Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine - How do dosages compare between Nuvigil and dextroamphetamine?

Posted:: 25 Feb 2011 by cloud9
Topics:: nuvigil, chronic fatigue syndrome (cfs), amphetamine, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, dosage, generic

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... (generic Adderal 20 mg tabs)? I have just switched from Nuvigil 250 mg (1 tab broken in 1/2) with 1/2 taken @ approx. 6 AM and the other 1/2 approx. 2-3 PM; to dextroamphetamine 20 mg-1 tab about 6am, the other tab @ mid-day (noon-1PM), and I'm starting to fall asleep at about 4:00 pm. What is a good rule of thumb for dosage conversion between the two drugs? I'm hoping my Dr will approve a third dose at about 4PM, because it only seems to last about four hours in my system, and I'm still working until 7 or 8! Someone HELP!!!

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jk13

25 Feb 2011

Well... not the same meds, but similar situation. I used to take 250mg of Nuvigil for possible Narcolepsy (not sure what it is, but I fall asleep randomly throughout the day without some sort of stimulant). Recently I lost my mental health coverage including anything medication related. So... my psychiatrist switched all of my meds to generics and cheaper alternatives. Instead of Adderal, I'm on Methylphenidate (Ritalin). At first he put me on 30mg per day, and that wasn't enough, so he bumped it up to 40mg per day, taking the med in 10mg increments (6am (we have a 2 year old), 10am, 2pm, and 6pm). The conversion of 40mg of Methylphenidate to Adderal is 20mg (Adderal XR is 40mg). These stimulants last for such a short time, that it's ridiculous! You might want to crack your pills in half and try taking them more often vs. a full tab less often. Usually you can get the medication to be a bit more effective by doing this.

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LaurieShay

25 Feb 2011

Hey cloud9,

Dextroamphetamine is prescribed in two to three equal doses up to 60 mg a day. The doses are usually taken in 4 to 6 hour intervals. So you may need a dosage adjustment.. You were on the maximum dosage of nuvigil which may compare to the maximum dosage of the dextroamphetamine.

Another alternative is the dextroamphetamine extended release capsules so you could take 60 mgs once daily.

I have been taking nuvigil for several months at a greater than suggested maximum dose of 300mg. I am doing very well at this level compared to the lesser mgs, with no desire to sleep in the afternoon.

Hope some of this helps,

Laurie

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doubleosoul

2 May 2011

not really comparing the same thing. amphetamines feel much stronger, have a much more noticeable effect in terms of keeping you alert and awake, more of a "come down" (ie feeling tired) and don't last as long. nuvigil is pretty mild and "promotes wakefulness" rather than getting you wired/speedy. I wouldn't even compare it to any kind of amphetamines.

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