Dexamphetamine v street amphetamines

[Playfulpups]

Does anyone know how the amount of active ingredient in a typical prescribed dose of dexamphetamine (Amfexa) compares with the amount of active ingredient that drug addicts take?
I’m wanting to understand how close these values are (hopefully they are very different!), to get more understanding about potential side effects

You can’t measure them

drugs bought from drug dealers are mixed with all sorts of substances. I regularly carry out drug swabs (on patients) and see the results it’s a real eye opener

About the same ratio of morphine to heroin which is the same as knowing the length of the metaphorical string.

Really hard to tell because street drugs are cut and often very inconsistent in dosage.

If it helps, as someone who has had both (one not for a very long time!) the feeling is completely different.

Like the difference between having a strong coffee and having some adrenaline injected directly into your veins.

@beeskipa that’s helpful. I’m concerned about some of the (relatively high) prescribed dose side effects on heart rate and blood pressure, especially over many years of prescribed use.
I am very much hoping street drugs are like x20 more potent or something

How about roughly, like the general order of difference eg x10, x100? As I have zero clue

Why though?

If someone is prescribed dexamphetamine it must be for a good reason. And those side effects will surely be monitored?

Surely it would depend on how high the prescribed dose is. Also the prescribed drug is likely to be maintained over long periods therefore with a propensity for more damage than someone taking speed on an odd occasion for a night out. And even if street amphetamine was stronger those risks from the prescribed drug would still be exactly the same.

@AlwaysFreezing because individuals do still need to take responsibility for their own health, and whilst currently still willing to prescribe, medics are also expressing possible concerns about side effects, so I am trying to get a better understanding of context

@XiCi i have no idea how “high” the prescribed dose is in comparison to illegally obtained drugs though, literally zero clue

The amount of active Ingredient in dexamfetamine is the amount stated on the tablet. If the tablet is 20mg then the amount of active ingredient is 20mg. The amount of active ingredient in “street” drugs is not controlled and would depend on a number of factors. People that take “street drugs” for recreational purposes usually would be looking for much higher amounts of active ingredient than in a typical therapeutic dose of dexamfetamine.

Do you have any idea of the order of “much higher”?

Well obviously it will be a much lower dose in a treatment for something like ADHD than a dose someone would take for a hit before going to a nightclub. If you are prescribed these medications blood pressure etc are carefully monitored. Why haven't you discussed this with your physician? They are not street drugs, there is no use comparing them. Any side effects or worry about side effects should be discussed with your doctor.

Maybe if you tell us the context we might be able to help put your mind at rest because this train of thought sounds very irrational

This question doesn't quite work, as you can adjust a dose of illegal amphetamines to match that of legal ones (kind of). Can I ask why you don't just read the leaflet that came with it to see what the some effects might be, rather than trying to compare with illegal drugs? Seems a strange thing to do.

Please read my post up thread where I’ve already explained

*side

You haven't quite though. You can't compare street drugs with legal ones. They aren't the same. They have different things in, are cut with all sorts. For example, methamphetamine is mainly ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, however often has all sorts of thing added to it (MSM, dyes, other stimulants, sulphur or phosphorous, and other extremely dangerous drugs like fentanyl). It's not really possible to compare this concoction with a legally prescribed drug.

I’m interested in why you want to know!.

Have you used street drugs in the past (or are thinking of starting to use them?!) and are now worried about potential side effects, or have you been prescribed some and are worried about cumulative effects from prior street use?
Or is this someone you know is using street drugs and you want to give them some facts? Or something else?

Magpie no none of these. It’s exactly as I said in post at 8.35. Medics are concerned but continuing to prescribe for quality of life. I am looking for ways to find context.

Dexamfetamine is not amphetamine so it’s hard to compare dosages it’s apples and pears. There isn’t a recognised doseage equivalency.

In addition dexamfetamine comes in instant release and modified release. As others have said I think you are not going to get your comparison here. Sorry.

See here:

http://www.kfx.org.uk/drugfacts/druggfactsamphetamines.php

Says that doses of 100mg-200mg or more of amphetamine sulphate are common among users of speed. Don't know how this accounts for impurities. But 20mg would be a normal prescription for an adult with ADHD or narcolepsy. So 5-10x more at the very least?

No OP, don't take drugs bought off the street, HTH.

According to the very reliable Wikipedia (I haven't checked the sources linked but a quick glance they look ok). People with amphetamine tolerance have been reported to take doses of around 100x the maximum prescribed therapeutic doses.

So yes. It sounds like people can recreationally take quite a lot if they are doing so on a regular basis. I imagine people who are just taking some on the odd night out are not taking doses this high.

Okay- I see you have updated the thread and o understand more now.

If you want to know about the dosage equivalency between a pure amphetamine paste and instant release dexamphetamine - there isn’t one.

It you want to know what dose of amphetamine is in a usual recreational dose- that depends on a lot of individual factors. You could google for the “usual dose” but it’s a bit like asking how much alcohol do people usually drink.

You do seem to be working from the assumption that higher doses mean more side effects and more danger- that isn’t always the case.

If you are looking for context about why people with ADHD use dexamfetamine when it has a known side effect profile, ask on forums for ND people. You will clearly see the struggle and the risk benefit decisions they make.

I do wonder why everyone is so suddenly concerned about the side effect profile of ADHD medication when all other meds also have side effects. A quick google will tell you how many people die of ibuprofen type medications versus any long lasting damage from ADHD meds. These medications are much safer than most a lot of meds on the market and require you to be carefully monitored. Their safety profile is well known.

I wondered this OP. I have just been prescribed lisdexamfetamine (took first dose yesterday), 30mg on 14hr timed release for ADHD.

I've never taken street drugs so was panicking somewhat, especially after reading up about side effects.

I had to provide blood pressure, pulse, height and weight information to the prescriber plus any relevant family history beforehand. I also have a review next week and they want the same information again. I understand this will be monitored constantly.

I'm only on day two and have no side effects, no racing heart or palpitations but I know this is going to be life changing already. It really is a game changer, for me anyway.

HTH.