Adderall XR

What is Adderall XR? Is Adderall XR a Narcotic?

Adderall XR (generic name: amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a once-daily, timed-release stimulant ADHD medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) in children ages 6-12, adolescents, and adults. It isn't examined in children who are under six years old. Based on the FDA, Adderall XR is a federally controlled substance ("Schedule II stimulant") because it could be misused or cause dependence. The drug is amphetamine.

The stimulant drugs like Adderall are often the first choice for treating ADHD as they help enhance symptoms for 70-80 percent of people suffering from ADHD. Adderall XR (Generic names: dextroamphetamine Saccharate amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate) could improve focus in those with attention deficit ADHD and help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are two of the hallmark signs in patients suffering from attention deficit. The advantages of Adderall XR are typically felt within a few hours after taking the drug.

Adderall was first prescribed for treating ADHD in 1937. It is well-known for its effectiveness and safety. The statistical formula called Effect Size, which measures how effective a treatment performs, is highly reliable. The stimulants used to treat ADHD are among the most effective drugs.

In the beginning, Adderall was developed to treat narcolepsy. It is not recommended for treating tiredness or other sleep-related issues without a physician's prescription and instructions.

What Is the Difference Between Adderall XR and Adderall?

The two Adderall XRs, along with Adderall, include the same active component - amphetamine. Adderall is a tablet that releases immediately and begins to work 30 to 1 hour after ingestion. The effect lasts about 4 to 5 hours, based on information given by the drug's maker. Doses are available in 5 mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 30 mg. (Generic equivalents are also functional in the exact dosages.) Adderall XR is an extended-release tablet containing immediate and delayed-release pieces of medication. The immediate-release beads work quickly, while delayed-release beads start to work after 4-5 hours, typically when the immediate-release beads are worn off. Adderall XR doses are available in 10mg, 5mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, and 30mg. (Generic equivalents are also functional in the exact dosages.)

Adderall is a drug that can be used twice or as many times per day. Adderall XR is taken only one time.

The usual duration of the drug is 4-6 hours for Adderall, as well as 8-10 hours with Adderall XR, as per the data provided by the manufacturer.

How Long Does Adderall XR Last? Adderall XR Dosages Explained

Adderall XR is taken orally and without or with food at least once daily. The initial dose is usually taken early in the morning. It is best to take it at the exact time every day for the best results.

Adderall XR capsules should be consumed whole, along with water or other liquids. If your child can't take a pill, the bottle may be opened and sprinkled with the applesauce with a spoonful. If done this way, the food is best swallowed whole, without chewing. Then, follow it with drinking water or any other liquid. Capsules shouldn't be chewed or crushed. Like all medicines, adhere to your Adderall XR prescription instructions strictly.

 

Adderall capsules can be purchased in these dosages: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, and 30, respectively. (Generic equivalents are also available in the exact dosages). The formulation with time-release was developed to ensure a constant level of the medication in your system throughout the day.

The ideal Adderall XR dose varies from patient to patient. It's not influenced by weight, age, or height but rather by how a person's body processes the drug. The following variables affect the dosage of Adderall:

  • How much is absorbed into the bloodstream and through the blood-brain barrier
  • How much medication is absorbed into the bloodstream via the intestines?
  • What the acidity of your GI tract is -- acidity high from fruit juices may prevent amphetamine out of the body, and low acidity when taking an anti-inflammatory medication can speed up absorption.
  • How fast is amphetamine excreted from urine?

Your physician may alter your daily dosage by 5 mg increments until your child or you have the most effective response, the dosage at which you notice the most improvement in your symptoms without causing any adverse negative side effects.

If you or your child is over the dosage prescribed, you should call your physician or poison control or seek urgent medical attention.

Certain patients experience a tolerance to Adderall following long-term use. If your dosage isn't preventing your symptoms, consult your doctor to determine the best course of action.

What are the Side Effects of Adderall XR?

What will Adderall XR do to you? Most people who use Adderall XR do not experience any adverse consequences. However, the most frequent negative consequences associated with Adderall XR are as follows:

Children (ages 6 to 12):

  • Appetit loss
  • insomnia
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • emotional inability
  • vomiting
  • Nervousness
  • nausea
  • The fever

Adolescents (ages 13 to 17):

  • Appetit loss
  • insomnia
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • weight loss
  • Nervousness

Adults:

  • dry mouth
  • Appetit loss
  • insomnia
  • headache
  • weight loss
  • nausea
  • anxiety
  • The agitation
  • dizziness
  • Tachycardia
  • diarrhea
  • asthenia
  • Urinary tract infections of the urinary tract

Adderall XR and Weight Loss

Adderall XR should not be taken off-label if it helps people lose weight. The loss of weight does not constitute a regulated usage of this medication.

