Typical dose of adderall


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.

Online Chat

Monday—Thursday 9 am—9 pm ET

Friday 9 am—5 pm ET

Call NEDA’s Eating Disorders Helpline

(800) 931-2237

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Text NEDA’s Eating Disorders Helpline

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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.

Can you overdose on Adderall?

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Contents

  • What is the lethal dose?
    • Suicide prevention
  • Can Adderall interact with other medicines?
  • What are the signs and symptoms of an overdose?
    • Mild symptoms
    • Severe symptoms
    • Serotonin syndrome
    • General Adderall side effects
  • What to do if you suspect an overdose
  • How is an overdose treated?
  • Bottom line

Is it possible to overdose?

Overdose of Adderall is possible, especially if you are taking Adderall with other drugs or medicines.

Adderall is a brand name for a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant made from amphetamine salts. The drug is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Many people also abuse Adderall recreationally to improve their performance and memory, although this is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

As a CNS stimulant, Adderall can have a wide range of effects on the body. It can also be extremely dangerous if not taken under medical supervision. For this reason, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers Adderall a Schedule II controlled substance.

Children taking Adderall should be monitored very closely to make sure they are taking the correct dose. An overdose can be fatal.

What is the typical prescribed dosage?

The prescribed amount usually ranges from 5 to 60 milligrams (mg) per day. This amount may be divided between doses throughout the day.

For example:

  • Adolescents usually start at 10 mg daily.
  • Adults may be given an initial dose of 20 mg daily.

Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until your symptoms are controlled.

What is the lethal dose?

The amount that could potentially result in an overdose varies widely from person to person. It depends on how much you swallow and how sensitive you are to stimulants.

The lethal dose of amphetamine is reported to be between 20 and 25 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight. For example, the lethal dose for a 70 kg (154 lb) human is about 1,400 mg. This is more than 25 times the maximum prescribed dose.

However, fatal overdoses as low as 1.5 mg/kg body weight have been reported.

You should never take more than the prescribed dose. If you feel like your current dose is no longer working, talk to your doctor about your concerns. They can evaluate your current recipe and make adjustments as needed.

Suicide Prevention


  1. If you think someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others:
  2. • Call 911 or your local emergency number.
  3. • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  4. • Remove all weapons, knives, medicines, and other items that could cause harm.
  5. • Listen, but don't judge, argue, threaten, or yell.
  6. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, seek help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.

Can Adderall interact with other medicines?

Less than median lethal overdose possible if you are also taking other drugs or medicines.

For example, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may enhance the effects of Adderall and increase the risk of overdose.

Common MAOIs include:

  • selegiline (atapril)
  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • phenelzine (Nardil)

Co-administration of drugs that are CYP2D6 inhibitors may also increase the risk of negative side effects, even at low doses.

Common CYP2D6 inhibitors include:

  • bupropion (Wellbutrin)
  • cinacalcet (Sensipar)
  • paroxetine (Paxil)
  • fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • quinidine (quinidex)
  • ritonavir (norvir)

You should always talk to your doctor about any medications you take. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and other nutritional supplements. This will help your doctor choose the right medication and dosage to reduce the risk of drug interactions.

What are the signs and symptoms of an overdose?

Overdose of Adderall or other amphetamines may cause mild to severe symptoms. In some cases, death is possible.

Your individual symptoms will depend on:

  • how much Adderall you have taken
  • your body chemistry and how sensitive you are to stimulants
  • whether you have used Adderall in combination with other mild drugs

Mild symptoms

In cases you are may experience:

  • confusion
  • headaches
  • hyperactivity
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • rapid breathing
  • Lumber pain

Severe symptoms

In severe cases you can experience:

  • Hallucinations
  • Panic
  • Aggressivity
  • fever 106.7 ° F (41.5 ° C) or higher heart attack
  • muscle breakdown or rhabdomyolysis
  • death

Serotonin syndrome

People who have overdosed on the combination of Adderall and antidepressants may also experience serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious adverse drug reaction that occurs when too much serotonin builds up in the body.

  • loss of appetite
  • Headache
  • insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • pain in the abdomen
  • Nervousness
  • Dry Dry

These side effects are usually not serious. If you experience these side effects while taking the prescribed dose, it does not mean that you are overdosing.

However, tell your doctor about any side effects you experience. Depending on their severity, your doctor may reduce your dosage or switch you to another medication.

What to do if you suspect an overdose

If you suspect you have overdosed on Adderall, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Don't wait until your symptoms become more severe.

In the United States, you can contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for further instructions.

If symptoms become severe, call your local emergency services. Try to remain calm and cool your body while you wait for the ambulance to arrive.

How is an overdose treated?

In the event of an overdose, ambulance personnel will take you to a hospital or emergency room.

You may be given activated charcoal along the way to help you absorb the medicine and relieve your symptoms.

When you arrive at the hospital or emergency room, your doctor may pump your stomach to remove any remaining medicine. If you are agitated or hyperactive, you may be given benzodiazepines to calm you down.

If you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, you may also be prescribed drugs to block serotonin. Intravenous fluids may also be needed to replenish essential nutrients and prevent dehydration.

After your symptoms are gone and your body is stabilized, you may need to stay in the hospital for observation.

The bottom line is

Once the excess medication is out of your system, you will most likely make a full recovery.

