Standard adderall dosage
Adderall Dosage Chart: Recommended Dosage for Adults
There are many different Adderall dosages, and taking too much can lead to risky side effects. Learn more about what Adderall is used for and how much is typically prescribed.
When looking at Adderall dosage, there are distinctions between extended-release and immediate-release options. The Adderall dosage instructions are different for the two.
Article at a Glance:
- Adderall immediate-release works within 15-30 minutes and lasts 4-6 hours.
- Adderall extended-release works within 30-60 minutes and lasts for 10-12 hours.
- The adult Adderall immediate-release dosage is 5 mg to 40 mg per day, spread throughout the day.
- Adderall extended-release is taken in one daily dose, usually not to exceed 40 mg per day.
- It is very dangerous (and even potentially fatal) to use high dosages of Adderall to get high.
Adderall Dosage Guide/Chart
If you’re searching for an Adderall dosage chart, the following infographic provides a general overview of what an Adderall dosage might look like.
What Dosage Does Adderall Come In?
Adderall XR dosage begins at 5 mg. Then there are 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg dosages.
The Adderall IR dosage options start at 5 mg and include 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. There is more flexibility in immediate-release dosages, allowing doctors to start patients out on a minimal dose and increase it incrementally.
Doctors will usually start an Adderall dosage at the smallest amount that may potentially work and then gradually increase it. For ADHD, the immediate-release dosage for adults is between 5 mg to 40 mg a day. The dosage is divided throughout the day.
In regards to ADHD, doses of more than 40 mg a day are rarely more effective than lower amounts. For narcolepsy treatment, doctors may begin with 5 mg a day and then go up to 60 mg a day, with dosages given every four to six hours.
With Adderall XR, one dose is taken daily instead of in divided doses. A doctor may still recommend that the extended-release dosage not exceed 40 mg a day.
How Long Does Adderall & Adderall XR Work?
Adderall immediate-release (IR) starts working within 15 to 30 minutes and lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. Adderall extended-release (XR) can take about 30 to 60 minutes to start working, and it lasts for around 10 to 12 hours. Both IR and XR can lead to a crash as someone comes down from the effects of the drug, but XR tends to have less noticeable effects.
Avoiding an Adderall Dosage High
Trying to abuse Adderall to get high is very dangerous. At higher doses, it can be associated with sudden death. Determining how much Adderall would get someone high is almost impossible, as different people will have different reactions. Some people get high from Adderall by crushing and snorting it or dissolving and injecting it. These methods make the risks even greater.
It’s possible to experience a fatal dose when using Adderall to get high, so this should be avoided. People should never take Adderall without a prescription from their doctor.
If they do have a prescription, it should only be used as directed.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall misuse, The Recovery Village is here to help. We encourage you to learn more about treatment plans and programs that can work well for your situation.
Editor – Jonathan Strum
Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more
Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS, CACP
Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more
RxList. “Adderall.” May 13, 2020. Accessed June 17, 2020.
Food and Drug Administration. “Adderall (CII).” March 2007. Accessed June 17, 2020.
Medical Disclaimer
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes.
We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Similarities, Uses, Mixing & Weight Loss Risks
There are many ways to compare Adderall vs. Vyvanse, and two important factors to compare are dosage and what mental health disorders they’re prescribed for as well as common reasons for abuse, including weight loss.
Article at a Glance:
- Adderall and Vyvanse are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD.
- The recommended Adderall dosage is 2.5 to 60 mg per day, while the dosage for Vyvanse is 30 mg daily.
- Both Adderall and Vyvanse can suppress the appetite but should not be used for weight loss.
- Adderall and Vyvanse should not generally be used together because of the increased risk of side effects.
- Both Adderall and Vyvance use can lead to abuse, addiction, and physical dependence.
Common Uses for Adderall and Vyvanse
Adderall is a combination drug that includes levoamphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It’s part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. Vyvanse, which has the generic name lisdexamfetamine, is also a stimulant of the central nervous system. Both are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD.
Less frequently, Adderall may be prescribed to treat narcolepsy and, in some cases, Vyvanse may be used as a medication to treat binge eating disorders. However, Vyvanse is supposed to be used as part of a full treatment plan that includes psychological and social elements.
Both Adderall and Vyvanse can contribute to abuse and addiction, as well as physical dependence. The side effects are very similar as well and include anxiety, insomnia, and decreased appetite.
