Adderall IR and XR Fact Sheet
Printable VersionShire; IR (immediate release) version available as generic since 2003, XR marketing exclusivity expires 2009.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children and adolescents
- Narcolepsy
Blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine
IR: Supplied as 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg breakable tablets. Start at 5 mg BID (usually Q 6 hours), increase gradually as tolerated. Maximum recommended dose 40 mg daily, but some patients may require 60 mg QD or more.
XR: Supplied as 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg capsules (not breakable).Start at 10 mg QAM and increase gradually as tolerated. Maximum recommended dose 30 mg daily, but some patients may require 60 mg QD. Adderall XR lasts about 8 hours in most people. Some patients require BID dosing for coverage into the evening.
Most common are decreased appetite, weight loss, tics, and nausea.
All stimulants are required to carry a warning about the possibility of sudden death, primarily in children with pre-existing cardiac abnormalities.
Risk of stimulant abuse and diversion (Schedule II controlled substance).
Growth suppression, usually mild, is possible with all stimulants.
Pregnancy Category C.
Avoid in combination with MAOIs.
Metabolized by the liver.
IR Lasts 4-6 hours.
XR lasts 8-10 hours.
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Psychiatry in the News
To help members of the general public understand the sometimes complicated world of psychiatry, TCPR publisher and editor-in-chief Dr. Daniel Carlat has joined AOL Health as their mental health expert and blogger. You can read his AOL blog here.
