Adderall
Generic Name: Amphetamine Salt Combo
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a medicine used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness).What is the most important information I should know about Adderall?
Adderall has a high potential for abuse. Taking Adderall for long periods of time may lead to extreme emotional and physical dependence.Taking Adderall differently than how your doctor prescribes it may cause sudden death and serious heart problems. In general, Adderall should not be used in children or adults with heart defects.
People diagnosed with psychosis who take Adderall may be at higher risk for worsened behavior and thinking problems.
It is not known if long-term use of Adderall will suppress growth in children. Therefore, your doctor should monitor the growth and weight gain of your child.
People with moderately or severely high blood pressure should not take Adderall. If you have mildly high blood pressure and take Adderall, talk to your doctor about monitoring your blood pressure and pulse.
People diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome who take Adderall may be at higher risk for worsened motor and phonic tics (tics that affect movements and sounds).
Adderall may impair your ability to perform potentially dangerous activities, such as operating machinery or driving vehicles.
Who should not take Adderall?
Do not take Adderall if you have heart disease or hardening of the arteries, moderate to severe high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, an eye disease called glaucoma, are very anxious, tense, or agitated, have a history of drug abuse, are taking a type of medication called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the past 14 days, or if you are sensitive, allergic, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines.Adderall is not recommended for use in children <3 years old.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Adderall?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Adderall. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart-related problems or defects, high blood pressure, mental problems such as psychosis, tics or Tourette's syndrome, liver, kidney, or thyroid problems, or a history of drug abuse. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Adults and children ≥6 years: The usual starting dose is 5 milligrams (mg) once or twice daily. Your doctor may increase the daily dose by 5 mg every week until the lowest effective dose is achieved. Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed a total of 40 mg per day.
Children 3-5 years: The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg daily. Your doctor may increase the daily dose by 2.5 mg every week until the lowest effective dose is achieved.
Narcolepsy
Depending on your response to Adderall, the usual dose may be 5-60 mg a day, usually taken in two to three divided doses.
Adults and children ≥12 years: The usual starting dose is 10 mg daily. Your doctor may increase your daily dose by 10 mg every week until the lowest effective dose is achieved.
Children 6-12 years: The usual starting dose is 5 mg daily. Your doctor may increase your daily dose by 5 mg every week until the lowest effective dose is achieved.
How should I take Adderall?
Take Adderall exactly the way your doctor prescribes. This medication is usually taken two or three times a day. The first dose is usually taken when you first wake up in the morning. One or two more doses may be taken during the day, 4-6 hours apart. Adderall can be taken with or without food.What should I avoid while taking Adderall?
Taking Adderall longer than necessary may lead to physical and emotional dependence. Your doctor will frequently assess your response to this medication to see if it is still useful or to make sure you are receiving the lowest effective dose.While taking Adderall, avoid potentially dangerous activities such as operating machinery or driving until you know how this medication affects you.
Avoid taking Adderall late in the evening to prevent insomnia (trouble sleeping).
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Adderall?
If Adderall is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Adderall with the following: antacids, antidepressants (including MAOIs), blood pressure medicines, chlorpromazine, ethosuximide, lithium carbonate, meperidine, methenamine, norepinephrine, propoxyphene, and seizure medicines.What are the possible side effects of Adderall?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Common side effects may include: headache, stomachache, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, nervousness, dizziness
Can I receive Adderall if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Adderall during pregnancy are unknown and therefore should be avoided. Women who take Adderall should not breastfeed. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Adderall?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Adderall?
Store in a cool, dry place in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