If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, treatment is available.
For immediate assistance or help in evaluating your options, you can contact the National Eating Disorder Association by visiting them online or by calling (800) 931-2237.
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There are many ways to compare Adderall and Vyvanse, and one important factor to compare is dosage.
Patients are usually prescribed to take Adderall once or twice a day. The recommended dosage can vary from 2.5 to 60 mg a day. Different prescribed doses are based on the age and individual needs of the patient.
Related Topic: Adderall Dosage Guide
The recommended beginning dose for treating ADHD in adults with Vyvanse is 30 mg.
For pediatric patients, the starting dose is usually 20 to 30 mg taken once daily in the morning. The maximum dose of Vyvanse is 70 mg a day, and a doctor may increase the dose by 10 to 20 mg a day, at weekly intervals. For treating a binge eating disorder with Vyvanse, the recommended dose in adults is 50 to 70 mg a day.
Related Topic: Medications Used for Treating Binge Eating Disorder
Side Effects & Weight Loss Risks from Prolonged Adderall or Vyvanse Use
Using Adderall or Vyvanse for weight loss isn’t an approved use. It’s considered a possible side effect, although Vyvanse can be used to treat symptoms of binge eating disorder.
Amphetamines like Adderall can lead to weight loss. Vyvanse acts similarly to an amphetamine. These drugs release certain brain chemicals that can increase energy and suppress appetite. In some cases, they can also increase metabolism levels.
Both tend to have similar weight loss results, but with Adderall people may experience rebound hunger after the effects of the drug wear off.
Regardless of whether you consider Adderall or Vyvanse for weight loss, they’re not healthy or sustainable options.
When the effects of either medicine wear off, so does the appetite suppression. Your body also quickly adjusts to the medicine’s effects, so you may no longer experience appetite suppression after a short period of taking them. This makes the weight loss effects both short-lived and unsustainable for most people. With either medication, your body usually adjusts to the effects, making them ineffective and impractical for a weight loss goal.
What’s more, when you’re withdrawing from amphetamines, the result is an increased appetite. If you use either of these drugs as a way to lose weight and you stop, you will have more problems controlling your appetite than you did before.
Are Adderall & Vyvanse Safe to Use Together?
Considering the similarities between the two, people may wonder if Adderall and Vyvanse can be taken together. The answer is usually no.
When you combine the two stimulants together, it increases your risk of side effects.
For example, you may have extreme changes in mood, intense anxiety, or severe insomnia. Combining multiple stimulants as such can affect your central nervous system and create problems like elevated blood pressure, high body temperature, and cardiovascular problems.
Finally, when people are coming down off Adderall or Vyvanse, it can cause them to feel depressed or have sudden shifts in mood. If you take them together, this can be worse.
Related Topic: First Aid for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Feelings of depression or anxiety can lead to suicidal thinking. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Editor – Melissa Carmona
As the content manager at Advanced Recovery Systems, Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing experience to work helping people understand substance abuse, addiction and mental health disorders.
Read more
Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS, CACP
Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Adderall.” April 2015. Accessed June 7, 2020.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Vyvanse.” January 2015. Accessed June 7, 2020.
Medical Disclaimer
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Adderall Dosages, Forms and Strengths - Product Information
Home >> Product Information >> Adderall Dosage, Forms and Strengths
Product information
Forms and strengths Adderall | For adults | For children | Dosage table Adderall | For ADHD | With narcolepsy | How to take Adderall | FAQs
Adderall is a branded prescription drug that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. By combining two very similar stimulants, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, Adderall helps people with ADHD better focus, pay attention, and control impulses. In narcolepsy, Adderall's active ingredients help to relieve daytime sleepiness. Adderall is taken as a tablet with or without food. As an immediate release drug, one to three doses per day may be required. Alternatively, Adderall is available in an extended-release format, Adderall XR, which only requires a single daily dose.
RELATED: Find out more about Adderall | Get Discounts Adderall
Shapes and strengths Adderall
Adderall tablets are available in seven different strengths.
- Tablet: 5 milligrams (mg), 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg , dextroamphetamine sucrose and d,1-amphetamine aspartate. The tablets are scored so that they can be divided in half into two smaller doses.
