Adderall
(dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
●●●●●
3.9/ 5 average rating with 1309 reviewsforAdderall
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
Helps you focus and stay alert.
Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.
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Our bottom line
Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) is a first-choice treatment for ADHD that's available as a generic, but it's a stimulant that can cause difficulty sleeping and other side effects.
Lowest price near you
- Price before coupon$102.99
- Lowest price with coupon$26.3574% savings
Quick facts about Adderall
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
Upsides
- First-choice medication to treat ADHD.
- Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) is used together with counseling or other non-drug therapies to treat ADHD.
- Available as an affordable generic medication.
- Available in both immediate and extended release forms.
- For the extended release capsule, if you can't swallow the whole capsule, the capsule can be opened, mixed in a spoonful of applesauce, and swallowed.
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What to expect from Adderall, on one page
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1309Downsides
- Must take in the morning and early afternoon, otherwise it can cause difficulty sleeping.
- It's a controlled medication and should be locked up to prevent potential abuse.
- Not safe for people with a history of heart problems.
- For school-aged children, a second dose will likely need to be given at school.
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What to expect from Adderall, on one page
Download Fact SheetHow it works
Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) is an amphetamine stimulant. Researchers don't know exactly how it works for ADHD, but it increases the activity of the hormones norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which affects attention and behavior.
Quick facts about Adderall
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
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See more prices and coupons in your areaWhat to expect when you take Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) for ADHD
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Physical dependence
Side effect rates for Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
Risks and Warnings for Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of heart problems
- › Misuse of Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
There is a risk of a heart attack, stroke, and sudden death for people taking Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine). Anyone with a history of heart problems shouldn't take it, and people should be screened for heart problems before starting it. Watch out for unexplained fainting or chest pain that is triggered with physical activity.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect
Common concerns from people taking Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Alcohol
- Don't take Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) with alcohol or illicit drugs.
Food
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Adderallon 3/14/2017Take with food or not on an empty stomach. Also make it a priority to rest throughout the day25ManTwo years or moreADHD
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Adderallon 2/4/2017Eat before you take it. Eat snacks periodically even if you don't have an appetite. Don't up your dosage if you stop "feeling the effects" its still working even if you don't feel that. Keep yourself responsible.28WomanADHD
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Adderallon 9/2/2016Don't take it after lunch or with caffeine or you'll be up forever. Can get very dependent on this medication fast!!26ManADHD
Sleep
- Taking Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) can make you feel sleepy, tired, and affect your coordination. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how Adderall (dextroamphetamine / amphetamine) affects you.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Adderallon 7/28/2017sleeping and eating become difficult20WomanA month or soADHD
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Adderallon 6/30/2016If you cannot fall asleep the night after taking it, absolutely do not take it the next day to help you avoid tiredness.20ManADHD