Adderall XR dosage, forms, and strengths

Adderall XR is a brand-name extended-release prescription drug that treats symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and poor impulse control. It is believed to work in the central nervous system (CNS) by increasing levels of certain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. 

Unlike the immediate-release version of Adderall, multiple doses per day are not needed. As an extended-release formulation, Adderall XR releases the active ingredient slowly throughout the day. Adderall XR is taken as a single dose once in the morning. 

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Adderall XR forms and strengths

Adderall XR capsules come in six different strengths.

• Extended-release capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg

Each extended-release capsule contains a mixture of four amphetamine salts: dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and amphetamine aspartate.

Adderall XR dosage for adults

The dose will vary depending on the patient’s needs, how well the medicine works, and the risk of potential side effects. The therapeutic goal is to find the lowest possible effective dose.

• Standard dosage for adults: 20–60 mg taken once daily in the morning 

• Maximum for adults: 60 mg per day

Even though the clinical trials tested doses up to 60 mg per day, there was insufficient evidence to show that doses exceeding 20 mg per day offered any extra benefits.

Adderall XR dosage for children

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the pediatric use of Adderall XR for children as young as six years of age for ADHD. 

• Standard dosage for children ages 6–12: 5–30 mg taken once daily in the morning

• Maximum dosage for children ages 6–12: 30 mg daily

• Standard dosage for adolescents ages 13–17: 10–40 mg taken once daily in the morning

• Maximum dosage for children ages 13–17: 40 mg daily

In clinical trials involving adolescents aged 13–17, doses exceeding 20 mg per day did not demonstrate any additional benefits.

Other considerations for Adderall XR dosages

Adderall XR should be used cautiously in individuals with kidney disease, as the drug is primarily cleared through the kidneys. Impaired kidney function can lead to a buildup of Adderall XR in the body, potentially causing increased side effects or toxicity. To prevent these complications, it may be necessary to adjust the dosage of Adderall XR in patients with kidney disease.

• Adults with severe kidney disease: 15 mg once daily in the morning

• Children 6–17 with severe kidney disease: 5–20 mg once daily in the morning

• Adults and children with kidney failure (end-stage renal disease): Not recommended

Consult a healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney problems before taking Adderall XR. 

How to take Adderall XR

Adderall XR is taken by mouth as a capsule with or without food once in the morning.

• Take Adderall XR exactly as prescribed.

• Take the dose in the morning right after waking up.

• Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• If the capsule cannot be swallowed, it can be opened, sprinkling the contents on a spoonful of applesauce.

  • Take the entire spoonful of applesauce and medicine immediately and swallow without chewing.

  • Follow up with a drink of water or other liquid.

• Do not take a dose in the afternoon, as it may interfere with sleeping.

• Read and follow the medication guide or instruction sheet that comes with the prescription.

• If too much Adderall XR is taken, seek immediate medical advice from a healthcare provider or poison control center.

• Always check the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, dispose of the medication safely and get a new prescription.

• Adderall should be stored at room temperature (68°–77° F), away from moisture, heat, and light.

Adderall XR dosage FAQs

How long does it take Adderall XR to work?

Adderall XR starts working within 30 minutes to one hour after administration. Food does not affect the body's absorption of Adderall XR.

How long does Adderall XR stay in your system?

Although Adderall XR can control ADHD symptoms for up to 12 hours, its active ingredients may stay in the system longer. The half-life of Adderall XR is around nine to 14 hours. Half-life is how long it takes for half the amount of a drug to be eliminated from the body. This means these amphetamines are still easily detectable in the bloodstream 24 hours after taking Adderall XR. 

It can take up to 46 hours for the amphetamines in Adderall XR to fall to undetectable levels in the bloodstream. The amphetamines in Adderall XR can be detected in urine three to four days after the last dose and in hair for up to three months (or longer).

What happens if I miss a dose of Adderall XR?

A missed dose can be taken when remembered but not past noon, as the medicine may cause sleeplessness. In that case, it's best to wait until the next day to take a dose of Adderall XR. You can also check with your prescribing doctor or a pharmacist about what to do if a dose is missed.

How do I stop taking Adderall XR?

Adderall XR is a Schedule II controlled substance because of the risk of drug abuse and dependency. No matter the dose, always talk to a doctor about how to stop taking Adderall XR. For people who take prolonged high doses, suddenly stopping Adderall XR can result in withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and problems sleeping. For most people, the dosage of Adderall XR may need to be tapered or gradually decreased before the drug can be stopped completely. 

There are a few situations that may require the immediate cessation of Adderall XR:

• If a person has a psychotic disorder, tics, or Tourette’s syndrome, Adderall XR may provoke symptoms of the psychiatric condition or make the existing condition worse.

• Adderall XR can cause a rare but potentially hazardous condition called serotonin syndrome, marked by symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, tremors, muscle twitching, fast heartbeat, excessive sweating, and muscle rigidity.

• Some people may have seizures while taking Adderall XR.

• Some people may have a hypersensitivity reaction to Adderall XR.

In all these instances, Adderall XR should be stopped. The person taking Adderall XR should get immediate medical care to determine whether it should be temporarily or permanently discontinued.

Several other side effects, such as cardiovascular changes, aggression, and slowed growth rate (in children), may indicate it's time to stop Adderall XR treatment. If problems arise, treatment with Adderall XR may need to be interrupted or discontinued. If Adderall XR is no longer a viable treatment, alternative ADHD medications include Ritalin (methylphenidate), Focalin (dexmethylphenidate), and Strattera (atomoxetine).

What is the maximum dosage for Adderall XR?

The maximum dosage of Adderall XR tested in clinical trials is 60 mg daily for adults (18+ years), 40 mg daily for adolescents (12–17 years), and 30 mg daily for children (6–11 years). The maximum daily dose for children with severe kidney disease is 20 mg once daily. The maximum daily dose for adults with severe kidney disease is 15 mg once daily. 

The recommended dose of Adderall XR per day may be much lower than the maximum dosage allowed. Higher doses of Adderall XR may increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, it's recommended only to use the lowest effective dose. 

What interacts with Adderall XR?

Adderall XR can be taken with or without meals, as food does not significantly affect the body's ability to absorb and use the drug. However, high stomach acid may reduce the amount of Adderall XR absorbed by the body, making it less effective. It's best to avoid foods that increase stomach acid.

It is often recommended to avoid foods or substances that can increase stomach acidity when taking the medication. This includes avoiding high-acid foods, certain fruit juices, and vitamin C supplements around the time of taking Adderall XR. It is also worth noting that high-fat meals may affect the absorption of certain ADHD medications, but this is not specific to Adderall XR.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, should never be taken with Adderall due to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Other drugs that may increase the risk of side effects of Adderall XR or alter its effectiveness include:

• Other CNS stimulants

• Antidepressants

• Mood stabilizers

• Opioids

• Migraine drugs

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

• Alkalinizing agents

• Acidifying agents

This may not be a complete list of drug interactions associated with Adderall XR. Consult a healthcare provider about all possible drug interactions with Adderall XR. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or herbals that you take before starting treatment with Adderall XR.  

Sources

• Adderall XR, Epocrates

• Adderall prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine

• Adderall XR prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine

• Amphetamine & Methamphetamine, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory

• Amphetamine compound summary, U.S. National Library of Medicine

• Amphetamine, past, and present—a pharmacological and clinical perspective, Journal of Psychopharmacology

• Biological Tests, University of Arizona Methamphetamine and Other Illicit Drug Education

• Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine, StatPearls

• How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System? American Addiction Centers

• Long-acting stimulants: Development and dosing, The Canadian Child and Adolescent Review