What is the Difference Between Amphetamine and Methamphetamine?

Amphetamine and methamphetamine are both stimulant drugs, but they have some differences in terms of their potency, medical use, and potential for abuse. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Potency: Methamphetamine is more potent than amphetamine. Using the same dose of methamphetamine as a prescription amphetamine results in a 4x increase in its effects. Methamphetamine increases dopamine concentrations in the brain five times more than amphetamine.
2. Medical Use: Amphetamines, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse, are primarily prescribed for patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is an illicit street drug with no medical usage.
3. Abuse Potential: Both amphetamines and methamphetamines are addictive, but methamphetamine use disorder tends to develop more quickly than amphetamine use disorder. Methamphetamine's impact on dopamine levels in the central nervous system is greater than amphetamine's, which contributes to its higher addiction potential.
4. Legal Status: Amphetamines are prescription drugs and are included in the DEA Schedule II classification, while methamphetamine is an illicit street drug.

In summary, the main differences between amphetamine and methamphetamine are their potency, medical use, and potential for abuse. Methamphetamine is a more potent and addictive drug with no medical usage, while amphetamine is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD and has a lower potential for abuse.

Comparative Table: Amphetamine vs Methamphetamine

Here is a table comparing the differences between amphetamine and methamphetamine:

Both amphetamine and methamphetamine are stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system, but they have distinct properties, uses, and potential risks. Amphetamine is a prescription drug used to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), while methamphetamine is an illicit street drug with no medical usage.