Can you switch from Adderall to Phentermine?

Switching should only be done under a clinician’s supervision because the drugs have different purposes, risks, and dosing.

What DEA schedules are Adderall and Phentermine?

Adderall is Schedule II; Phentermine is Schedule IV under U.S. federal law.

What are common side effects of both?

Dry mouth, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, insomnia, hypertension, headache, dizziness, tremor, mood or libido changes, and possible allergic reactions.

Who can take Adderall?

It may be prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, including certain pediatric patients, based on clinician assessment and labeling.

Who can take Phentermine?

Typically adults and patients ≥16 years with obesity, as a short-term adjunct to lifestyle changes, per labeling and clinician judgment.

Is insurance more likely to cover Adderall or Phentermine?

Coverage varies by plan. Adderall is often covered for labeled indications; Phentermine coverage can be inconsistent.

Are there dangerous interactions?

Yes. Both have dangerous interactions with MAO inhibitors and can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Always disclose all medications to your clinician.

Is Phentermine effective for ADHD?

It is not FDA-approved for ADHD. Limited off-label use exists, but Adderall and other ADHD medications have stronger evidence for ADHD symptoms.

Adderall vs Phentermine. Explore the similarities, differences, and side effects of Adderall and phentermine. Learn how stimulants differ in treating ADHD & weight loss.

How Strong is Phentermine Compared to Adderall?

Q: How similar is Phentermine to Adderall?

They are not the same. Both have stimulant effects, but Phentermine is FDA-approved for weight loss while Adderall is FDA-approved for ADHD and narcolepsy.

Q: Which is stronger: Phentermine or Adderall?

Adderall is generally considered stronger for cognition and ADHD symptoms because it affects both dopamine and norepinephrine. Phentermine primarily increases norepinephrine to suppress appetite.

Q: Can you take Phentermine and Adderall together?

Combining them can increase cardiovascular and nervous system risks (e.g., elevated blood pressure). Do not combine without explicit medical guidance.

Q: Does Phentermine make you feel high?

Not typically. Some may feel increased energy or mild euphoria, while others feel restlessness or agitation. It’s intended for short-term use and requires supervision.

Adderall and phentermine are both controlled drugs, but they are not the same. Adderall is a stimulant and affects dopamine and norepinephrine, making it effective for ADHD and Narcolepsy (uncontrolled episodes of deep sleep).

Phentermine, on the other hand, is a sympathomimetic amine stimulant that affects norepinephrine to suppress appetite for weight loss.

Adderall is considered stronger than Phentermine because it affects both dopamine and norepinephrine. Each drug has a different purpose, potency, mechanisms of action, and effects on the body.

If you’re uncertain which medication option is safe and right for you, Therapy Fleet can connect you with licensed healthcare professionals who provide support and guidance. Book your online consultation now.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication that has a combination of two stimulants

Amphetamine
dextroamphetamine.

It is FDA-approved and used to treat ADHD conditions and narcolepsy. Adderall can be prescribed to children aged 3 and adults who are having problems with focus, attention span, impulsive behavior (ADHD), or sleeping issues (Narcolepsy). Adderall is a controlled substance and has the potential for misuse.

There are two main forms of Adderall.

Immediate Release IR (available in oral tablets)
Extended-release XR (available as capsules)

According to the CDC, approximately 7 million children (3 to 17 years) have been diagnosed with ADHD, and from those, roughly 2 million children did not receive ADHD treatment (2022).

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription medication that belongs to the sympathomimetic amines class. It is an FDA-approved appetite suppressant to help manage obesity.

Common brand names include Adipex, Fastin, Lomaira, and others. Phentermine can be prescribed to children aged 16 years, adults, and older with a BMI of 30 or above. It comes in oral tablet and capsule form.

Phentermine is intended for short-term use with lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity and a low-calorie diet.

In 2011, a study suggests that approximately 2.74 million people used antiobesity drugs, of which 2.43 million patients were phentermine users.

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Comparison Between Adderall and Phentermine

Adderall and Phentermine are both prescription drugs. These drugs stimulate the CNS, which includes the brain and the spinal cord. They function by releasing certain chemicals (neurotransmitters) called norepinephrine and dopamine. It helps to reduce impulsivity and suppress appetite. Comparison between Phentermine and Adderall is discussed below.

