Brand Names: Adderall®, Adderall XR®
Generic Name: amphetamine (am-FET-uh-meen) with dextroamphetamine (dex-trow-am-FET-uh-meen)
Manufacturer: Shire Pharmaceuticals
Adderall® for Adults
Adderall® is a medication that must be prescribed by a doctor and is the brand name for a combination of amphetamine salts that function as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, and have been FDA approved for the treatment of both childhood and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy in adults.
Adderall® is now available in generic versions. Generic Adderall® is offered by Ranbaxy, Sandoz, and Teva Pharmaceutical.
What Is Adderall XR®?
Adderall® is now available in an extended release version that lasts for 24 hours, called Adderall XR® (an abbreviation for eXtended Release). Adderall XR® is an extended-release version of the drug that only needs to be taken once daily and is only indicated for childhood and adult ADHD, not narcolepsy. The XR formulation is still patented, meaning that it will not be available in generic form until at least 2019.
How Adderall® Works
Although it is not known exactly how Adderall® works, it is believed to increase the flow of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that carry the signal between neurons (cells of the nervous system). This can result in an increase in a person’s ability to focus over extended periods of time.
Adderall® and Adderall XR® Dose
Adderall® is an oral mediation available in capsule form. The individual dosages for both Adderall® and Adderall XR® range from 5 – 30 milligrams (mg).
Time for Adderall® to take Effect
Although the time required for Adderall® to take effect may be different for each individual, instant-release drugs in this class generally take 1 – 3 hours. The amount of instant release Adderall® in the bloodstream peaks at about 3 hours. Adderall XR® lasts 24 hours, with the dose peaking about 8 hours after it is taken.
Is Adderall® and Adderall XR® Effective for Adult ADHD?
Adderall® has been used to treat ADHD in both children and adults for many years. In 2004, the Harvard investigators involved in analysis of Adderall XR® Phase III trials in adults concluded that the drug significantly improved subjects’ ability to maintain focus, concentrate, and pay attention for longer periods of time [1].
What is the Effect of Adderall® for Adult ADHD on Sports Performance?
Stimulants used in Adderall® have been shown to improve sports performance, particularly maximum heart rates and time to exhaustion during exercise.
Adderall® and Adderall XR® Minor Side Effects
Adderall® and Aderall XR® are generally considered safe and effective for adults. Common side effects are similar to those typically associated with the use of stimulants, and include:
· Dry mouth
· Loss of appetite
· Difficulty falling asleep
· Weight loss
Adderall® and Adderall XR® Precautions
Addiction & Abuse
Studies have been done to address concern that use of stimulant medications may lead to later drug dependency and abuse. Although untreated adult ADHD has been linked to an increased risk of substance abuse later in life [2], the likelihood of future drug abuse disorder is actually decreased when adult ADHD is properly treated [3].
Still, because Adderall® and Aderall XR® are amphetamines and stimulants, there is the potential for abuse. So this medication is not recommended for people who have a history of drug abuse.
Cardiac Precautions
Adderall® and other amphetamines may not be right for you if you have a history of heart problems, such as hardened arteries (arteriosclerosis), heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), or any other pre-existing cardiac condition.
Other Precautions
The drug is also not recommended for people with overactive thyroid, glaucoma, epilepsy and seizure disorders, severe anxiety or agitation and those who have taken MAO inhibitors within the past two weeks. Before taking Adderall® or Aderall XR®, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of these problems.
Pregnancy Category C
Like all other adult ADHD medications, Adderall® and Aderall XR® are considered “category C” medications, which means that although no human studies have been done, based on animal studies it is thought that they may be harmful to an unborn baby.
This drug can also pass into breast milk and may be harmful to your baby if you nurse. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are being treated for adult ADHD.
Total Treatment of Adult Attention Hyperactivity Disorder
Adderall®, Aderall XR®, or any medication used to treat Adult ADHD, should be used as a part of a total treatment program. Comprehensive treatment of the adult ADHD often includes education, support groups, regular doctor appointments and therapy or counseling.
Adderall Withdrawal
If you stop taking Adderall, you may well end up with withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms are worse the longer you have been taking Adderall and the higher the dose you were taking. The main withdrawal symptom is extreme fatigue. Other withdrawal symptoms include negative mood, ranging from lack of motivation to depression. Symptoms can last from a few days to a few months.
