Adderall XR Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Adderall XR Capsule contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, a combination of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It is an extended-release medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, teens, and adults, with half the dose working right away and the other half working about four hours later. It works by raising levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to support attention and wakefulness. This medicine is habit-forming and should be used exactly as prescribed.

What is Adderall XR Capsule

Adderall XR is an extended-release central nervous system stimulant that affects brain chemicals linked to attention and impulse control. It combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts, with half the dose working right away and the other half working about four hours later.

Adderall XR Capsule uses

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, teens, and adults
• May be used for other purposes not listed in the standard medication guide

Benefits of Adderall XR Capsule

• Can increase concentration and help people stay on task longer
• Can help manage behavioral issues associated with ADHD

How Adderall XR Capsule works

The medicine raises the levels of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine, which help with wakefulness, attention, and motivation.

Adderall XR Capsule dosage

Follow all directions on your prescription label and any medication guides your pharmacy gives you. This medicine can be taken with or without food, first thing in the morning. Swallow the extended-release capsule whole; do not crush, chew, break, or open it. If you cannot swallow it whole, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce, then swallow right away without chewing; do not save the mixture for later.

Take it the same way every day (always with food or always without) and drink a glass of liquid after each dose. Try not to take it in the afternoon since it may interfere with sleep if taken too close to bedtime. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost evening; in that case skip it and do not double up. Avoid drinking fruit juices or taking vitamin C around the same time, since these can reduce how much medicine your body absorbs.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Extended-release capsule

Side effects of Adderall XR Capsule

Common

• Stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Mood changes, feeling nervous or irritable
• Fast heart rate
• Headache, dizziness
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Dry mouth
• Agitation or anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Feeling weak
• Urinary tract infection (in adults)

Serious

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Signs of heart problems such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or feeling like you might pass out
• Signs of psychosis such as hallucinations, new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, or paranoia
• Signs of circulation problems such as numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or color changes in fingers or toes
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Muscle twitches (tics)
• Changes in vision
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, or loss of coordination
• Slowed growth or weight gain in children with long-term use

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death.
• Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.
• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.
• This medicine may cause new or worsening psychosis, especially in people with a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder.
• You may have blood circulation problems causing numbness, pain, or discoloration in fingers or toes.
• You may not be able to use this medicine if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, severe agitation, moderate to severe high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
• This is a Schedule II controlled substance with high potential for abuse and dependence; do not increase the dose or use it longer than prescribed.
• Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms like severe tiredness, sleep problems, or mood changes; only stop under a doctor's supervision.
• Taking this medicine during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• You should not breastfeed while using this medicine because it can pass into breast milk.
• Tell your doctor if you or your family has a history of kidney disease, since this may need to be considered before using this medicine.
• Tell the doctor about heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, tics, or significant mood/behavioral changes.
• Tell your doctor if you have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse, as this medicine is a drug of abuse.
• Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine affects you, since your reactions could be impaired.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light
• Store at room temperature between 59 F and 86 F in a secure, tightly closed container, since this is a controlled substance
• Keep track of your medicine and be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription
• Keep the medication where others cannot get to it

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of heart problems, psychosis, or circulation problems in your fingers or toes.
• Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, or loss of coordination.
• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you or someone else has taken too much, since an overdose can be fatal.

Alternatives

• Atomoxetine
• Dexmethylphenidate
• Methylphenidate