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Adderall
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.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD