Adderall 5mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. You can take this medication with or without food. However, take your last dose of the day at least 4 hours before bedtime to minimize any potential disruptions to your sleep.
Before using any over-the-counter (OTC) products, consult with your doctor, especially if they may increase your blood pressure. Examples of such products include cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
To maintain the effectiveness and safety of your medication, store it at room temperature, protected from light, and in a dry place. Avoid storing it in a bathroom. Keep all medications in a secure location, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of any unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so by your pharmacist. If you have questions about the best way to dispose of your medication, consult with your pharmacist, who may be aware of drug take-back programs in your area.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less, or more often than directed.
- Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Swallow them whole.
- Avoid taking doses late in the day to prevent sleep problems.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular sleep schedule.
- Regularly monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as advised by your doctor.
- For children, monitor growth (height and weight) regularly.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Adderall XR 30mg Capsules
- Adderall XR 20mg Capsules
- Adderall XR 10mg Capsules
- Adderall XR 15mg Capsules
- Adderall XR 5mg Capsules
- Adderall XR 25mg Capsules
- Adderall 10mg Tablets
- Adderall 30mg Tablets
- Adderall 20mg Tablets
- Adderall 15mg Tablets
- Adderall 5mg Tablets
- Adderall 12.5mg Tablets
- Adderall 7.5mg Tablets
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as:
+ Blood in the urine
+ Burning or pain while urinating
+ Frequent or urgent need to urinate
+ Fever
+ Lower stomach pain
+ Pelvic pain
Other severe side effects, including:
+ Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
+ Changes in sex interest
+ Seizures
+ Trouble controlling body movements
+ Trouble controlling sounds, such as humming, throat clearing, yelling, or making loud noises
+ Restlessness
+ Changes in eyesight
+ Prolonged or frequent erections
+ Changes in skin color, such as pale, blue, gray, purple, or red discoloration
+ Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold sensation in the hands or feet
+ Sores or wounds on the fingers or toes
+ Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or difficulty urinating
Important Heart-Related Warnings
If you have a pre-existing heart condition or heart defect, inform your doctor. Additionally, if a family member has a history of abnormal heartbeat or sudden death, notify your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of heart problems, such as:
Chest pain
Abnormal heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or passing out
Other Possible Side Effects
While many people may not experience side effects or only have mild side effects, it's essential to be aware of the following:
Feeling nervous and excitable
Headache
Trouble sleeping
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, or decreased appetite
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
Dry mouth
Bad taste in the mouth
Weight loss
If any of these side effects or other symptoms bother you or persist, contact your doctor for guidance. Remember, this is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have concerns or questions, consult your doctor.
Reporting Side Effects
To report side effects, you can:
Call your doctor for medical advice
Contact the FDA at 1-800-332-1088
* Visit the FDA's MedWatch website at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting (seek immediate medical attention)
- Numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- New or worsening aggression, hostility, or irritability
- New or worsening psychotic symptoms (e.g., hearing voices, believing things that are not true)
- New or worsening manic symptoms (e.g., extreme energy, racing thoughts)
- Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (rare, but could indicate rhabdomyolysis)
- Blurred vision or other vision changes
- Severe headache
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
A history of certain health conditions, including:
+ Blood vessel disease
+ High blood pressure
+ Heart structure problems or other heart-related issues
+ Tourette's syndrome or tics (you or a family member)
Presence of specific health conditions, such as:
+ Glaucoma
+ Agitation
+ Anxiety
+ Overactive thyroid
Past health issues, including:
+ Drug abuse
+ Stroke
Kidney disease
Current or recent use of certain medications, including:
+ Acetazolamide
+ Sodium bicarbonate
+ Certain antidepressants or Parkinson's disease medications (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline) within the last 14 days, as this may lead to very high blood pressure
+ Linezolid or methylene blue
* Breast-feeding status: Do not breast-feed while taking this medication.
This list is not exhaustive. It is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist to ensure safe use. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
When you first start taking this medication, be cautious when driving or performing tasks that require alertness and clear vision, as it may affect your ability to do so. Wait until you understand how this medication affects you before engaging in such activities.
Long-term or high-dose use of this medication can lead to tolerance, where the medication becomes less effective, and you may need higher doses to achieve the same effect. If you notice that the medication is not working as well as it used to, contact your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose, as this can lead to adverse effects.
Prolonged or regular use of this medication may cause dependence, and stopping it abruptly can result in withdrawal symptoms. If you need to reduce the dose or stop taking this medication, consult your doctor, who will provide guidance on how to do so safely.
Before starting this medication, you may need to undergo heart tests to ensure your safety. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.
This medication may cause an increase in blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor, and have regular blood tests to check for any potential effects.
It is crucial to inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may affect the results of certain lab tests. Additionally, do not take antacids while taking this medication, as they may interact with it.
Some individuals taking this medication may experience changes in behavior or mood, such as altered thinking, anger, or hallucinations. If you or a family member have a history of mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or if a family member has committed suicide, inform your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience hallucinations, changes in behavior, or signs of mood changes, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional instability, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life.
