Adderall is a prescription medication that contains two ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It is most commonly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or for short ADHD. It is also used to treat narcolepsy. In treating ADHD, Adderall is considered the first-choice treatment option. Studies have shown that this medicine improves attention and focus, as well as reduce impulsive behaviors that might occur. Improved symptoms have been seen between 75 and 90 percent of children with ADHD with the use of Adderall. Adderall is also useful for increasing daytime wakefulness in people with narcolepsy, although there is little research available on this matter. Adderall comes in two forms, an oral tablet, and an XR extended-release oral capsule.
Keep in mind that Adderall is a controlled substance. This means that it can cause physical and psychological dependence and has the potential for abuse and misuse. Because of this, the government has created specific regulations that determine how controlled substances are prescribed and dispensed. These regulations require that the patient gets a new prescription from their doctor for each refill they need.
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Contents
What are the ingredients found in Adderall
It contains a mixture of different forms of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. To be more specific, these forms include amphetamine aspartate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and dextroamphetamine sulfate.
The side effects of taking Adderall
Adderall can cause minor or serious side effects. The following list includes the common and mild side effects that might occur while taking Adderall, but it does not mean that you will necessarily be affected by them.
The common and mild effects include:
Most of these side effects will go away in a few days or a couple of weeks. However, if they do not, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects from Adderall are possible while taking this medication. If you notice that you might have occurred some of these symptoms, make sure that you contact your doctor or call an ambulance if the side effects feel life-threatening for you.
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The serious side effects include:
- Heart problems – including high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, heart attack, and stroke
- Depression
- Hallucinations
- Impaired or delusional thinking
- Agitated and aggressive behavior
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Severe allergic reaction
The dosage of Adderall
The dosage prescribed to a patient will depend on several factors. These include the type and severity of the condition, the age of the patient, the form of Adderall that is taken, and other medical conditions that the patient might have. Usually, the doctor starts a patient on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that is right for someone.
Adderall comes in different forms and strength. The strength for immediate-release tablets are: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. The strength for the extended-release capsules are: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg.
The dosage for Adderall tablets:
– For adults ages 18 and older – the starting dose is 5 milligrams once or twice a day.
– For children ages 6 to 17 – the starting dose is 5 milligrams once or twice a day.
– For children ages 3 to 5 – the starting dose is 2.5 milligrams once or twice a day.
– Keep in mind that these dosages might be increased weekly to meet the desired effect.
Img source: Phys.orgThe dosage of Adderall XR extended-release capsules
– For adults ages 18 and older – the starting dose is 20 milligrams once a day.
– For children ages 13 to 17 – the starting dose is 10 milligrams once a day.
– For children ages 6 to 12 – the starting dose is 5 or 10 milligrams once a day.
– Keep in mind that these dosages might be increased weekly to meet the desired effect.
If you miss your dosage, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is soon time for your next dosage, only take one dose of Adderall. Taking two doses at once can increase the risk of developing side effects, as well as not being able to sleep at night if the medicine is taken in the evening.
Conclusion
How long the medicine stays good for depends on various factors, including where and how it is kept. Adderall should be kept at room temperature in a tightly sealed and light-resistant container in order for it to be good for use.
