Zenzedi for ADHD: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects

What is Zenzedi?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects many adults and children in the United States. The good news is that there are treatment options for individuals experiencing ADHD symptoms. You can find out more about ADHD and the various treatment options in the NIMH ADHD treatments.  

Zenzedi is an ADHD medication. It is the brand name for dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets, a stimulant medication that is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Dextroamphetamine is an immediate-release medication that is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adolescents 3 and up.

But it is often prescribed off-label to adults with ADHD. It is a Schedule II controlled substance because it has the potential to be abused and cause physical dependence. It is an amphetamine drug. It's important to note that ADHD Advisor only works with patients who are 18 or older.

How Zenzedi Works

Zenzedi or dextroamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve symptoms of ADHD, such as impulse control, focus, and hyperactivity.

It also helps to block the reabsorption of these two chemicals in the brain. It can help children and adults concentrate and manage other behaviors associated with ADHD. Zenzedi also helps people with narcolepsy stay awake during the day.

Unlike other amphetamines like Adderall XR or Vyvanse, which offer an extended-release version, Zenzedi is an immediate-release amphetamine with effects lasting about four to six hours. It requires multiple daily doses for all-day symptom coverage.

Who Can Take Zenzedi

Only a licensed medical professional can determine if Zenzedi ADHD medication is right for you. It is FDA-approved to treat children 3 and up. It is also FDA-approved for children 6 to 12 with narcolepsy. Healthcare professionals prescribe Zenzedi as an "off-label" treatment for adult ADHD. It's important that if you have a history of substance misuse, you shouldn't take Zenzedi. At ADHD Advisor, we treat adults 18 years of age or older for ADHD.

Contraindications

As Zenzedi is a central nervous system stimulant, there are some contraindications to be aware of.  You should not take Zenzedi if you:

• Have arteriosclerosis
• Any serious heart problem
• Are allergic to stimulant drugs or other ingredients in the product
• Have cardiovascular disease
• Have hyperthyroidism
• Have glaucoma
• Have agitation/aggressive tendencies
• History of substance misuse or dependence
• Have any circulation issues
• Have seizures
• Have any pre-existing psychosis
• Have anxiety or a mood disorder

There are also some drug interactions with Zenzedi, especially MAO inhibitors or other central nervous system drugs. Make sure you let your doctor know all of your medications, supplements, and herbal products before starting Zenzedi.

2025 FDA-update

In June of 2025, the FDA issued a drug expanded warning for stimulants detailing a risk of weight loss and other side effects in patients younger than six who take any stimulant drugs. The FDA now requires a "Limitation of Use" section in all of the prescribing information for all extended-release stimulants, including amphetamines.

This statement explains that children under six years old experience higher drug levels than older children, leading to an increased risk of adverse effects. This means that while Zenzedi can be effective for some children, it should be used with caution and under close medical supervision.  

Dosages and Administration

Brand-name Zenzedi is offered as an immediate-release tablet. Zenzedi dosage varies by age and other factors such as weight. It's always best to follow exactly what your doctor instructs when it comes to medication.

Children between 3 and 5 start at 2.5 milligrams per day. Children who are 6 and up start at a dose of 5 milligrams once or twice a day. They can titrate in 5 milligram increments if your doctor determines it's necessary. Only a clinician can accurately determine the correct dosage; these are average starting points.

Adults, 18 years and older, begin at 5-10 milligrams once or twice a day. The maximum is usually around 40 milligrams per day, divided up into smaller doses. The Zenzedi dosage for adults is administered every four to six hours, as it acts quickly; however, a single dose will not provide all-day relief from symptoms. It's advised not to take a dose in the evenings.

Your medical doctor will monitor blood pressure and other vital signs during treatment to ensure there are no issues while taking Zenzedi ADHD medication. Weight and height may also be monitored, especially with children, to ensure that they are growing properly.

Side Effects and Risks

As with any medication, there are some potential side effects to consider. Let's look at some of the common dextroamphetamine sulfate or Zenzedi side effects.