This medication may increase the risk of seizures in some individuals, particularly those with a history of seizure disorders. Discuss your risk with your doctor to determine if you are more susceptible to seizures while taking this medication.
A rare but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can occur if you take this medication with certain other drugs. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as agitation, balance problems, confusion, hallucinations, fever, abnormal heartbeat, flushing, muscle twitching or stiffness, seizures, shivering or shaking, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or severe headache.
In some cases, this medication may affect growth in children and adolescents. Regular growth checks may be necessary, and your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you. Different brands of this medication may be suitable for different age groups, so consult your doctor before giving this medication to a child.
Before consuming alcohol while taking this medication, discuss the potential risks with your doctor. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Tremor
- Hyperreflexia
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Assaultiveness
- Hallucinations
- Panic states
- High fever
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension or hypotension
- Circulatory collapse
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Death
What to Do:
Call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - risk of hypertensive crisis (do not use within 14 days of MAOI)
- Linezolid (reversible MAOI activity)
Major Interactions
- Serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, triptans, St. John's Wort) - risk of serotonin syndrome
- Antihypertensives - may reduce hypotensive effects
- Urinary acidifiers (e.g., ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid) - increase amphetamine excretion, decrease efficacy
- Urinary alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide, thiazide diuretics) - decrease amphetamine excretion, increase toxicity
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists - may increase amphetamine absorption and exposure
- Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine) - may antagonize stimulant effects
- Propoxyphene - risk of seizures and psychosis
Moderate Interactions
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may increase cardiovascular effects of amphetamines
- Antacids - may increase amphetamine absorption
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, ritonavir) - may increase amphetamine exposure and risk of adverse effects
- Alcohol - may increase risk of adverse cardiovascular events
- Opioids - potential for additive CNS depression
Minor Interactions
- Caffeine - additive stimulant effects
- Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) - additive sympathomimetic effects
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Amphetamines can cause dose-related increases in BP and HR. Baseline assessment is crucial to identify pre-existing cardiovascular risk.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: Stimulants have been associated with growth suppression in pediatric patients.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess risk for emergence or exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, mania, aggression).
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To identify pre-existing cardiac conditions that may contraindicate or require caution with stimulant use.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: At each visit or at least every 3-6 months
Target: Within normal limits for age/individual
Action Threshold: Persistent elevation above normal range; consider dose reduction, discontinuation, or referral to cardiology.
Frequency: Every 3-6 months
Target: Consistent growth trajectory
Action Threshold: Significant deviation from expected growth curve; consider drug holiday or alternative therapy.
Frequency: At each visit
Target: Stable, improved ADHD symptoms, absence of new psychiatric symptoms
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of aggression, psychosis, mania, severe anxiety, or depression; consider dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Periodically, especially at follow-up visits
Target: No signs of drug-seeking behavior or misuse
Action Threshold: Signs of misuse, diversion, or dependence; consider discontinuation and referral for substance abuse treatment.
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Syncope
- Palpitations
- New or worsening aggression
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Mania
- Severe anxiety
- Depression
- Unexplained weight loss
- Growth deceleration (in children)
- Numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should be avoided unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Amphetamines may cause fetal harm.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Amphetamines are excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants (e.g., irritability, poor feeding, sleep disturbances, growth suppression, cardiovascular effects), breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Adderall.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy established for ADHD in children 3 years and older, and for narcolepsy in children 6 years and older. Long-term use in children has been associated with growth suppression (weight and height). Monitor growth regularly.
Geriatric Use
Use with caution in elderly patients. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the cardiovascular and CNS stimulant effects. Consider lower initial doses and slower titration. Monitor for adverse effects, especially cardiovascular and psychiatric.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Individualize dosage: Start low and titrate slowly based on patient response and tolerability.
- Timing of doses: Administer the last dose of the day at least 4-6 hours before bedtime to minimize insomnia.
- Drug holidays: Consider periodic drug holidays (e.g., weekends, school breaks) to assess the need for continued therapy, minimize growth suppression in children, and reduce tolerance.
- Monitor for diversion and abuse: Due to Schedule II classification and abuse potential, monitor for signs of misuse, abuse, or diversion.
- Cardiovascular risk: Screen all patients for pre-existing cardiac conditions and monitor BP/HR regularly. Avoid use in patients with symptomatic cardiovascular disease or moderate to severe hypertension.
- Psychiatric risk: Monitor for emergence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms, especially in patients with a history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety.
- Growth monitoring: Essential for pediatric patients on long-term therapy.
Alternative Therapies
- Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine extended-release (Intuniv)
- Clonidine extended-release (Kapvay)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) - off-label for ADHD
- Modafinil/Armodafinil (for narcolepsy)
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, a patient fact sheet that provides crucial information. It is vital to read this guide carefully and review it again whenever your prescription is refilled. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for guidance.
In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information, including the name of the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.