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Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine

BRAND NAME: Adderall, Adderall XR

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are used in combination to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall stimulates the brain and also can increase blood pressure. In a recent small study in children with ADHD, the effects of Adderall lasted longer and were preferred over methylphenidate (Ritalin), the most commonly used drug for ADHD. Adderall XR is an extended release form of Adderall.  Adderall was approved by the FDA in 1996.

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PRESCRIPTION: yes

PREPARATIONS: Adderall tablets: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 20, and 30 mg.  Adderall XR capsules: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mg.

STORAGE: Tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 15 and 30 °C (59-86 °F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Adderall is used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

DOSING: Adderall usually is taken once or twice a day. Adderall XR is taken once daily.  The dose is adjusted carefully by the physician to achieve the desired effects.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Adderall should not be taken with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drugs including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). Patients receiving antihypertensive medications may experience loss of blood pressure control with Adderall.

PREGNANCY: Adderall should not be used in pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: Mothers taking amphetamines such as Adderall should refrain from nursing their infants because these drugs are excreted in human milk and can have undesirable effects on the child.

SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of Adderall include excessive stimulation of the nervous system leading to nervousness, restlessness, excitability, dizziness, headache, fear, anxiety, tremor, and even hallucinations and convulsions (seizures). Blood pressure and heart rate may increase, and patients may experience palpitations of the heart.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 4/17/1999 8:28:00 PM




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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  • Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.

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Related Drugs - WebMD Health Network

amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, Adderall

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most well-recognized childhood developmental problems. This condition is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It is now known that these symptoms continue into adulthood for about 60% of children with ADHD. That translates into 4% of the US adult population, or 8 million adults. However, few adults are identified or treated for adult ADHD.

ADHD in adults

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, remembering information, concentrating, organizing tasks or completing work within time limits. If these difficulties are not managed appropriately, they can cause associated behavioral, emotional, social, vocational and academic problems.

Adult ADHD stats

  • ADHD afflicts approximately 3% to 5% of school-age children and an estimated 60% of th...

Read the Adult ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) article »










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