Adderall Shortages
There is currently a shortage of Adderall in the United States. Adderall has been added to the official FDA drug shortages list. Many people with adult ADHD have, unfortunately, shown up at their local pharmacy to find that the pharmacy is out of stock. The reason for the shortage is that the DEA sets quotas for how much of various drug ingredients can be manufactured each year. As a result, not enough has been produced to meet the growing demand for Adderall.
Anecdotally, we have heard that pharmacies in ethnic neighborhoods are more likely to have Adderall in stock, in case you are having trouble finding it near you.
Share Your Experiences!
What have your experiences with Adderall been? Let us know about any successes or problems you’ve had taking Adderall for adult ADHD in the comments.
Sources
1. Biederman, J, M.D. (2004) Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Mixed Amphetamine Salts Extended-Release for Adult ADHD. APA Presentation # 106
2. Richardson. (2005) When Too Much Isn’t Enough, Ending The Destructive Cycle of AD/HD and Addictive Behavior, Pinon Press
3. Wilens, et al. (2003) Does Stimulant Therapy of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Beget Later Substance Abuse? A Meta-analytic Review of the Literature, Pediatrics Vol. 111 (1).
4. Shire US Inc., Prescribing Information sheet for Adderall XR.
For me Adderall has been a lifesaver! Although I’ve had a few side effects, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.
My doc prescribed Adderal XR but I’m afraid to take this as I had problems with Ritalin. Ritalin made my heart feel like it was racing and I wanted to jump out of my skin! Would I feel the same way with Adderal?
@Megan – Both Adderall and Ritalin are stimulants, so the side effects can be similar. Strattera is a non-stimulant option that you may wish to discuss with your doctor.
To MEgan-I haven’t taken Ritalin since I was 13; it turns me into a complete she-bear. Keep trying! I love Adderall but the shortage sucks.
Different meds affect everyone uniquely. Ritalin makes me anxious but not focused. Adderall is much smoother, making me want to work. Even different generics affect differently, Teva brand adderall instantly works well for me, shire brand does not work at all due to the binder they use. Just keep trying, your MD should know all this and can advise you.
Ive been taking Adderall and it has been working well for me. However, I’ve found out I’m pregnant and am not sure what to do. I dont think I could cope with my job without it. Does anyone have any idea what I can do?
Nikki, that is quite a conundrum! I’m not sure that there is a good answer other than talking to your physician about your situation. Not much is known about the effects of ADHD medications on unborn babies, but it is thought that they all pose a risk. You and your physician will need to weigh the benefits and risks of all options.
I was on Ritalin when i was younger , so I am back on it now , it works ok , but i do feel Anxious , cant sleep but totaly tired , , I can function alot better i wil say that but i do feel that Aderall works alot better , i am gonan ask my MD for Aderall , i just dont want to look liek a drug seeker , I know aderall works for me , cuz many years ago i was told by a co-worker to try this Aderall , to help me stay awake at work i did that and totaly bit me in the ass , I was really tired after that meaning I could accualy do proper work without having an attention span of a bird , that is when i knew I stil had ADHD as an adult , so i am gonna Ask him for Aderall ,
Adderall has helped me at work since I started taking it in April but my doctor switched me a couple of months ago to Vyvance which did not work near as well but has not put me back on Adderall as I requested so I have quit taking Vyvance and need to either find a different doctor that will listen to my needs, how do I find a General practitioner that can help me.
Does the VA treat ADHD? I’m going to try and get adderall through the VA
The doctor I saw for depression as a teen (in my home town two counties from where I live) saw me as an adult, evaluated me for ADHD and prescribed Adderall. It has been wonderful! For me, it RELIEVED anxiety (because I could better manage daily challenges) AND I also found I slept better – maybe because I no longer battled racing thoughts that felt like someone else held the remote control to my head) There sure isn’t shortages in my county though. To the contrary, local doctors REFUSE to prescribe to adults! They point to the cardiac issues – yet, personally, my heart has passed ALL tests with flying colors. By the way, what appeared to be teen age depression, I believe was ADHD along with adjustment problems from my parents divorce. The local doctor I saw yesterday who would only gave the options of Wellbutrin or Strattera, told me that I had a mental illness and that I was getting “high” on Adderal. Funny, my children simply comment that I don’t yell as much and I can actually sit through a movie with them now! She said Adderal comes with a “black box” warning so they won’t prescribe.
I have been on Adderall for 6 months now and it has changed my life! I wish I had known about it 30 yrs ago . I could have accomplished so much more in life. My I.Q. Tests have always been somewhere in the 120-130 range, yet in high school I never once made the honor roll! Of course then my parents just thought I was a lazy muthafkr. They kept telling me “I know u can do better”. But the fact is, I couldn’t. I also played 3 sports, belonged to several clubs and had 2 jobs.