Adderall XR and Eyesight

Changes in the eyesight are another critical side effect of Adderall XR. It is possible that taking the drug will affect the ability of your child or you to drive and operate machinery, as well as undertake other tasks that could be dangerous. The effect typically fades with time. If you notice any uncomfortable side effects or do not disappear, speak to your physician.

Adderall XR and Heart or Blood Pressure Related Problems

Inform your doctor of any heart-related conditions or familial history of heart or blood pressure issues. Patients suffering from structural cardiac anomalies and other heart issues have suffered sudden death, heart attacks, strokes, and increased blood pressure after using Adderall XR. These stimulants can elevate the heart's rate and blood pressure. Medical professionals should be aware of these vital symptoms closely during treatment. Consult your physician immediately when the child or you is experiencing warning signs like chest discomfort, breathlessness, or fainting after using Adderall XR.

Adderall XR and Mental Illness

Inform your doctor about any mental health concerns, including family experience of bipolar illness, suicide, tics, or depression. The company that makes the drug Adderall XR, Shire, suggests evaluating patients with bipolar disorders, tics, and Tourette's syndrome before taking stimulants. Adderall XR can cause or increase the severity of existing issues with behavior, such as bipolar disorder and Tourette's syndrome. It can trigger manic or psychotic symptoms in adolescents and children. Consult your doctor right away if the child or you develop an increase or worsening of mental health issues, such as the appearance of hallucinations or sudden suspicions.

Adderall XR and Circulation Problems

Discuss any circulation issues with your physician before taking Adderall XR, which has been reported to cause coldness, numbness, or discomfort in fingers or toes. This includes Raynaud's phenomena. Tell your doctor about any new blood-flow issues or pain, skin color changes, or sensitivities towards temperature using Adderall XR.

Adderall XR and Substance Abuse

Amphetamines, such as Adderall XR, have a high likelihood of abuse and dependence, particularly among those who don't have ADHD. It's classified as a "Schedule II Stimulant," which is a term that The Drug Enforcement Agency uses for substances with a high chance of misuse. Other Schedule II drugs include Dexedrine, Ritalin, and cocaine. Anyone with a history of drug addiction should be cautious when attempting this drug. Doing the medication as prescribed may reduce the chance of misuse.

This isn't the complete list of possible adverse consequences. If you observe any health issues not mentioned above, talk about the matter with your doctor or pharmacist.

Who Can Take Adderall XR? Medication Precautions

Do not use Adderall XR if you suffer from any of the following issues:

  • Advanced arteriosclerosis
  • Glaucoma
  • The symptoms of cardiovascular disease
  • Moderate to severe hypertension from mild to severe
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • A known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy with the sympathomimetic amines
  • Glaucoma
  • Agitated states
  • A history of addiction to drugs
  • When or in the course of administration of monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs)

 

If you're contemplating having a baby, you should discuss the possibility of using Adderall XR with your doctor. Animal studies suggest a danger of harm to the fetus; babies may have a premature birth, have a low infant weight, suffer from motor or learning difficulties, or even experience withdrawal. Adderall XR is passed through breastmilk. Therefore, it is suggested that mothers not nurse when they take the medication.

The effects of Adderall XR on people who are elderly have not been investigated.

Keep Adderall XR in a secure location out of reach of children and at temperatures that are at room temperature. Be sure not to divulge the Adderall XR prescription with anyone or even with someone else who has ADHD. Sharing prescription medications is not legal and may cause harm.

Interactions with Adderall XR

Before you take Adderall XR, talk about all other prescription medications you are taking with your physician. Adderall XR could cause potentially fatal interactions with antidepressants such as MAOIs.

Take care when taking medications like lithium, anti-psychotics and seizure medications, pain medication, blood thinners, blood pressure medication, stomach acid medicines such as antacids, and allergy or cold medicines containing decongestants. Some over-the-counter medications contain ingredients that can raise or decrease the amount of drugs in your blood to an unhealthy degree.

Make a list of all your vitamin or herbal supplements and prescription and non-prescription drugs with your pharmacist when you fill out the medicine. You should also inform the doctors and other medical professionals to be aware that you're using Adderall XR before having any procedures or lab tests. The information above is not an exhaustive list of all possible interactions between drugs.