In the 1990s, however, Obetrol was reformulated and introduced to treat ADHD. Because of its potency and long-lasting effects, the drug quickly became a common medication for ADHD, competing with Ritalin, which was the leading treatment at the time. Amphetamine was first synthesized in the 1880s, though its effects were not well understood at the time. Benzedrine was issued by the U.S. government to soldiers who fought in World War II to increase vigilance and energy. In the latter part of the 20th century, amphetamines became popular for a variety of purposes, including for the treatment of depression and to reduce appetite and encourage weight loss. Amphetamine in Adderall originally came on the market as an over-the-counter decongestant.
Will I Need To Use This Drug Long Term?
- If you have kidney problems, Adderall could build up in your body.
- ADHD is a condition that usually appears in childhood or early adolescence.
- However, taking stimulants with antidepressants can increase the risk of side effects.
- It’s true, though, that amphetamine-based ADHD medications are more likely to be misused.
- Do not take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules or tablets, see this article for tips on how to swallow these forms of medication. For some medications, a child’s dosage is based on their body weight. Instead, the dosage is based on the drug form, the child’s age, and the condition being treated. Always follow the dosage the doctor prescribes for your child.
Food And Nutrition, Medication, Supplements, Natural Therapies, And More
In people with narcolepsy, Adderall may help prevent daytime sleepiness. Serious side effects of Adderall can include heart attack and stroke. Adderall can lead to sudden death in people with preexisting heart conditions. Adderall is the brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

Adderall Dosage
There aren’t any medications to treat Adderall withdrawal, though you may be given an antidepressant if your depression is long-lasting. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does. For the remainder of this article, the term “Adderall” refers to both forms of the drug except where specified. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Adderall’s dosage. In most cases, daily maximum doses of more than 40 mg aren’t needed.
Colors: Adderall 5 Mg Is A White To Off-white Tablet, Which Contains No Color Additives

Vyvanse is approved for treating ADHD and binge eating disorder. It’s not FDA-approved for this purpose, but there is some scientific evidence that it might help. Talk with your doctor to learn more about other medications that may work well for you. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs. Some children can have slightly slowed growth in height and weight while taking Adderall.

2 General Administration Information

Consuming alcohol with Adderall can be a dangerous combination. If you drink alcohol, it’s safer to avoid it during Adderall treatment. To learn more about these forms, see the “Adderall dosage” section above. Picking the best medication is often a matter of trial and error. If the first drug you try doesn’t work well or causes too many side effects, a different medication might work better. Your doctor will guide you through the process of finding the right medication for you.
Increased Blood Pressure And Heart Rate
Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. If your child is taking Adderall, their doctor will monitor their height and weight during their treatment. If the child’s growth seems to be affected, their doctor may suggest taking a break from Adderall treatment. Adderall works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, in your brain. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals that help nerve cells communicate.) By increasing levels of these neurotransmitters, Adderall helps stimulate nerve activity in parts of the brain that are underactive. Stimulants, antidepressants, and lifestyle changes may all be useful in treating the symptoms of narcolepsy.
- Adderall drug dependence can cause withdrawal symptoms, also known as Adderall crash if you abruptly stop taking the medication.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies drugs for use in pregnancy into several categories.
- Taking vitamin C supplements can make your stomach more acidic and can decrease the amount of Adderall your body absorbs.
- Not only can this help a patient ward off thoughts of sadness, but it can also ease other symptoms.
- Talk to your child’s doctor about the options and share any concerns.
- Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness.
It is commonly used to work more productively and to ward off mental and physical fatigue. Adderall medication comes in instant release and Adderall XR extended-release capsule formulas. Both types can be taken with or without food, but taking Adderall with food may prevent nausea and upset stomach. Stimulants are commonly used to enhance cognition and improve performance. For example, college students often use Adderall and other nootropic stimulants to study for their exams and complete their work. People who are bipolar can experience symptoms similar to ADHD when they are in a manic mood, like difficulty paying attention, restlessness, and trouble with impulsivity.
Your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it slowly each week (if needed) until you reach the right amount for you. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Adderall XR for ADHD. In most cases, a daily maximum dose of more than 40 mg is not needed. This article describes the dosages of Adderall, as well as its strengths and how to take it. We anticipate reposting the images once we are able identify and filter out images that do not match the information provided in the drug labels.
Dosage For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
(Adderall XR isn’t used to treat narcolepsy.) Your dosage is based on factors such as the severity of your condition, how you respond to treatment, and other medical conditions you may have. Adderall is used in adults and certain children to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall contains the active ingredients amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and belongs to a group of stimulant drugs called amphetamines. Adderall® is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it contains amphetamine that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs. Never give your Adderall® to anyone else because it may cause death or harm them. Selling or giving away Adderall® may harm others and is against the law.
If you are not seeing results, your doctor may need to increase the dosage. Generally, adults can change the dose of medication daily until they find the optimal amount. Younger children, however, often lack the ability to tell the physician how the medication is affecting their mood and functioning. For patients under the age of 16, the medication dose should only be raised once a week to allow time for parents and teachers to assess the medication’s effect on symptoms.
Stimulant medicines such as Adderall can add to the problem. To get better sleep, limit caffeine and screen time (phone, TV, or video games) close to bedtime. For children who may not remember to take their medicines, XR might be a better option. XR is in capsule form and is made up of half IR beads and half XR beads.