Adult Dosage Adderall
Adderall is taken one to three times daily to treat ADHD or daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy. There is no single standard dose. . Instead, the goal is to find the lowest effective dose possible, so doses will be adjusted based on the individual's needs and response to Adderall.
- Usual adult dosage: 5-40 mg (ADHD) or 5-60 mg (narcolepsy) as a single dose or divided into two or three doses every four to six hours
- Maximum Adult Dose: Not Specified
Adderall Pediatric Dosage
Pediatric use of Adderall is approved for children aged 3 years and older for the treatment of ADHD and for children aged 6 years and older with a diagnosis of narcolepsy.
- Standard dosage for children 3-5 years: 2.5-40 mg (ADHD) divided into one to three daily doses taken by mouth every four to six hours.
- Maximum dosage for children aged 3-5 years: Not specified
- Standard dosage for children 6 years and older: 5-40 mg (ADHD) or 5-60 mg (narcolepsy) divided into one to three daily dose taken orally every four to six hours.
- Maximum dosage for children aged 3-5 years: Not specified
Adderall dosage chart Indication0083 Age Starting dosage Standard dosage Maximum dosage ADHD or children of 6 years and older. daily doses 5–40 mg orally once a day or divided into 2–3 daily doses every 4–6 hours. Not specified Children 3-5 years 2. 
5 mg orally once in the morning 2.5-40 mg orally once a day or divided into 2-3 daily doses every 4-6 hours. Not specified Narcolepsy Adults and children 12 years of age and older 10 mg orally once in the morning 5–60 mg orally once a day or divided into 2–3 daily doses every 4–6 days hours. Not specified Children 6–11 years 5 mg orally once in the morning 5–60 mg orally once a day or divided into 2–3 daily doses every 4–6 hours. Not Specified Adderall ADHD Dosage
Adderall is FDA approved for the treatment of hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms in adults and children 3 years of age and older with clinically significant impairment due to a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- Adults and children 6 years of age and older: 5–40 mg orally divided into one to three daily doses every four to six hours.
- Children 3–5 years: 2.5–40 mg orally divided into one to three daily doses taken every four to six hours.
- Patients with renal insufficiency: Not determined
- Patients with impaired liver function: Not determined
The first dose should be taken in the morning.
Adderall Dosage for Narcolepsy
Adderall is used to relieve daytime sleepiness in adults and children 6 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy, a condition characterized by daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations. right before bed.
- Adults and children 6 years of age and older: 5–60 mg divided into one to three daily doses taken every four to six hours.
- Patients with renal insufficiency: Not determined
- Patients with impaired liver function: Not determined
Again, the first dose should always be taken in the morning.
How to take Adderall
Adderall is taken by mouth as tablets with or without food. The initial and minimum prescribed doses will probably be taken as a single dose in the morning, but usually people take two or three doses each day.
- Take Adderall exactly as directed.
- Take the first dose in the morning on first awakening.
- Later doses should be taken four to six hours apart.
- Do not take your dose if it is almost evening. The last dose should not be taken six hours before bedtime to avoid sleep problems.
- Read the medication guide that comes with your prescription carefully and follow it.
- If too much Adderall is taken, get medical help from a doctor or poison control center right away.
- Always check the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, safely dispose of the medicine and get a new prescription.
- Adderall should be stored at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F) and protected from moisture.
Dosage FAQ Adderall
How long does Adderall work?
Adderall - This is easily absorbed through the intestines into the bloodstream, so its effect should be noticed approximately 30 minutes after ingestion. Adderall reaches maximum effectiveness in about one to three hours.
Adderall may be taken with or without food, although no studies have been conducted on how food affects the absorption of Adderall.
How long does Adderall stay in your system?
How long Adderall stays in the system and how long it lasts are two different things. The amphetamines in Adderall completely affect brain neurotransmitters for only a few hours, but some of its effects on brain chemistry can last up to 12 hours. However, the amphetamines in Adderall stay in the system for much longer. Adderall combines equal amounts of two different forms of amphetamine. The body metabolizes each at a different rate. One has a half-life, that is, how long it takes for half of the drug to leave the body, 9–11 hours, while the other has a half-life of 11–14 hours.
It usually takes 4-5 half-lives for the drug to clear from the body, so this means it can take up to 46 hours for Adderall to drop to an undetectable level in the bloodstream. However, Adderall can be detected in urine three to four days after the last dose and for up to three months or longer with a hair test.
