Adderall XR 30mg Capsules
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food, in the morning. Swallow the capsule whole - do not chew, break, or crush it. If you have trouble swallowing, you can sprinkle the contents of the capsule on applesauce, but be sure not to chew the mixture. After mixing, take your dose immediately and do not store it for later use.
Before taking this medication, talk to your doctor about any over-the-counter (OTC) products you are using that may increase blood pressure, such as 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
Store your medication at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep it in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Store your medication in a safe and secure location where children and pets cannot access it, such as a locked box or area. This will help prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
What to Do If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take the missed dose later in the day. Instead, wait until the next morning to take your medication as usual.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily in the morning. Do not take in the afternoon or evening to avoid sleep problems.
- Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or divide the capsule. If unable to swallow, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce and consumed immediately.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation, especially after prolonged use, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular sleep schedule.
- Store securely to prevent misuse or diversion.
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 experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:
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 or dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as:
+ Blood in the urine
+ Burning or pain when passing urine
+ Frequent or urgent need to urinate
+ Fever
+ Lower stomach pain or pelvic pain
Erectile dysfunction or changes in sex interest
Seizures
Trouble controlling body movements or sounds (e.g., humming, throat clearing, yelling, or making loud noises)
Restlessness
Changes in eyesight
Prolonged or frequent erections
Changes in skin color (pale, blue, gray, purple, or red) on hands, feet, or other areas
Numbness, pain, tingling, or cold feeling in hands or feet
Sores or wounds on fingers or toes
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or trouble passing urine
Important Heart-Related Warnings
If you have a heart problem or defect, or if a family member has an abnormal heartbeat or died suddenly, inform your doctor. Seek medical help immediately 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
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to report any concerns to your doctor. Common side effects include:
Feeling nervous and excitable
Headache
Trouble sleeping
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, or decreased appetite
Dizziness, tiredness, or weakness
Dry mouth
Bad taste in mouth
* Weight loss
If you experience any of these side effects or any other concerns, contact your doctor for advice. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting (seek immediate medical attention)
- New or worsening high blood pressure or heart rate
- New or worsening mental problems (e.g., psychosis, mania, aggression, hallucinations)
- New or worsening tics or Tourette's syndrome
- Unexplained weight loss or slowed growth in children
- Blurred vision
- Numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes (Raynaud's phenomenon)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, and describe the symptoms you experienced.
A personal or family history of certain health conditions, such as:
+ Blood vessel disease
+ High blood pressure
+ Heart structure problems or other heart-related issues
+ Tourette's syndrome or tics
Existing health problems, including:
+ Glaucoma
+ Agitation
+ Anxiety
+ Overactive thyroid
Past health issues, such as:
+ Drug abuse
+ Stroke
Kidney disease
Current medications, including:
+ Acetazolamide
+ Sodium bicarbonate
+ Certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease taken in the last 14 days (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline), as they may cause very high blood pressure
+ Linezolid or methylene blue
* Breast-feeding status: Do not breast-feed while taking this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and 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 previously did, contact your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
Prolonged or regular use of this medication may result in dependence, and suddenly stopping it can cause 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 assess your cardiovascular health. 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 report any changes or concerns.
Regular blood tests may be necessary to monitor your health while taking this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions for scheduling these tests, and discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
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.
Do not take antacids while using this medication, as they may interact with it.
In some cases, this medication can cause changes in behavior and mood, such as altered thinking, anger, or hallucinations. If you or a family member have a history of mental health conditions, such as depression or bipolar disorder, or if a family member has attempted suicide, inform your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience hallucinations, changes in behavior, or signs of mood changes, including depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional instability, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or loss of interest in life.
This medication may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in individuals 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 medications. 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, stomach upset, or vomiting, or severe headache.
In children and adolescents, this medication may affect growth in some cases. 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 and benefits with your doctor.
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor, as they will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with you.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Tremor
- Hyperreflexia
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations
- Panic states
- High fever
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Arrhythmias
- Hypertension or hypotension
- Circulatory collapse
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Convulsions
- Coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is generally supportive, managing symptoms like hyperthermia, seizures, and cardiovascular effects.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) - concurrent use or within 14 days of MAOI discontinuation due to risk of hypertensive crisis.
Major Interactions
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - may increase amphetamine levels, leading to enhanced effects and potential toxicity.
- Urinary Acidifiers (e.g., ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid) - increase renal excretion of amphetamines, decreasing efficacy.
- Urinary Alkalinizers (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide, thiazide diuretics) - decrease renal excretion of amphetamines, increasing efficacy and potential toxicity.
- Antihypertensives - amphetamines may antagonize the hypotensive effects of these drugs.
Moderate Interactions
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists - may increase amphetamine absorption and exposure.
- Antipsychotics (e.g., phenothiazines, haloperidol) - may antagonize the stimulant effects of amphetamines.
- Alcohol - may alter the release profile of extended-release formulations, leading to dose dumping.
- Opioids - potential for additive CNS depression and respiratory depression.
Minor Interactions
- Not available
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 can cause growth suppression in children. Baseline measurements are needed for ongoing monitoring.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: Stimulants can exacerbate or unmask psychiatric conditions.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy.
Rationale: To identify individuals at increased risk for serious cardiovascular events.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy. ECG may be considered if clinically indicated.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: At each visit or at least every 3-6 months.
Target: Within normal limits for age; significant sustained increases should prompt evaluation.
Action Threshold: Sustained elevation above normal range, or significant increase from baseline (e.g., >10-20 mmHg systolic/diastolic, >10-20 bpm HR).
Frequency: Every 3-6 months in children and adolescents; periodically in adults.
Target: Normal growth trajectory for age; stable weight in adults.
Action Threshold: Significant growth deceleration or weight loss.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: Absence or control of symptoms.
Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of psychotic or manic symptoms, severe anxiety, agitation, or new/worsening tics.
Frequency: At each visit.
Target: Improved attention, reduced hyperactivity/impulsivity, improved academic/occupational/social functioning.
Action Threshold: Lack of efficacy or worsening of ADHD symptoms.
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Syncope
- Palpitations
- New or worsening anxiety
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Manic symptoms
- New or worsening tics
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sleep disturbances
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should be considered only if 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., agitation, insomnia, poor feeding, weight loss), a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 6 years. Monitor growth (height and weight) regularly due to potential for growth suppression. Monitor for emergence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms and tics.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Generally, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Increased sensitivity to adverse effects (e.g., cardiovascular, psychiatric) is possible.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Adderall XR is designed for once-daily morning dosing. Taking it later in the day can cause insomnia.
- The capsule can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce for patients who have difficulty swallowing, but the contents should not be chewed or crushed.
- Patients should be screened for cardiac abnormalities and psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychosis) prior to initiation.
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, height, and weight is crucial, especially in pediatric patients.
- Educate patients and caregivers about the high potential for abuse and dependence, and the importance of secure storage.
- Avoid abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Alternative Therapies
- Methylphenidate (e.g., Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) - non-stimulant
- Guanfacine extended-release (Intuniv) - non-stimulant
- Clonidine extended-release (Kapvay) - non-stimulant
Cost & Coverage
General Drug Facts
This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information about its use. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't hesitate to consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.
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 details about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.