Adderall should only be taken under medical supervision. To avoid accidental overdose, never take more than the prescribed dose. Do not adjust it without your doctor's approval.

Using Adderall without a prescription or mixing Adderall with other drugs can be extremely dangerous. You can never be sure how it might interact with your individual body chemistry or other medications or drugs you take.

Tell your doctor if you decide to abuse Adderall recreationally or mix it with other substances. They can help you understand your individual risk of interaction and overdose, and monitor any changes in your overall health.

Health

Concert against. Adderall Comparison

Table of contents

Related drugs

Concerta and Adderall are drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These medications help activate areas of the brain that are responsible for concentration.

Concerta and Adderall are generic trademarks. The generic form of Concerta is methylphenidate. Adderall is a blend of four different "amphetamine" salts mixed together to create a 3:1 ratio of dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine. However, there are some differences.

Concerta and Adderall help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in people with ADHD. Both drugs stimulate the central nervous system. This type of medication helps control persistent ADHD activity such as fidgeting. It also helps control impulsive actions that are common in people with certain forms of ADHD.

The table below compares the characteristics of the two products.

ConcertaAdderall What is the generic name: methylphenidatefetamine / dextroamphetamine Is generic version available? That. Is it curable? ADHDADHDU What is extended release oral tablets - instant release oral tablets
- extended release oral capsule. What is her strength? -18 mg
- 27 mg
- 36 mg
- 54 mg - immediate release tablets: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12. 5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg.
- long-acting capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg What is the typical duration of treatment? Long-term and long-term How to store it? Controlled room temperature 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) Controlled room temperature 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) Is this a controlled substance? * Yes Is there a risk of stopping this medicine? † yes, does this drug have abuse potential?? Tot

* A controlled substance is a drug that is regulated by the government. If you are taking a controlled substance, your doctor must carefully monitor your use of the medicine. Never give a controlled substance to anyone else.

† If you have been taking this medicine for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor. You will need to taper down the dose of the medication gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, sweating, nausea, and trouble sleeping.

¥

This medicine has a high abuse potential. This means that you may become addicted to this drug. Be sure to take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

dosage

Concerta is only available as sustained release tablets. Adderall is available as an immediate and extended release formulation. In instant release form, the tablet releases the drug into your system immediately. In the extended-release form, the capsule slowly releases a small amount of the drug into the body throughout the day.

If your doctor prescribes Adderall, you may want to start with the immediate release form first. If you are taking the immediate release form, you will likely need more than one dose per day. After all, I can change you to the expanded edition form.

If you are taking a long-acting medicine, you may only need one dose a day to control your symptoms.

The standard dose of each drug starts at 10-20 mg per day. However, your dose depends on certain factors. This includes your age, other health problems you have, and how you are responding to the medication. Children often take a smaller dose than adults.

Always take your dose as directed. If you regularly take too much, you may need more medication to be effective. These drugs also carry a risk of addiction.

How to take medicine

Take any medicine with water. You can take them with or without food. Some people prefer to take their medicines at breakfast so as not to upset the stomach.

If you have trouble swallowing Adderall, you can open the capsule and mix the granules with food. However, do not cut or crush the Concerto.

Concerta and Adderall have many potential side effects in common. Some are serious. For example, both drugs can slow growth in children. Your child's doctor can monitor your child's height and weight during treatment. If the doctor notices negative effects, the child may be able to stop the medicine for a while.

If you have side effects from one medicine, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may change your medication or adjust your dose. Common Concert and Adderall side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea, vomiting or stomach disorder
  • irritability
  • Slicks

Serious side effects of both drugs may include:

9000 numb toes or toes that turn white or blue
  • unconsciousness
  • increased violence or thoughts of violence
  • auditory hallucinations (eg, auditory voices)
  • slow growth in children
  • Concerts can also cause painful erections in men that last several hours.

    Perhaps the biggest difference between drugs is that they should be avoided by everyone. Concerta and Adderall are not for everyone. There are many medications and health conditions that can change how medications work. For this reason, you may not be able to take one or both of the medicines.

    do not take a concert or additive if:

    • Glaucoma
    • is anxiety or voltage
    • It is easy to be upset
    • have an increased sensitivity to the drug
    • Take antidepressants IMEO

    do not take a concert if you have:

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    • Tourette syndrome
    • family history of Tourette syndrome

    Do not take Adderall if you have:

    • symptomatic cardiovascular disease
    • advanced atherosclerosis
    • moderate or severe high blood pressure
    • hyperthyroidism
    • history of addiction or drug abuse

    Both drugs can also affect your blood pressure and heart rate. They can cause sudden death in people with undiagnosed heart problems. Your doctor may check your blood pressure and heart rate while you are taking these medicines. Talk to your doctor to find out more.

    Both drugs are also in pregnancy category C. This means that some animal studies have shown harm to pregnancy, but the drugs have not been studied enough in humans to know if they are harmful to human pregnancy. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor to see if any of these medications should be avoided.

    Concerta and Adderall are mutual funds. Branded drugs are more expensive than generic drugs. In general, the extended release of Adderall is more expensive than the Concert, according to the agency's review. Baylor College of Medicine, however, the general form of Adderall is cheaper than the general form of Concerts.

    However, drug prices depend on many factors. Insurance coverage, geographic location, dosage, and other factors may affect the price you pay.


    Learn more