Description
Advantages
Extremely expensive medication without insurance, but usually covered by insurance. Generics are usually equally effective and much less expensive than brand name.
Disadvantages
Extremely expensive if not covered by insurance. Lasts 7-8 hours, but may need another short-acting dose in
the afternoon. Other medications last longer.
Excerpt from the book: ADHD Medications: Does It Work and Is It Save? Available on Amazon
Dexedrine Spansule was released in the 1970s as the first long- acting extended-release form of dextro-amphetamine and is still available today. It uses a coated bead technology similar to the way Ritalin LA and Metadate CD are formulated for methylphenidate. The Spansule did for dextro-amphetamine what Ritalin LA did for methylphenidate. Immediate-release Dexedrine takes about a half hour to take effect and lasts for 3½–4 hours, necessitating multiple doses per day, often leading to the emotional swings described in Chapter 8 on side effects. Dexedrine Spansules last about 7–8 hours and in younger children, often require only a single dose per day, avoiding the need for a dose at school and 2–3 doses throughout the day. On the other hand, older children need their medication to last into the evening. A dose taken at 7 a.m. wears off around 2–3 p.m., often requiring a dose of short-acting Dexedrine in the late afternoon or early evening when homework is more likely to be done. There are extended-release amphetamine medications that last longer (Adzenys XR-ODT, Adzenys ER liquid, Adderall XR, Dynavel XR, and Vyvanse).
The brand-name Dexedrine Spansule is often not covered by insurance and is expensive ($850 per month), so generally it is not a good option. If you use GoodRx.com, the generic is available for $40 or less.
