Adderall (Cont.)

How Does Adderall Work?

Adderall 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 Adderall affects chemicals in the brain. In general, Adderall 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 Adderall include:
 
  • Adderall comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth twice daily, although some people (especially those using Adderall for narcolepsy) will need to take Adderall more often.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Adderall with or without food.
     
  • For Adderall to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Adderall will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Adderall Dosing

The dose of Adderall 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 dosing for Adderall.)
 
(Adderall Continued: Page 3)

Pages:

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 Next

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;