This article describes amphetamine/dextroamphetamine dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. If you want to know more about amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms are the generic version of the brand-name drug Adderall IR oral tablet and Adderall XR oral capsule. IR means “immediate release”, which means the drug is released into your body right away. XR means “extended release”, which means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the “Boxed Warning” section below for more information about this warning.
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Forms and strengths of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine comes in these forms and strengths, strengths are expressed in milligrams (mg):
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet | take by swallowing | • 5 mg • 7.5 mg • 10 mg • 12.5 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg |
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR capsule | take by swallowing | • 5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 25 mg • 30 mg |
Dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
This article describes the recommended dosages for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms. 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 amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) | 5 mg once or twice per day | Increase by 5 mg per week as needed. Some people may be prescribed three doses per day. |
| to help people with narcolepsy stay alert and awake during the day | 10 mg once per day | Increase by 10 mg per week as needed. Some people may be prescribed three doses per day. |
Usual recommended dosages of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 20 mg once per day | individualized |
Dosages of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet in children
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet is not recommended in children under ages 3 years to treat ADHD. Also, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR oral tablet isn’t recommended in children under ages 6 years to treat narcolepsy.
| Condition | Age | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 3–5 years | 2.5 mg once per day | increase by 2.5 mg per week as needed. Some people may be prescribed three doses per day. |
| ADHD | 6 years and older | 5 mg once or twice per day | increase by 5 mg per week as needed. Some people may be prescribed three doses per day. |
| to help people with narcolepsy stay alert and awake during the day | 6–12 years | 5 mg once per day | increase by 5 mg per week as needed. Some people may be prescribed three doses per day. |
| to help people with narcolepsy stay alert and awake during the day | 12 years and older | 10 mg once per day | increase by 10 mg per week as needed. Some people may be prescribed three doses per day. |
Dosages of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule in children
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.
The maximum dosage for children ages 6–12 years of age is 30 mg once per day. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule is not recommended in children under the ages 6 years.
| Condition | Age | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADHD | 6–12 years | 5 or 10 mg once per day | increase by 5 mg or 10 mg per week as needed |
| ADHD | 13–17 years | 10 mg once per day | increase to 20 mg per day after 1 week if needed |
Dosage adjustments for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may take
Missed dose of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you have forgotten to take a dose of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms. 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 amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms 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 amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms and their dosage.
How does the dosage of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine compare with the dosage of Vyvanse?
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and Vyvanse are both approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, they contain different active ingredients. An active ingredient is what makes the drug work. For this reason, their dosages are different. The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine, while amphetamine/dextroamphetamine contains mixed amphetamine salts.
To learn more about how amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and Vyvanse compare, see this article. For information about the dosage of Vyvanse, see this article. Also, talk with your doctor, they can recommend the medication that’s right for your condition.
Is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine taken long term?
It’s possible. Doctors may prescribe amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you may take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, talk with your doctor.
How amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is taken
You’ll swallow amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms by mouth once, twice, or three times per day, depending on the form you’re prescribed. You’ll take your first dose when you wake up. If you take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine more than once per day, the other dose(s) should be 4–6 hours apart.
Your doctor may advise you to take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body, which makes the drug work more effectively.
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine oral forms can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help prevent stomach upset.
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsule should not be chewed, split, or crushed. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR oral capsules may be opened, and the contents sprinkled on applesauce and taken right away. The sprinkled medication beads should not be chewed, broken, or crushed.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules or tablets, 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.
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