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.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms include impulsivity and inattention. Get information on causes, diagnosis, treatment, medications and research.
- 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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