How Do Adderall and Meth (Methamphetamine) Differ?

Although Adderall and “meth” share similarities, they are not the same chemical. Methamphetamine can be prescribed for ADHD, but only under strict medical oversight.

Prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications have been climbing in the United States.

Amphetamine-based drugs have become among the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., with yearly increases in prescriptions.

Adderall is a frequently prescribed stimulant for ADHD that helps improve concentration and focus.

Still, it is sometimes conflated with methamphetamine (commonly called “meth”), another stimulant. So what sets them apart? Read on for more details.

How Adderall and meth differ

Adderall and methamphetamine are distinct drugs, though some of their differences are subtle while others are more obvious.

“Adderall is an amphetamine formulation that’s structurally related to methamphetamine but isn’t the same compound,” explains Dr. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist with Mindpath Health.

“Chemically, you can think of them as relatives,” he adds. “The primary structural distinction between amphetamine and methamphetamine is a single methyl group, which is why the names are nearly identical except for the ‘meth’ prefix.”

It’s also important to recognize that methamphetamines are not uniform.

First, there’s the illicit form: the version produced and sold illegally and frequently misused recreationally.

“Illegally manufactured methamphetamine should not really be referred to simply as ‘methamphetamine,’” says Dr. David Brody, clinical president at Done, which treats ADHD. “It contains deliberate or accidental contaminants, some of which increase the toxicity of the substance.”

Conversely, a legal form of meth exists that’s prescribed for ADHD.

“Many people would be surprised to learn there’s an FDA-approved medication for ADHD that is, in fact, methamphetamine,” Khan notes.

This legal meth is marketed under the brand name Desoxyn, “and it’s the only lawful meth product available,” he says.

Compared with illicit meth, Brody points out that prescribed stimulants such as Adderall and Desoxyn:

• are legal when prescribed
• are used to treat a clinician-diagnosed condition
• are managed by a healthcare provider (in collaboration with the patient) regarding timing, route, dose, and other key factors
• are taken in a consistent, long-term pattern
• are not typically taken in massive amounts over a short period or abruptly discontinued

Side effects: Adderall versus meth

Adderall, Desoxyn, and illicit meth all carry side effects, though these can differ based on duration and usage pattern.

Some side effects of Desoxyn (and Adderall) overlap with those seen with meth. Yet Brody stresses that the safety and tolerability of prescription ADHD medications are vastly different from illegal meth.

“To put it in perspective, the gap is like the distance to the moon compared with the distance to your local grocery store,” he says.

Common side effects associated with Adderall/Desoxyn and illegal methamphetamine include:

Brody notes that with Adderall or Desoxyn, “moderate or severe adverse effects are uncommon.” He adds that clinical trials showed “only about 10% of adults on stimulant treatments stopped the medication because of side effects.”

Why do some people equate Adderall with meth?

Some people hesitate to take Adderall because they assume it’s identical to meth or similar to the illegal drugs portrayed in shows like “Breaking Bad.” Why does this misconception exist?

Khan suggests the resemblance in names plays a big role.

“When a person collects their prescription and sees ‘dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts’ instead of ‘Adderall’ on the label, it can be surprising,” he explains.

Brody adds: “They are closely related medicines. Their chemical structures are nearly the same.” While minor structural differences are significant for their effects, they’re not obvious to those without chemistry training.

Is Adderall safe?

“When used at proper doses and under medical supervision, Adderall is safe for people with ADHD,” Khan says.

Both Khan and Brody stress that no drug is entirely without risk and every medication can cause side effects. Like meth, Adderall can be misused, obtained illegally, or used recreationally.

However, Brody points out, “The harm from untreated moderate to severe ADHD generally outweighs the relatively minor (if any) side effects of prescription treatment.”

Could meth be a safe substitute for Adderall?

Street methamphetamine is never an appropriate replacement for Adderall.

That said, “for certain patients, there is certainly a safe Desoxyn dose that could substitute for Adderall,” Brody states. “But determining which patients and what dose requires the prescribing clinician’s judgment.”

Desoxyn tablets are available in standard 5 mg doses and can be adjusted by a healthcare provider if needed. Still, a dose suitable for one person may not fit another, so it’s crucial to work with a clinician to find the right regimen.

Getting support for severe ADHD

If you’re dealing with severe ADHD symptoms, you don’t have to manage them by yourself. The following resources provide information, assistance, and opportunities to connect with others living with ADHD.

• ADDitude: Join expert-led webinars and view recorded sessions at no cost.
• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): Locate nearby in-person support groups.
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): If there’s no local group, explore online support groups and webinars.
• ADHD Online: Have ADHD questions? They offer free webinars featuring expert guidance and Q&A segments.

Alternatives during an Adderall shortage

The FDA reported in 2023 that Adderall supplies were experiencing shortages, attributed to rising demand and supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 era. According to news coverage, the shortfall eased somewhat in 2024 but persisted. As of May 2025, the FDA still lists amphetamine and dextroamphetamine among drugs in shortage.

What other medications might people consider when Adderall isn’t available?

Brody lists potential alternatives, including:

• amphetamine formulations (e.g., Adzenys)
• methamphetamine (in the form of Desoxyn)
• lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin)
• dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• bupropion (Wellbutrin)
• viloxazine (Qelbree)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor)
• dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, the D-isomer of amphetamine)
• Mydayis (a long-acting mixed amphetamine salts)
• methylphenidate patches (Daytrana) or liquid methylphenidate (Quillivant)
• nonstimulants such as clonidine and guanfacine

“Many of these medications are offered in immediate-, intermediate-, and extended-release formulations,” Brody explains. Some are stimulants; others are not.

For more information on nonprescription options and risks, see resources about are there natural alternatives to adderall and do they work and how long does adderall stay in your system.

Talk to your doctor

If Adderall is unavailable or you’re thinking about switching medications, consult a clinician before making changes. Every drug has its own side effects and potential interactions, so some options may not be right for you.

“Any change in medication must be tailored by a practitioner familiar with the patient and their medical history,” Brody advises.

Bottom line

In short, two types of methamphetamine exist: the illegal street form and the FDA-approved prescription medication Desoxyn. The illicit variety is never an appropriate stand-in for Adderall, whereas Desoxyn can be prescribed to treat ADHD.

Adderall and Desoxyn are chemically similar and share comparable side effects, with their generic names (amphetamine and methamphetamine) sounding alike — which can lead to confusion.

Both Adderall and Desoxyn carry a risk of misuse and dependence. They are classified as Schedule II stimulants under the Controlled Substances Act, indicating “a high potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence,” Khan says.

“Precautions are necessary with any medication,” Khan concludes, noting that patients should be monitored regularly by their doctors whether they are taking Adderall or Desoxyn for ADHD.