What happens if I miss a dose of Adderall?
The missed dose can be taken if remembered, but avoid taking a dose at the end of the day. Remember that doses should be taken every four to six hours, so taking a missed dose will reset the clock. Never take extra Adderall to make up for a missed dose.
How can I stop taking Adderall?
Adderall may cause physical dependence when taken in high doses over a long period of time. Because of the potential for abuse and dependence, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) labels Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance. For people taking high doses on a regular basis, stopping Adderall abruptly can cause fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances.
The prescriber will use a tapering dose to stop any patient taking high doses.
If you need to stop taking Adderall, you should always consult your doctor to find the best titration regimen or alternative medications. However, there are several circumstances in which it is necessary to immediately stop taking the medicine and seek medical attention. This includes:
- Any emerging or worsening symptom of an underlying or undiagnosed mental health problem, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, or Tourette syndrome.
- Any signs of serotonin syndrome such as confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, tremors, muscle twitching, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating or muscle stiffness.
- Seizures
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction
People taking Adderall will be regularly checked for cardiovascular changes, aggression and growth rate (height and weight). If problems occur, treatment with Adderall may need to be interrupted or discontinued.
For those who need to stop taking amphetamines, there are alternatives: methylphenidate (ADHD), dexmethylphenidate (ADHD or narcolepsy), atomoxetine (ADHD), modafinil (narcolepsy) and armodafinil (narcolepsy) What is the maximum dosage of Adderall?
Although there is no specified maximum dosage, the Physician's Digital Handbook (formerly the Physician's Desk Reference) recommends a maximum dose of 60 mg per day for both ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall is rarely prescribed in daily doses exceeding 40 mg per day for ADHD. On the other hand, the recommended dose for narcolepsy is 60 mg per day.
What interacts with Adderall?
Amphetamines can be taken with or without food because food does not change their effect. However, they have several potential drug interactions.
Typically, drugs such as Adderall, which alter brain chemistry, have a number of drug interactions.
- Adderall may interact with drugs that also alter the central nervous system (CNS), such as antidepressants, other stimulants (Concert, Ritalin), and anticonvulsants.
- Benzodiazepines, sleeping pills, and other drugs that cause drowsiness may neutralize the effect of Adderall and make it less effective.
- Amphetamines should not be taken within 14 days of stopping monoamine oxidase inhibitors. (MAOIs), a small class of drugs that treat depression, bacterial infections, cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The combination of these two classes of drugs can cause serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis.
- Inhibitors of CYP2D6, such as some antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine, and also (bupropion) may slow down the rate of excretion of adderal through the liver and therefore increase the amount of adderal in the body.
- Some medicines that reduce stomach acid, such as sodium bicarbonate, may increase the absorption of Adderall.
Resources:
- Adderall, Epocrates
- Information on the purpose of Addrall, National Medical Library of the USA
- Monohydam Aspartam / Sulfate of amphetamine 9,
026 Summary of amphetamine compounds, US National Medical Library - amphetamine, past and present - pharmacological and clinical perspective, Psychopharmacology magazine
- Biological tests, arisones
- amphythums, Statpearls
- treatment to Better Understanding, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
Difference Between Ritalin and Adderall
A significant proportion of the population suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Typically, this neurological disorder is diagnosed in children or adolescents and often continues into adulthood. Science Quiz
Test your knowledge on science-related topics
1 / 10
Which of the following glands is found in the human mouth?
Adrenal
Pituitary
Genital
salivary
2 / 10
What are the veins that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to other parts of the body?
Kidney
Arteries
Both a and b)
Neither of these
3 / 10
What is the fuel in the Sun?
helium
hydrogen
oxygen
carbon dioxide
4 / 10
common element for all acids
hydrogenation
carbon
sulfur
oxygen
5 / 10
Purpose of choke in lamp light?
To decrease the current
To increase the current
To decrease the voltage for a short time
To increase the voltage for a short time
6 / 10
What is the scientific name of a person?
Mangifera Indica
Tiger wound
Homo sapiens
human species
7 / 10
What is another name for Newton's first law?
Action-reaction
Change of momentum
Law of inertia
Constant momentum
8 / 10
Which of the following is not a synthetic fiber?
Nylon
Silk
Available in four great colors to give people more options to match their sportswear.
acrylic
9 / 10
The bond between non-metals and non-metals is called ___________.