Common side effects

Some common side effects from taking dextroamphetamine tablets can include: (MedlinePlus: Dextroamphetamine)

• Appetite suppression
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Upset stomach
• Dry mouth
• Shaking/shivering
• Headache
• Elevated blood pressure
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Seizures

Risks

Zenzedi, dextroamphetamine sulfate, has a boxed warning stating that the drug is a stimulant and has a high potential for abuse, misuse, and developing substance use disorder.

The DEA controlled substance schedules stimulants like amphetamines as Schedule II controlled substances. It also says that misuse of stimulants like Zenzedi can result in overdose and death. Let's take a look at some of the other risks associated with Zenzedi.

Cardiovascular Risks

Dextroamphetamine sulfate can cause serious cardiovascular side effects that you want to be aware of. Patients with hypertension or pre-existing health issues could be more at risk. Cardiovascular-related side effects from taking Zenzedi may include:

• Hypertension
• Tachycardia
• Arrythmia
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Sudden death

Psychiatric Risks

Zenzedi can cause some psychiatric side effects, especially if you have a pre-existing mental health or mood disorder. Some of the psychiatric side effects may include:

• Psychosis
• Mania
• Aggression
• Insomnia
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Hallucinations (auditory and visual)

To learn more about any potential risks and side effects, you can look at DailyMed: Zenzedi.

It’s important that if you are experiencing any side effects from taking Zenzedi, you speak with your healthcare professional. If you are experiencing adverse side effects, please report them to the FDA MedWatch.

Zenzedi vs. Other ADHD Medications

Let's take a look at how Zenzedi compares with other popular ADHD treatment medications.

Zenzedi vs Dexedrine

Zenzedi and Dexedrine contain the same active ingredient. But they have different formulations, which may affect how the medication is absorbed in the body. They both contain dextroamphetamine sulfate and help with ADHD symptoms such as focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity. However, Zenzedi is only available in an immediate-release form, while Dexedrine is available in both extended-release and immediate-release forms.

Zenzedi vs Adderall

When comparing Zenzedi vs Adderall, you’ll discover that they are both stimulants that work by stimulating the central nervous system. They are similar in many ways, but their formulations are different.

Adderall offers both an extended-release capsule and an immediate-release tablet that contains four different amphetamine salts, including dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate, and amphetamine sulfate. Zenzedi is in pure dextroamphetamine and is an immediate-release version. Both of these stimulants help with symptoms of ADHD and have similar side effects.

Zenzedi vs Vyvanse

Both Zenzedi and Vyvanse contain dextroamphetamine, but they work differently. While Zenzedi is an immediate-release medication, Vyvanse is a prodrug that offers a slower, smoother release of the drug in the body, offering a more balanced effect.

Vyvanse can release the drug in the body more slowly, allowing it to continue working throughout the day. Zenzedi will have a faster onset of effects, though it is often taken more than once.

Why Clinicians May Choose Liquid or Extended-release

Some clinicians may prefer a liquid version called ProCentra over Zenzedi when patients have difficulty swallowing pills, as it provides longer and more controlled dosing. Providers may simply choose extended-release versions if someone is having unwanted side effects or forgetting to take their medication more than once a day. It truely depends on your healthcare provider's discretion and how you respond to medication, which determines which method or version, if any, is right for you.

ADHD Care with ADHD Advisor: Therapy, Non-Stimulants, and Stimulant Availability

According to the CDC ADHD treatment guidance, ADHD can be managed with therapy, stimulant, and non-stimulant medications. At ADHD Advisor, we provide treatment for ADHD nationwide, including diagnosis, therapy, and non-stimulant prescriptions.

A potential stimulant option for ADHD treatment is Zenzedi. We do provide stimulant medications like Zenzedi, in select states, at the clinician's discretion.

With ADHD Advisor, you can receive your ADHD medication online. We also assist with prescription fulfillment and can send your prescription electronically to your pharmacy of choice. We will also help you throughout your treatment if any issues arise with getting your prescriptions filled.

As laws governing telehealth prescribing rules are constantly changing, it’s a good idea to check with the HHS telehealth prescribing rules to stay up to date.

