Independent medication information Not a pharmacy · Not a substitute for medical advice
Stimulants / Medication

Amphetamine

Identity, uses and research, side effects, dosage context, pricing and online access.

MedicationStimulantsSchedule II
Reference nameAmphetamine
Entry typeMedication
CategoryStimulants
Drug familyPrescription stimulant
Brand contextSingle-ingredient amphetamine and mixed salts
Formulation contextSingle-ingredient amphetamine; Mixed amphetamine salts; Dextroamphetamine

DrugRX editorial reference · Sources consulted · Not independently medically reviewed

Amphetamine powder sample, as identified by the photographer; not a prescription tablet.

Amphetamine powder sample, as identified by the photographer; not a prescription tablet.

DMTrott · CC BY-SA 4.0

About Amphetamine

Amphetamine is a prescription stimulant; single-ingredient amphetamine, mixed salts and dextroamphetamine are distinct medication descriptions.

Also searched as: Mixed amphetamine salts · Adderall

PRODUCT FORMULATIONS

Available strengths

Strength is the amount in a tablet, capsule, liquid or patch. Different formulations are listed separately.

Product & formulationStrengths
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate)
Immediate-release oral tablet
5 mg · 10 mgProduct label · Checked 2026-10-31
Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts)
Extended-release oral capsule
5 mg · 10 mg · 15 mg · 20 mg · 25 mg · 30 mg

Single-ingredient amphetamine and mixed salts are distinct product descriptions.

Product label · Checked 2026-10-31
PRICE, COST & AVAILABILITY

Buy Amphetamine: pricing & legal access

Amphetamine online: availability & product information

Saved U.S. price estimates from Drugs.com for the exact products and quantities below. These are dated estimates, not live pharmacy quotes or insurance copays. Discounts and local availability vary.

Product / strengthQuantityPrice (USD)
Amphetamine / Adzenys XR-ODT context
3.1 mg
Extended-release orally disintegrating tablet
30 tablets$490.55
Drugs.com published cash estimate
Drugs.com price guide
Checked 2026-10-31

Prices refer to medication only; consultation, administration and monitoring costs may be additional. Prescription products require a valid prescription and a licensed pharmacy. Check the exact formulation before comparing offers.

DETAILED REFERENCE

Amphetamine information

Uses and formulations

Products are used for ADHD and, for certain formulations, narcolepsy. Adderall contains mixed amphetamine salts; Dexedrine contains dextroamphetamine.

Sources: MedlinePlus — Amphetamine

Side effects and serious risks

Reduced appetite, insomnia and nervousness may occur. Serious cardiovascular effects and misuse are concerns.

Sources: MedlinePlus — Amphetamine

Dosage and directions

Directions depend on formulation, age and indication. Immediate-release and extended-release products should not be exchanged without instructions.

Sources: MedlinePlus — Amphetamine

Interactions and precautions

Review heart disease, blood pressure and psychiatric history. MAO inhibitors and other interacting medicines require specific pharmacist review.

Sources: MedlinePlus — Amphetamine

Pharmacology and mechanism

Amphetamine increases central dopamine and norepinephrine activity. Its effects on alertness and attention occur alongside possible effects on appetite, sleep, blood pressure and heart rate.

Sources: FDA — Prescription stimulant warnings

Formulations and product identification

The active ingredient alone does not describe a finished product. These distinctions matter when reading a label or comparing prescriptions.

Product or formulationImportant distinction
Single-ingredient amphetamineNot the same product description as mixed amphetamine salts.
Mixed amphetamine saltsAdderall is one familiar brand context.
DextroamphetamineA related active ingredient with its own products.

Sources: FDA — Prescription stimulant warnings

Monitoring and treatment follow-up

Routine review may include treatment response, blood pressure, pulse, appetite and sleep. In children, growth and weight trends are relevant. New psychiatric or cardiovascular symptoms require assessment.

Sources: FDA — Prescription stimulant warnings

Dependence and stopping treatment

Misuse and addiction are recognized risks. Taking someone else’s stimulant, escalating independently or changing the intended route can increase harm. Physical adaptation during treatment should be distinguished from a substance use disorder.

Sources: FDA — Prescription stimulant warnings

How it differs from related medicines

Amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate are not milligram-for-milligram substitutes. Lisdexamfetamine is a prodrug, while methylphenidate is a different molecule. A switch requires a new clinical treatment decision.

Sources: FDA — Prescription stimulant warnings

Sources and editorial notes

Prepared by DrugRX using the references linked below. Sources were consulted on 2026-10-31. This page has not been independently reviewed by a clinician. Research findings, medication approval and legal permission are separate questions.

  1. MedlinePlus — Amphetamine
  2. DEA — Controlled substances alphabetical list (October 2026)
  3. FDA — Prescription stimulant warnings
  4. DailyMed — Evekeo product label
  5. DailyMed — Adderall XR product label
  6. Drugs.com — amphetamine price guide

Legal information is a dated U.S. reference. Product rules and local laws may change. Where the evidence does not establish a dose, interaction profile or price, the page states that limitation.