This article describes Adderall’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Adderall. If you want to know more about Adderall, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Adderall is a brand-name medication that comes as an immediate-release (IR)* oral tablet. It also comes as an extended-release (ER)* capsule called Adderall XR†. Adderall is available in a generic version called dextroamphetamine/amphetamine. This article describes dosages of Adderall and Adderall XR.
* With the IR tablet, the drug releases into your body right away. With the ER capsule, the drug releases into your body slowly over time.
† Adderall XR is only used to treat ADHD. It’s not approved to treat narcolepsy.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Forms and strengths of Adderall
Adderall comes in these forms and strengths:
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| immediate-release (IR) oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 5 milligrams (mg) • 7.5 mg • 10 mg • 12.5 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg |
| extended-release (ER) oral capsule | take by swallowing | • 5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 25 mg • 30 mg |
Dosage of Adderall
This article describes the recommended dosages for Adderall and Adderall XR. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Adderall without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Adderall in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Adderall. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Adderall that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for ADHD in adults
The following table outlines the starting and maximum dosages of Adderall for ADHD in adults. The first dose of the day should be taken when you first wake up. The dosages are in milligrams (mg).
| Age | Starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years and older | 5 mg one to two times per day | 40 mg per day (this may be taken once daily or divided into two doses per day) |
The following table outlines the starting and maximum dosages of Adderall XR for ADHD in adults. Adderall XR should be taken once per day, in the morning when you first wake up.
| Age | Starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years and older | 20 mg once per day | 60 mg once per day |
Dosage for narcolepsy in adults
The following table outlines the starting and maximum dosages of Adderall for narcolepsy in adults. The first dose of the day should be taken when you first wake up.
| Age | Starting dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 12 years and older | 10 mg once per day | 60 mg per day (this may be taken once daily or divided into two doses per day) |
Adderall XR should not be used to treat narcolepsy.
Dosages of Adderall in children
Adderall is used to treat ADHD in children ages 3–17 years and narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. Adderall XR is used to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older.
Dosage for ADHD in children
The following table outlines the starting dosages of Adderall for ADHD in children. The first dose of the day should be taken when the child first wakes up.
| Age | Starting dosage |
|---|---|
| 6–17 years | 5 mg one to two times per day |
| 3–5 years | 2.5 mg once per day |
| under 3 years | not recommended for this age group |
The following table outlines the starting dosages of Adderall XR for ADHD in children. Adderall XR should be taken once per day, in the morning when the child first wakes up.
| Age | Starting dosage |
|---|---|
| 13–17 years | 10 mg once per day |
| 6–12 years | 5–10 mg once per day |
| under 6 years | not recommended for this age group |
Dosage for narcolepsy in children
The following table outlines the starting dosages of Adderall for narcolepsy in children. The first dose of the day should be taken when the child first wakes up.
| Age | Starting dosage |
|---|---|
| 12 years and older | 10 mg once per day |
| 6–11 years | 5 mg once per day |
| under 6 years | not recommended for this age group |
Dosage adjustments for Adderall
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Adderall based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Adderall
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Adderall. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Adderall and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Adderall and its dosage.
What is a normal or typical dose of Adderall?
The “normal” or recommended dose of Adderall will depend on your age, the condition Adderall is prescribed for, and the form of Adderall you take.
As an example, the following table contains the recommended starting dosages for ADHD in adults.
| Age | Starting Adderall dosage | Starting Adderall XR dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years and older | 5 mg one to two times per day | 20 mg once per day |
If you have more questions about your Adderall dosage, talk with your doctor. They can also discuss the recommended dosage for other conditions or age groups.
Will my dosage of Adderall be calculated based on my weight?
No, it won’t. The recommended dosage of Adderall depends on your age. It’s not calculated based on your weight.
If you have questions about the right dosage of Adderall for you, talk with your doctor.
Is Adderall taken long term?
Possibly. Doctors may prescribe Adderall as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Adderall, talk with your doctor.
Is there a risk of withdrawal with Adderall?
Yes. Adderall has a risk of dependence. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual. Due to this risk, withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking Adderall or if you lower your dosage too quickly. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.
Because of this, you should not stop taking Adderall without talking with your doctor first. To lower the risk of withdrawal, your doctor will likely reduce your Adderall dosage slowly over time until it’s safe for you to stop taking it completely.
If you have more questions about the risk of withdrawal, talk with your doctor.
How Adderall is taken
You’ll swallow Adderall one to three times per day, as prescribed by your doctor. You can take it with or without food. The first dose of the day should be taken when you first wake up.
Adderall tablets can be split or crushed.
You’ll swallow Adderall XR once per day. You can take it with or without food. It should be taken in the morning when you first wake up.
Adderall XR capsules should be swallowed whole. If you or your child has difficulty swallowing capsules, the capsule may be opened and sprinkled on apple sauce. Be sure to eat all of the medication and apple sauce mixture right away. Do not chew the mixture or store it for future use.
If it’s hard for you to swallow pills, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
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Get free cardOverdose of Adderall
It’s important that you do not take more Adderall than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Adderall overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- high or low blood pressure
- heart attack
- confusion
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- seizures
- coma
- hyperthermia
What to do if you take too much Adderall
If you think you’ve taken too much Adderall, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Adderall. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Adderall without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Adderall exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will a lower dosage of Adderall reduce my risk of drug dependence?
- How long will I need to take Adderall?
- How can I switch from Adderall to Adderall XR?
Boxed warning for Adderall
Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Adderall and Adderall XR have a risk of misuse. Misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed.
Misusing Adderall can cause serious side effects, overdose, and possibly death. It can also lead to addiction. Addiction means taking a drug even if it’s causing harm. Doctors sometimes refer to misuse and addiction as substance use disorder.
These risks are increased with higher doses of Adderall and if the medication is used in a way it’s not supposed to be, such as through snorting or injection. Due to these risks, be sure to store your medication in a secure place where it can’t be accessed by others. You should not share your medication with anyone else.
You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.