Adderall

Adderall Medication

What Is Adderall?

Adderall^® (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a prescription medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. Because Adderall is an amphetamine and is commonly abused, there are special rules for prescribing it (see Adderall: A Controlled Substance for more information).

Who Makes Adderall?

Brand-name Adderall is manufactured by Shire US, Inc. Generic versions are made by several different manufacturers.

What Is It Used For?

As mentioned above, it is licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD for short. In addition to experiencing hyperactivity (having trouble sitting still), people with ADHD have problems paying attention, focusing, and controlling their behavior. While most people think of ADHD as a problem in children, it can also occur in adults (see Adult ADHD).

Adderall is also licensed for narcolepsy treatment. Narcolepsy is a condition that involves falling asleep uncontrollably and at unusual times. People who have narcolepsy symptoms often appear paralyzed when they are sleeping and have hallucinations when falling asleep. People who have narcolepsy often fall asleep several times during the day.

(Click Adderall Uses for more information on the uses of this medication, including possible off-label uses.)

How Does It Work?

The drug is a stimulant, although it can have the opposite effects from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, when used at the doses for ADHD, Adderall has a calming effect. While the exact way Adderall produces a calming effect is not known, it is known that it affects chemicals in the brain. In general, it is used at higher, more stimulating doses when used for narcolepsy.

When and How to Take Adderall

Some general considerations for when and how to take this medication include:

Adderall comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth twice daily, although some people (especially those using it for narcolepsy) will need to take it more often.
You can take it with or without food.
For it to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.

Dosing

The dosage recommended by your healthcare provider will vary depending on a number of factors, including:

Your age
Other narcolepsy or ADHD medications you have tried
Other medical conditions you may have
Other medications you may be currently taking.

As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

(Click Adderall Dosage for more information about this topic.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes Adderall will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

The most common side effects include:

Loss of appetite
Dry mouth
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Headache
Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
Weight loss (see Adderall and Weight Loss).

(Click Adderall Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of the medication, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:

Drug Interactions With Adderall

Adderall can potentially interact with a number of medicines.

(Click Adderall Interactions for more information about these possible interactions.)

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider before taking this medicine if you have:

Heart problems of any kind
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Mental illness, including bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder)
Seizures
Tourette syndrome
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Glaucoma (a condition of the eye)
Any allergies.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are allergic to any medications
Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Adderall and Pregnancy)
Are breastfeeding
Drink alcohol regularly.

Tell your health care provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Click Adderall Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take this drug.)

Overdose

People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:

Hyperactivity (trouble sitting still)
Fast breathing
Confusion
Fever
Muscle pains
Shakiness
Aggressiveness
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).

If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

(Click Adderall Overdose for more information.)

Storage Methods

The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Adderall tablets should be kept in an airtight container.

Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Adderall as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.

Strengths of Adderall

Adderall tablets are available in seven strengths:

Adderall 5 mg
Adderall 7.5 mg
Adderall 10 mg
Adderall 12.5 mg
Adderall 15 mg
Adderall 20 mg
Adderall 30 mg.

Generic Adderall

Currently, both generic and brand-name versions of the drug are licensed for sale. However, it is not possible to buy either without a prescription.

(Click Generic Adderall for more information.)