I have also been taking Lexapro w/it. Does anyone have any info or opinions on whether wellbrutrin might work better w the adderall?
I’ll going to be starting adderall tomorrow. Buzy mom with 3 kids and work full time. Praying that help me to stay focus and give me the energy need. Keep you post it
I am 46 years old female at ropes end and finally started Adderall in the morning. I have all the classic indicators plus a parent who suffered all his life with ADHD but never diagnosised and knew nothing but to mask his problems with Alcohol abuse until his early death (65). It has been 9 months since my Dad passed and I have been on a mission to find out what I (“we”) suffer from that robs me of a normal productive life. My Dr. says I am very insightful to have brought all of this to her attention and ask for help. Most sufferers continue through life with the wrong thoughts and perceptions and deal with life the best they know how such as addictions and such. Not me I do not accept the fact that with all of our knowledge these days and less stigmatism on mental health, that I have to come to the same demize as my Dad (R.I.P). I so wished I had figured out what was wrong before he passed and was able to share with him one “normal” day. I pray this drug will change my life so that my Dad’s life was not in vain. I will keep posting my progress so my living experience will help someone else that has struggled with ADHD into Adulthood.
I would like to purchase one bottlr
Adderall has been a life saver for me. Pain and stress isn’t good when you have ADHD. I realized I had ADHD in 2004 due to my unraveling when life became too stressful. ADHD had affected all aspects of my life and relationships for over 40 years. Due to chronic pain from a fall, Arthritis, Ulnar Nerve damage and Fibro my Rheumatologist suggested I finally get treated for the ADHD. We were considering an antidepressant/Cymbalta for my Fibromyalgia but she insisted I deal with the ADHD before she would prescribe it. I’ve never been so grateful in my life. My Doctor said I’m like a new person. When I came to her a year ago I was really messed up, on edge and at my lowest point.
Adderall combined with Lyrica has given me my life back. My chronic pain is finally manageable. I am back to work full time and I no longer take a shitload of pills. I had no idea I was diagnosed with ADD back in 1971 by the State and School District. Thanks to my deceitful parents. They swept that mess under the rug until I told them what I was going through at work and my health issues. I guess things happen for a reason.
When I was a young adult I almost went to prison due to my uncontrolled impulses, anger and emotions that I now know was because of ADHD. Thank goodness the court system forced me to take counseling, anger management, parenting classes and marriage counseling. I learned coping and organization skills that got me through two decades but a few times I lost control. Adderall has really helped with my impulsiveness, energy level, mood and focus.
The next decade is going to be wonderful. Maybe my story can help someone else.
It is happy sad to read these posts. I have lost everything and well I had a lot to lose. I few years ago a doctor asked me how many things I thought about at once ‘hell five or six at least’ he said some people thought only one thing at a time. He put me on Adderall and things started to change, I could focus do one thing at a time, complete things without losing interest.
Then life went to hell I couldn’t afford to see the shrink anymore, you know the story. My hope is I can find a Doc to put me back on my meds where I function at a pretty high level.
It is nice to hear I am not the only whose life has been ravaged by whatever this disease is.
I don’t have health insurance, cannot keep a regular job due to health problems and the ADD and if this weren’t bad enough, I live in a rural area. A couple years ago one of the Dr.s at the health clinic put me on Adderal after trying a few other things. It was life altering. I could focus and complete tasks. The clinic changed Dr’s many times before finally getting a regular doc. This doc believes that adults with ADD do not need medication. She thinks that any adult who thinks these medications work must be a druggy. She is taking me off adderal within the month. I do not currently nor have I ever had an addiction or substance abuse problem. I don’t abuse my medication. Since decreasing my dose by half my add is closing in on me. I’m likely to lose my job and have been under tremendous stress due to missed or forgotten apt.s, missed deadlines and an inability to manage the business stuff of life with any consistency. I’m afraid to tell her how truly terrified I am and how close I am to being jobless and homeless because I know she’ll attribute this to personal weakness, failure, and dependency. I can’t switch Dr.s–there is no alternative but if I ask she’ll say I was Dr Shopping. Aderal helped me take control of my life even though buying it out of pocket without insurance really hurt my small budget. I experienced no side effects from it. It simply helped me focus without all the distractions. I just wish there was an education program out there for narrow minded dr.s–to teach that add isn’t a personal weakness or immaturity or selfishness and that if we could help it without medication WE WOULD!
