Drug Comparison
For educational purposes only — a decision-support tool, not a substitute for clinical judgment.
Side-by-side rubric across 96 psychiatric medications. Every rating traces to a verbatim primary-source quote — click any cell to see it.
How to read this tool ▾
Rating scale
– Favorable / lower than class baseline
± Minimal / equivocal
+ Low / uncommon
++ Moderate / common
+++ High / very common
++++ Very high / class-outlier
Frequency vs severity
F = frequency, S = severity. Each gets its own pill colored on the same traffic-light scale: green → blue → yellow → orange → red. Click any cell for incidence percentages and NNH.
Evidence tier
A Network meta-analysis / RCT / FDA label
B Cohort / registry / pooled label data
C Expert review / textbook / case series
Sourcing
Click any cell to see the verbatim source quote and citation. Missing data shows n/a.
Data depth
++ Graded — frequency + severity, primary-source traces
+ FDA label — §6 frequency only (dashed border). Click for sub-types.
Blank — not yet checked (not “absent”)
–±++++++++++ABCF = frequency · S = severity · Dashed border = FDA label only · Click cell for details
1 drug selected — Amphetamine Mixed Salts(click to collapse)
1/4 selected
Amphetamine Mixed Salts
Adderall · Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, and Amphetamine Sulfate
CNS Stimulant (Amphetamine-based) · C-II
FDA-approved indications
- ADHD (adults; pediatric 6+)
- Narcolepsy (adults; IR formulation)
Off-label uses
- Narcolepsy
Half-life10 to 13 hours (d-amphetamine)
Decision GuideWhen to pick each / when to consider an alternative
Amphetamine Mixed Salts
Consider when
- Maximum ADHD symptom reduction needed — largest effect sizes among all ADHD medications in adults (Lancet 2018 NMA)
- Methylphenidate non-response — ~40% of methylphenidate non-responders respond to amphetamines; class switch is standard practice
- Multiple formulation options — IR (Adderall), XR (Adderall XR), and lisdexamfetamine (prodrug) cover all dosing needs
- Narcolepsy — FDA-approved for narcolepsy alongside ADHD; useful when both conditions coexist
- +1 more
Consider an alternative when
- Active substance use disorder — highest abuse potential among stimulants; consider lisdexamfetamine (prodrug) or non-stimulants
- Cardiovascular disease or structural cardiac abnormality — class warning for sudden death; pre-treatment cardiac screening per guidelines
- Severe anxiety comorbidity — amphetamines may significantly worsen anxiety; non-stimulants preferred
- Tic disorder present — may exacerbate tics more than methylphenidate; guanfacine or clonidine may be better
- +1 more
| Axis | Amphetamine Mixed Salts stimulant |
|---|---|
| Boxed Warnings | |
Mania / hypomania induction | |
Abuse / addiction liability | |
| CNS | |
Activation / insomnia | |
Seizure risk | |
Tics / Tourette's exacerbation | |
| Metabolic | |
Weight loss | |
Appetite suppression / anorexia | |
| Pediatric | |
Growth suppression (pediatric) | |
| Autonomic | |
Dry mouth (xerostomia) | |
Sweating | |
| Cardiac | |
Blood pressure elevation | |
Heart rate / tachycardia | |
| Vascular | |
Peripheral vasculopathy / Raynaud's | |
| GI | |
Nausea / GI (general) | |
| Discontinuation | |
Withdrawal / discontinuation | |
| Interactions | |
Serotonin syndrome risk | |
MAOI co-administration contraindication | |
CYP interactions / DDI profile | |
| Safety | |
Overdose toxicity | |
| Pregnancy | |
Lactation / breastfeeding safety | |