mania
- Agitation
- Slowed or difficult speech
- Seizures
- Numbness or weakness of an arm or leg
- Tics (repeated, sudden, and uncontrollable twitching, movements, or sounds)
- Depression
- Grinding of teeth
- Hallucinations
- Hoarse voice and
- Peeling of skin
Note- children using Adderall should closely be monitored as Adderall XR affects growth in children.
Phentermine vs Adderall: Precautions
Phentermine vs Adderall is not safe for all. There are drug interactions, warnings and side effects to consider. Before starting either of them, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Tell them about;
- Your present medical condition
- Any medicine allergies
- Your family history
- Any history of substance abuse disorder
- And a list of all OTCs, supplements and prescription drugs you use.
Avoid both Phentermine vs Adderall if,
- You have a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, cognitive heart failure, hypotension and heart rhythm conditions. It increases health risks of all kinds.
- If you have used monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOI in the past 14 days
- If you have glaucoma or overactive thyroid
Conditions Treated- Phentermine vs Adderall
The main use of phentermine is for weight loss. It is a weight loss medication. It has helped people manage weight, people who have a BMI (body mass index) of 30kg/m2 or more, or people who have a BMI of 27 kg/m2 with weight-related complications, diabetes and high blood pressure. Phentermine is an appetite suppressant, and it is used along with reduced-calorie diet and lifestyle changes.
In contrast, Adderall is approved for ADHD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder consisting of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. Adderall IR is also approved for narcolepsy.
Off-label, Adderall aids in weight loss as a side effect, and Phentermine is prescribed for managing ADHD. Please discuss your medical history and seek medical advice before starting the treatment of ADHD.
Phentermine vs Adderall- Cost Comparison
Many insurance plans cover Adderall, while the cost depends on the specifics of the insurance agency. The generic version of Adderall is cheaper. In comparison, Phentermine’s insurance coverage is not consistent because of its use for weight loss. Generally, weight loss drugs are not a part of insurance plans.
For those without insurance, the costs of Phentermine vs Adderall vary. Phentermine is a generic medication and is cheaper than the brand Adderall. The cost of 37.5 mg of Phentermine is around $12 for seven tablets. At the same time, the retail price for Adderall is $ 150.
Drug Interactions
Phentermine and Adderall have similar drug interactions.
- As mentioned earlier, avoid MAOi, a type of antidepressant, while on these drugs, as it can raise blood pressure to an extremely dangerous level. This combination also leads to serotonin syndrome.
- Phentermine and Adderall should be used with caution if you are on serotonergic drugs. So, avoid SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, as it raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Both these drugs reduce the blood pressure. So, do not combine blood pressure-lowering drugs. Keep a constant check on your blood pressure, too.
- Phentermine helps to lose weight. Adjust your insulin or diabetic dose accordingly. Monitor your blood sugar levels constantly and alter your diabetic plan during Phentermine treatment.
- Adderall takes time to absorb when combined with proton pump inhibitors.
- Alkalising agents increase the levels of Adderall in the blood, while acidifying agents reduce the body’s absorption of Adderall, decreasing its effectiveness.
Using Phentermine & Adderall Together?
No, it is not recommended to use these drugs together. Adderall increases the levels of norepinephrine, while Phentermine raises norepinephrine and epinephrine. All these hormones raise the blood pressure and heart rate, leading to the risk of heart disease.
Phentermine vs Adderall- Which One’s for Me?
No one factor determines which one would suit you better. Talk to an online doctor or visit them personally to discuss your concerns. Depending on your conditions, they can choose the best drug for you.
How to Get a Prescription for Adderall or Phentermine?
Both these drugs require a valid prescription from your doctor. If you want to skip the queue, visit Therapy Fleet. Find out more on how to get prescribed Adderall and how to buy Phentermine online for weight loss.
The Bottom Line
Phentermine vs Adderall are different stimulant medications and are controlled substance(s) prescribed for short-term use for ADHD. However, Phentermine is used off-label for ADHD; it is mainly a weight loss drug. In contrast, Adderall is FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy with ADHD. The dosing for both varies, depending on the usage, diagnosis and age of the individual. However, one thing in common is that both are controlled substances and have a high potential for dependency and abuse.
If you are looking for an ADHD treatment plan, contact Therapy Fleet, as they can devise the best plan for you, reviewing the risks and benefits of both Phentermine and Adderall.
Keep pushing forward, even when it feels tough—every step brings you closer to your goals. You’ve got the strength to achieve great things!
FAQS
1. Are phentermine vs Adderall the same?
No, they are not. Both are stimulant drugs prescribed for completely different diagnoses. Phentermine is approved for weight loss, while Adderall is for narcolepsy and ADHD. Adderall contains amphetamine salts, while Phentermine phenyl-tertiary-butyl amine.
2. Is phentermine or Adderall better?
Determining which is more effective is not possible. It depends on the condition in which it is used. Phentermine is better suited as a weight loss pill and is approved for that, while Adderall might sometimes be used off-label for the same. In contrast, Adderall has FDA approval for ADHD, while Phentermine is used off-label for the same. So, knowing the effectiveness can’t be determined.
3. Can I use phentermine or Adderall while pregnant?
No, as they are controlled substances, using either of them is not recommended nor safe during pregnancy. But, if the benefits outweigh the risks, it can be used. Consult a doctor for more information.
4. Can I use phentermine or Adderall with alcohol?
Try to avoid using Adderall vs Phentermine with alcohol. The side effects like dizziness and headaches will increase. I was drinking alcohol while on these drugs, which also increases the risk of dependency and abuse.