I was told when i was an adolescent that i had adhd my mum never took it seriosly i always quit everything.couldn’t keep friends christmas treed test even if i knew the work it wad hard to sit there.now i am 35 sick and tired of my disorganized life and my house in disaray i finally talkedto my shrink last wrote 20 mgs of addera ll 1a day hem month.he wrot 20 mgs . once a day my life begin to change i got my big home organixed i have 5 kids ages 3-13 i behan going places with the family reading a book without throwing it.i began to feel mormal not high normal! Just remember if your on it no caffeine chocolate sugars ect…. i go tomarrow to my pshch. i have kept a journal in my planner of all my changes i always was called names by my family i wish i could of got help sooner for my life would jave been alot less dysfunctional:) please iff u dont have add adhd dont take this medication and ruin it for those who really depend on it!*
Sorry for my typos if u do have add adhd in live in tampa my shrink will help u. i also have sob anxiety and another serious heath prob. this medication is or will when i get it tomarrow help me keep my gyn oncologists aponts and face it. i ran out due to not confirming my appnt but i have no withdrae symptoms.
I started taking Adderal Xr in generic form a couple of days ago anf my husband told me he noticed a change immediately in my focus and that I was finally talking in complete sentences.
I lost my job back on October of 2012 & my insurance along with it. I literally cannot afford my Adderal anymore so have not been on it for about a month now. To finally know what “focus” feels like after 38 years & how great life can be with Adderal makes it sheer hell trying to function again without it. All I do every single day is race around in circles & think about doing a million different things, just never actually do anything. Too bad all the brilliant MDs who have decided not to prescribe adderal to all of us “druggys” can’t switch brains with us for a day….see how quick they’d get off their “high horses”
I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child muddled through life very poorly . At the age of 40 I started a trial study for adderal XR it was life changing. I took it for about three years with great results. Unfortanitly the company I worked for agent out of business in 08 and my insurance went with it.
I have been taking the generic form of adderall non extended release since 08 until present, unfortanutly I find this form of the medication is no longer as effective as it once was. I would say it is aprox 20% as effective as it once was. I have never a used the medication or taken more than my prescribed dose. Even the XR was losing a little effect. I once again have insurance and hope the XR version will be effective.
I was a c student until my wife got me to go to the doctor and he put me on Adderall time released formula and hen I went up to almost 4.00 in my field of study Industrial Design. I I have almost finished a Bachelors degree but my family doesn’t seem to like it they told me I was digressing when I showed them I could be a a top student. This all sounds funny because my mother gave me fetal alcoholism (I have records from my childhood written by a doctor). My mother drank sense I was 6 years old every day. Then in my last year of college I could not get a student loan without a cosigner I asked my mother to co-sign my last student loan and then a day before the check cleared my mother and sister stole my $30,000 out of the Bank (Commerce Bank now TD North). The money has not been paid back even now and hat was 2007. Now my mother and late father set up a trust fund with me as the only beneficiary but I get very little funds and I live in poverty. My doctor says I should get a lawyer but how. My trustee is a life long alcoholic and drug addict (my sister) her husband committed suicide. Then a year latter my sister is my trustee with a mile of legal offenses I have no legal record. I would think the makers of Adderall would like o have success stories like mine but I have not been able to get back in school. My son was also taken from me and my wife because my sister called the hospital and said we were dependent. I worry about him everyday but when courts are paid off how can I get a break my parent were the worse parents I can think of I was going to show how I could raise our son with love but I was canceled out of this opportunity much like being cancelled u of school by my parents saying they had financial family problems it was my grades that got me scholarships not mom and dad. I am 54 years old and the family is still playing these sick games with me. How can I get ahead and finish my studies and have nothing to do with them or get control of this trust fund and move to a safe home?
I am 23 a mother of three. Idk why my parents never took,me yo,the dr but i ,ouldnt concentrate in school.i wasnt intersted in school cause i could focus nir concentrate. and i still cant. My psch has me on depekote 500 mg twice a.day xanax .5 twice a.day snd celexa 20 mg once a day. I dont have patient at all i can barely drive ti the store and back cause ppl make me maf.,they either drivin to slow orin my way., i,dropped out of high school in 9th grade. I couldnt figure out why i couldnt get into high school and jyst do wt i had to do. All through school i done everything else rhen wt i was suppise to. I,remember jyst as itten in class daydream while i.was lookin at the book so the reacher thought i w as doin wt i was suppose yo do. Idj wt to do