Adderall XR

Adderall^® (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine) is a prescription stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder marked by sudden sleep attacks and excessive sleepiness during the day.

The medication works by changing levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps increase attention and decrease restlessness. When used for ADHD, it’s typically prescribed alongside social and psychological therapy to help manage symptoms.

Adderall is usually taken two to three times daily, with or without food. Common side effects of Adderall include headache, dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea, nervousness, and weight loss. Rarely, the medication may cause a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death, particularly in people who have serious heart problems.

Adderall can be habit-forming, so it’s important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. Overuse can also cause serious heart problems or sudden death.

Adderall XR (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product) is indicated:

• For the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older.

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant

Pediatric patients ages 6 to 12: Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and with a higher incidence than on placebo) were:

• Loss of appetite

• Insomnia

• Abdominal pain

• Emotional lability

• Vomiting

• Nervousness

• Nausea

• Fever

Pediatric patients ages 13 to 17: Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and with a higher incidence than on placebo) were:

• Loss of appetite

• Insomnia

• Abdominal pain

• Weight loss

• Nervousness

Adults: Most common adverse reactions ≥5% and with a higher incidence than on placebo were:

• Dry mouth

• Loss of appetite

• Insomnia

• Headache

• Weight loss

• Nausea

• Anxiety

• Agitation

• Dizziness

• Fast heart beat

• Diarrhea

• Weakness

• Urinary tract infections

The cost of Adderall varies depending on factors such as the dosage, quantity, where you buy it, and your insurance plan. Without insurance, Adderall may cost about $839 for a month’s supply of 20-milligram (mg) tablets. But coupons may bring down the price to as low as $680.

Generic Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) may cost about $90 for the same amount and dose, with coupons available to bring the cost down to as low as about $25.

Health insurance plans may cover some or all of the cost of these medications.

• Known hypersensitivity or idiosyncrasy to amphetamine

• During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)

• Drug interactions: alkalinizing agents (GI antacids and urinary), acidifying agents (GI and urinary)

• Risks to patients with serious cardiac disease

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

• Psychiatric adverse reactions

• Long-term suppression of growth in pediatric patients

• Seizures

• Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon

• Serotonin syndrome: Increased risk when coadministered with serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans), but also during overdosage situations

• Motor and verbal tics, and worsening of Tourette’s syndrome

• Pregnancy: May cause fetal harm

• Lactation: Breastfeeding not recommended

WARNING: ABUSE, MISUSE, AND ADDICTION

Adderall XR has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of CNS stimulants, including Adderall XR, can result in overdose and death:

• Before prescribing Adderall XR, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

• Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug.

• Throughout treatment, reassess each patient’s risk and frequently monitor for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

*This information is from the label for brand name Adderall XR^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Dextroamphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine aspartate, the active ingredients in Adderall XR, may also be the active ingredients in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredients dextroamphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine aspartate.