What’s the Difference Between Phentermine and Adderall?
Phentermine and Adderall are two different types of medications that are used for different purposes, but they do have some similarities in their effects and side effects due to their stimulant properties.
1. Purpose:
- Phentermine: This is primarily used as a weight-loss aid. It is prescribed to individuals who are obese and who have not been able to lose enough weight with diet and exercise alone. Phentermine is used short-term, along with exercise, diet, and behavior changes, to help you lose weight.
- Adderall: This is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It helps to increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD.
2. Drug Class:
- Phentermine: It belongs to the class of drugs known as "anorectics" or appetite suppressants.
- Adderall: It is a combination of two stimulant drugs, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, and belongs to the class of drugs known as central nervous system stimulants.
3. Side Effects:
- Both medications can cause side effects like increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dry mouth, insomnia, and anxiety. However, Adderall can also cause side effects like loss of appetite, weight loss, and mood swings.
4. Abuse Potential:
- Both medications have a potential for abuse and dependency due to their stimulant properties. However, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, while Phentermine is a Schedule IV drug, indicating a lower potential for abuse and risk of dependence compared to Schedule II drugs.
Remember, these medications should be taken only under the supervision of a healthcare provider, and the benefits and risks should be discussed thoroughly.
in summary
This is an excellent question. Both Adderall and Phentermine contain amphetamine or agents that look like amphetamine. Phentermine is a mild stimulant, an appetite suppressant, and a digestive tract manager, which means it can help you lose weight. The three hormones (norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine) are released, and the stimulation level is low.
Only two (Norepinephrine and Dopamine) are released at substantially higher amounts by Adderall. Adderall was created to provide increased stimulation. It helps you focus and is effective in treating a mental disease known as ADHD.
In a nutshell, Adderall is a higher stimulant with a weight-loss side effect (burning calories). However, because no Serotonin is present, you may have constipation. Phentermine, on the other hand, is a mild stimulant used to control hunger, and the release of Serotonin ensures that you have a regular bowel movement. You could say that Phentermine's principal purpose is Adderall's side effect, and vice versa.