Differences Between Adderall and Phentermine

Differences	Adderall	Phentermine
Drug class	CNS stimulant	Sympathomimetic amines (stimulant-like)
Generic/brand name	Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts (Adderall, Adderall XR)	Phentermine (Lomaira, Adipex-P, Fastin, and others)
DEA Schedule	Schedule II	Schedule IV
Prescription	ADHD, Narcolepsy	Appetite suppressant for weight loss
Duration	Long-term (monitoring required)	Short term
Formulation	Intermediate Release(tablet) IR Extended Release(capsule) XR	Tablets and IR capsules
Risk and dependency	Higher	Less than Adderall
Dosage	5mg once or twice, every 4 to 6 hours. Up to 40mg per day	15 to 37.5mg/day
age	Children aged 3 and above	Children 16 years and above,
Off-label use	Weight loss	ADHD
usage	Long term	Short term
Mechanism of action	Increases Norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain (stimulates the CNS)	Increases norepinephrine (Suppresses appetite)
Risk factors	Heart problems	Hypertension, Diabetes
Cost	Higher (See the Adderall generic cost-effective)	Cheaper (Phentermine may be cheaper than Adderall.)
Insurance	Typically covered by insurance	Sometimes vary (sometimes not covered)

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Does phentermine make you feel high?

Not exactly. Some people may experience mild euphoria, energy, or alertness, while others may feel negative effects such as restlessness or agitation. Phentermine works by increasing norepinephrine and may also alter brain chemistry. It may impact mood, behaviour, and sleep. For these reasons, doctors typically prescribe it for short-term use under medical supervision.

If you are concerned about how Phentemine will affect you, it’s best to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

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Similarities Between Adderall and Phentermine

Prescription-only medications
Central Nervous System Stimulants
FDA-approved
Sometimes used off-label for other purposes, not listed in the comparison guide
Dangerous interaction with MAO inhibitors
Both drugs increase norepinephrine activity

13 Common Side Effects of Adderall and Phentermine

Dry mouth
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Diarrhea
Constipation
Insomnia
Hypertension
Serious allergic reaction
Tremor
Headache
Dizziness
Changes in libido
Mood changes

Seek medical attention immediately from a healthcare provider to discuss the side effects of Phentermine or Adderall.

How Strong is Phentermine Compared to Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant used to help with ADHD and Narcolepsy. Adderall increases both norepinephrine and dopamine, helping to improve attention and focus.

Phentermine is a milder stimulant appetite suppressant that primarily increases norepinephrine in the brain. Phentermine is a medication that works on the hypothalamus and is not strong for ADHD or Narcolepsy.

If we compare the two:

Adderall is considered stronger because it affects multiple neurotransmitters, while Phentermine is not that strong to treat ADHD or Narcolepsy. Adderall has a significant impact on cognition.
Off-label use of Adderall for weight loss can sometimes be prescribed, or Phentermine for ADHD. But an FDA-approved safe option for weight loss is Phentermine and Adderall, which is FDA-approved for ADHD.

Though everyone’s treatment goal and response is different, Adderall is an overall stronger stimulant than Phentermine.

Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication for ADHD or weight loss (Saxenda, Phentermine, Wegovy, Mounjaro)

Adderall or Phentermine? Which Medication is Right for You

The effectiveness and right choice of the drug depend on the person’s medical condition and response to the treatment.

Phentermine is a better choice for weight loss.
Adderall is used for ADHD and Narcolepsy.
Phentermine has been studied off-label to manage ADHD conditions. Their off-label uses may overlap.

Risks

Phentermine is not suitable for individuals who have cardiovascular problems.
Adderall and phentermine have the potential for abuse. However, it should be used carefully under medical supervision.
Misuse can lead to serious risks such as severe anxiety and heart rhythm problems.
If stopped abruptly, these medications may lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Consult your healthcare provider to see which medication is right for you, Addeall, and Phentermine for weight loss or for ADHD.

Conclusion

Adderall and phentermine are both prescription drugs and are FDA-approved, but they are not the same. Doctors may sometimes prescribe Phentermine off-label to manage ADHD, while Adderall for weight managment. These drugs have different dosing, age restrictions, and side effects.

Only a qualified doctor can determine the most suitable option for you. After assessment and diagnosis, they will set the dosage according to your needs and prescribe the medications.

Prioritize your health and book an online appointment at Therapy Fleet today to connect with licensed healthcare professionals.

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FAQs

Here are answers to some of the common questions that our therapists mostly receive about Adderall and Phentermine

1. How similar is phentermine to Adderall?

Phentermine and Adderall are not the same. However, they both act as stimulant medicines. But Phentermine is FDA-approved for weight loss, while Adderall is FDA-approved for ADHD.

2. Can you switch Adderall to phentermine?

Adderall and Phentermine cannot be replaced with other options without the doctor’s supervision.

3. Which medication is right for you? Phentermine or Adderall?

It depends on many factors. You don’t know which medication would be best for you. Therefore, it is important to consult the doctor first. For example, Adderall has side effects that can affect the heart, and phentermine does too. If you are taking phentermine with other drugs, it may cause some serious issues.

4. Can you take Phentermine and Adderall together?

No, phentermine and Adderall, if taken together, might cause some serious heart issues. Adderall releases the hormone norepinephrine, and phentermine also releases norepinephrine with epinephrine. These hormones can cause increased blood pressure and could lead to cardiovascular disease. A detailed guide is how long after taking Phentermine can I take Adderall

Medical Disclaimer:

At Therapy Fleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to Therapy Fleet’s qualified staff.