Remember, ADHD Advisor serves adults 18 years of age or older. We also do not bill insurance companies. We can provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement, if that is an option. Next, we will check out how to get diagnosed with ADHD online with ADHD Advisor.

Step-by-Step Process

Let's look at how to get tested for ADHD online by going over our simple step-by-step process.

1. The first step is easy. Complete our intake and tell us a bit about your symptom history.
2. Then you will schedule a telehealth diagnostic evaluation with one of our licensed clinicians.
3. Following your evaluation, your provider will give you a unique treatment plan. This plan may include therapy, non-stimulant, and stimulant medications, where appropriate and in select states.
4. If you are eligible and live in one of our supported states, we can assist you with a Zenzedi online prescription fulfillment every month.
5. Finally, we provide you with follow-up appointments. These appointments allow your healthcare provider to adjust dosage and monitor any symptom improvements or side effects that may arise.

State Availability Examples

At ADHD Advisor, we do provide a Zenzedi prescription online in select states. According to the latest DEA telemedicine rule update, you can now prescribe stimulants online without needing an in-person appointment first. However, these rules are temporary and still subject to change.

Texas: In Texas, stimulant prescribing is available if your healthcare provider determines it is a necessary part of your treatment plan. So, for example, online Adderall in Texas may be an option for treatment.

Florida: In Florida, stimulant prescribing is available, including Zenzedi, if your clinician determines that you need it. For example, your online ADHD doctor in Florida might give you a Zenzedi prescription online as part of your treatment plan.

The laws surrounding stimulant prescribing online can change, and the landscape is still evolving, so it is a good idea to check with your state's specific page for the latest information.

Access, Cost & Insurance

Zenzedi ADHD medication is available in brand and generic dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets. The generic tablets are widely available across the United States in the event that brand-name costs are too high or a shortage occurs. Please note that availability may be affected by stimulant shortages.

The brand-name Zenzedi cost also varies depending on dosage size. Without insurance, the cost of brand Zenzedi 5 milligram tablets exceeded $1,000 per month for a 30-day supply.

The generic version can cost between $20 and $100 a month. Insurance coverage, of course, would be different but varies depending on what insurance you have. With some, pre-authorization may be needed first.

ADHD Advisor does not bill insurance for you. Instead, we provide a superbill that you may use to request reimbursement.  

2025 FDA Label Update

In June of this year, the FDA released an FDA Safety Communication on ADHD stimulants requiring a label update for stimulant drugs. The new label discusses the potential for these drugs in children under six to suppress growth and cause significant weight loss. Children in this age range were found to have higher levels of the drug in their bodies, resulting in an increased risk of side effects compared to the older children.

ADHD Advisor only treats patients 18 years of age or older.

FAQs

Is Zenzedi addictive?

Yes, Zenzedi comes with a Schedule II controlled substance warning according to the FDA and the DEA. When using Zenzedi, drug dependence can develop. Misuse can greatly increase this risk. If you have a history of substance use disorder or misuse, please let your healthcare provider know before starting stimulant medications.  

How long does Zenzedi last?

Zenzedi is an immediate-release form of dextroamphetamine sulfate and typically lasts around four to six hours. For this reason, Zenzedi is often prescribed two or three times a day to provide longer symptom relief.

Can I get Zenzedi through ADHD Advisor?

Yes, if you are an adult 18 years of age or older and you live in one of our select states, you may be prescribed Zenzedi if clinically appropriate to treat ADHD.

What if I miss a dose?

If you happen to miss a dose of Zenzedi, take the next scheduled dose when you usually do. Never double up on stimulant drugs, as this could lead to severe side effects or overdose. If you happen to miss your last dose of the day, just go ahead and skip it, so you don't take a dose too late and interfere with your sleep schedule.

Why choose Zenzedi over Adderall?

Some healthcare providers may choose Zenzedi over Adderall because it is a single-isomer, meaning it is solely dextroamphetamine. Adderall is a mixed salt drug and contains four different amphetamine salts, which include dextroamphetamine sulfate. Dextroamphetamine is also available in a liquid form, ProCentra, in the event that someone can't swallow pills, which could also sway them to choose it over Adderall.