Ionic bond
Covalent bond
Non-metallic bond
10 / 10
Which of the following metals remains in a liquid state under normal conditions?
Radium
Zinc
Uranium
Mercury
your account
Some of the symptoms of ADHD include difficulty concentrating, making decisions without considering the consequences, and being overly active in unnecessary circumstances.
Common causes of ADHD include brain injury, premature birth, and alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.
Medications and therapies can be used to treat ADHD. Ritalin and Adderall are the two most commonly prescribed ADHD medications.
Ritalin vs AdderallThe difference between Ritalin and Adderall is that Ritalin has a shorter duration of action and stays in the body for a shorter time than Adderall which has a longer duration of action and stays in the body longer .
The main component of Ritalin is methylphenidate. It is widely prescribed for the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder. It is a central nervous system stimulant. Its main purpose is to change the amount of natural substances in the brain.
amphetamine and dextroamphetamine form the main components of Adderall. It is also a central nervous system stimulant used to treat ADHD. Although in the human body, it begins to act much later, after about 3 hours, and remains in the body longer.
Comparative tableComparison parameters Ritalin Adderol The basic component component component component of ritalin is the main component. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are the main components of Adderall. Duration of action Ritalin fast acting, starts working within an hour. Adderall is slow-acting and starts working after about 3 hours. 
Half-life The half-life of Ritalin from the body is 3-4 hours. The half-life of Adderall in the human body is 10-13 hours. Most effective Studies show that Ritalin is more effective in treating children and adolescents. Adderall has been found to be more effective in adults. Side effects The most common side effects of Ritalin include weight loss, heart palpitations, insomnia, decreased appetite, growth suppression, increased sex drive. The most common side effects of Adderall include irritability, aggressive behavior, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, trembling, blurred vision, decreased sex drive. dosage The standard dosage of Ritalin is 20-30 mg. The standard dosage of Adderall is 5-40 mg.
What is Ritalin?ADHD medications such as Ritalin are widely used to treat this disorder.
It mainly consists of methylphenidate. It is a central nervous system stimulant. Its main function is to change the amount of natural substances in the brain. Consumption of Ritalin helps a person to pay more attention, eliminate behavioral problems and help increase concentration. In addition, it helps improve listening and organizational skills.
Ritalin is a fast-acting drug that starts working in the body almost immediately. It can reach maximum efficiency within an hour. Ritalin in the body has a half-life of 3-4 hours.
Therefore, it and its effects remain in the body for a very short period of time. The effects of Ritalin on children and adolescents are more significant. Ritalin is usually taken in doses of 20 to 30 mg per day.
This medicine is usually given to adults and children over 6 years of age.
Some of the more common side effects of Ritalin include weight loss, heart palpitations, insomnia, decreased appetite, growth suppression, and increased desire to mate.
Ritalin is sometimes addictive, although it helps many people. It is likely to be higher if you have a substance use disorder, such as drug or alcohol addiction.
Follow prescription as directed to reduce addiction. Stopping this medication suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms (such as depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes).
You are more likely to experience withdrawal from methylphenidate if you have been using it for a long time or taking high doses.
What is Adderall?Adderall mainly contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. In terms of the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, it is the most widely used drug. It works very similar to Ritalin. Both are stimulants of the central nervous system.
The main function of this substance is to change the amount of natural substances in the brain.
Using Adderall improves a person's attention, improves their behavior and helps them focus. It also improves their listening skills and their organizational skills.
Adderall needs some time to start working in the body. It takes about three to four hours to achieve the maximum effect. In the human body, Adderall has a half-life of 10-13 hours, meaning that it and its effects persist for a significant amount of time.
Adults are more likely to benefit from Adderall. A typical dosage is 5 to 40 mg. Adderall can be prescribed to both adults and children aged 3 years and older.
Irritability, aggressive behavior, dry mouth, trembling, blurred vision, blurred vision and decreased sex drive are some of the most common side effects of Adderall.
Main differences between Ritalin and Adderall- The chemical component of Ritalin is methylphenidate, while Adderall is a combination of amphetamines and dextroamphetamine.
- The effect of Ritalin begins within an hour and lasts three to four hours, while Adderall begins to work after about three hours and lasts ten to thirteen hours.
- Ritalin is more effective in children and adolescents, while Adderall is more effective in adults.
