Adderall XR is the extended-release version of Adderall, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant most commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Taken as an oral capsule, this medication works by altering norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. It can increase concentration, help people stay on task longer, and manage behavioral issues associated with ADHD.
The generic version is called amphetamine salt combo XR and is made up of a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts.
How should I take Adderall XR?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Adderall XR may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away Adderall XR is against the law.
You may take this medicine with or without food, first thing in the morning.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.
Adderall XR doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
While using this medicine, your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
During treatment, your doctor may occasionally recommend stopping the medication for a short time to see whether there are any changes in your behavior and whether the medication is still needed.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as severe tiredness, sleep problems, mental, mood changes such as depression). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
When Does Adderall XR Peak?
When administered orally, half the dose takes effect immediately, and the other half takes effect in about four hours. Adderall XR is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability is typically over 75% for dextroamphetamine. The absorption of Adderall XR depends upon the pH of the individual’s gastrointestinal tract. Basic pH increases its absorption through the lipid-rich cell membranes of the gut.
Data from clinical trials reveal that following oral administration of Adderall XR, peak plasma concentration is reached within 7 hours for both d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine, which is about 4 hours longer compared to the Adderall immediate-release version.
Foods that contain large amounts of citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) will prevent the absorption of both Adderall IR and XR into the body. Fruit juices high in vitamin C, soda drinks, and food with high levels of preservatives should be avoided an hour before and after taking Adderall.
In addition, foods that alkalinize the urine, such as beets, dairy products, kale, and spinach may slightly slow urinary excretion of amphetamines.
