Is Adderall speed?

No and yes. Adderall is not speed, but they act the same way in the brain. More on differences between Adderall and speed here. 1. Adderall contains amphetamines. 2. Speed contains methamphetamine.

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No. And yes. Adderall is not technically the same thing as speed.

1. Adderall = Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine combination

2. Speed = Amphetamines (including methamphetamine)

However, both Adderall and speed are stimulants. And once in the brain, the main ingredients in Adderall and speed (methamphetamine and amphetamine) are indistinguishable. Here, we review what makes speed and Adderall different. And invite you questions about Adderall use or taking speed at the end.

How are Adderall and speed similar?

Both Adderall and speed are in the same class of stimulant drugs called amphetamines. They are DEA Scheduled medications, which means that although both Adderall and speed come with a high potential for abuse and are available only through a prescription. This is because amphetamines can seriously alter brain and body functions. In fact, Adderall and speed can often have similar effects on the body. Speed and Adderall side effects in adults include:

  • decreased appetite
  • euphoric mood
  • increased alertness
  • increased arousal
  • increased blood pressure
  • increased heart rate

Additionally, both stimulants are highly addictive and have similar health liabilities (How addictive is Adderall?). Because of their common mechanisms of action, medications that may be used to treat methamphetamine addiction may also be applied to amphetamine and Adderall addiction.

Abusing Adderall as well as amphetamines chronically can take its toll on your health, relationships, and financial stability. However, addiction to both of these substances can be managed safely and successfully in controlled medical conditions. You can find out more about the treatment process and available rehab program options in our comprehensive outline of Speed Addiction Treatment Programs & Help.

How are Adderall and speed different?

Simply put, speed is stronger than Adderall.

Methamphetamine differs from amphetamines because at comparable doses, much higher levels of methamphetamine get into the brain, making it a more potent stimulant than amphetamine. In addition, methamphetamine has a longer duration of action. Furthermore, compared to amphetamine, methamphetamine has greater effects on the central nervous system than on the sympathetic nervous system. As a result, speed carries with it a greater potential for harm to the brain, including misuse, abuse and addiction potential.

Speed and Adderall use questions

Are you wondering more about whether or not you are taking Adderall correctly? Are you worried about methamphetamine use? Please leave us your questions here. We answer all legitimate queries with a personal response. We are here to help and to point you to local resources that can get you help if you are ready and need it. All you need to do is ask.

Reference sources: NIDA Congressional Report: Medications Development Research for Treatment of Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Addiction
SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Advisory: Prescription Medications: Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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