Uses

Adderall (a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is a psychostimulant medication belonging to the phenethylamine class of drugs. Adderall is used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Unfortunately, Adderall has become popular among students and young professionals seeking to enhance cognitive and physical performance. Like many other stimulants, this medication has a high potential for recreational misuse and abuse.

Dosage FAQs

• What is a safe dose of this drug?
  This medication is available in an immediate release and extended release formula.
  • ADHD: In immediate release form, a 5 mg oral dose is administered each day and can be increased by 5 mg to 10 mg per day every week. Maximum dose should not exceed 40 mg per day. For the extended release version of this drug, a 20 mg oral dose is administered in the morning. Dose can be increased as required but the maximum dose should not exceed 30 mg per day without consulting your doctor.
  • Narcolepsy: Doctors typically only prescribe the immediate release version of this drug for narcolepsy. It is administered orally in doses ranging from 5 mg to 60 mg per day. The dose can be increased by 10 mg per day every week. Dosage should not exceed 60 mg per day.
• Does dosage for this drug change for children?
  Adderall is not recommended for children under three years of age. Additionally, narcolepsy is rare in children under 12 years of age, so treatment options should be thoroughly discussed with your physician for the best treatment recommendation. The following ADHD treatment doses are recommended for children:
  • Children three to six years old: A 2.5 mg per day dose may be administered. The dose can be increased by 2.5 mg per week. The maximum dose should not exceed 40 mg per day. It can be administered in a divided dose three times a day with intervals of four to six hours between additional doses. In the extended release formula, an initial 5 mg to 10 mg dose should be given in the morning and may be increased weekly. However, dosage should not exceed 30 mg per day.
  • Children over six years old: A 5 mg dose can be administered once or twice each day with about four to six hours between doses. The dose can be increased by 5 mg per week but should not exceed 40 mg per day. In the extended release format, this medication should be given as a 10 mg dose in the morning and may be increased weekly. Dosage should not exceed 30 mg per day without a doctor’s consultation.
• How does my body process this drug?
  Adderall is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The bioavailability is typically over 75% for dextroamphetamine. The absorption of Adderall depends upon the pH of the individual’s gastrointestinal tract. Basic pH increases its absorption through the lipid-rich cell membranes of the gut. Acidic pH changes the drug in its water soluble cationic (salt) form, and less is absorbed. The drug is metabolized in the liver which results in a variety of excreted metabolic products.
• How can I get the most out of my treatment with this medication?
  This drug is primarily prescribed to treat ADHD, which is a condition also regularly addressed with various types of psychotherapy—most notably behavioral modification. Finding a therapist or counselor that is trained in behavioral therapy may help you better regulate your emotional and behavioral responses to symptoms associated with ADHD. Additionally, a therapist can help you develop a safe plan to gain control over symptoms, help you develop important coping strategies, and they can help you learn to stay more focused and manage impulses.