The normal Adderall dosage for adults is between 5 mg to 40 mg/day, spread evenly for treating ADHD. As for the children, the dosage varies depending on the age of the child and the diagnosis of the kid. Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy in children 6 to 12 years of age and older and for adults. In contrast, Adderall XR has FDA approval for ADHD only. Adderall and Adderall XR are prescription drugs, commonly known as stimulant medications, used for managing the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults. Both contain the active chemical amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The generic forms are less expensive and as effective as the brand name. Adderall tablets and Adderall XR are also referred to as amphetamine salts. This blog will discuss the normal Adderall dosage for adults and children alike.
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What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a mental health disorder that leads to unusual levels of impulsivity and hyperactivity in patients. Those who are suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to focus on a single task and cannot sit still for much longer. People often feel changes in their energy levels from time to time. But, for someone with ADHD, it is more often and more serious. Thus affecting their work, relationships, and studies.
ADHD Symptoms
Some common symptoms of ADHD in children and adults include;
- Easily gets distracted
- Cannot focus or concentrate on simple tasks
- Cannot sit still
- Forgets to complete the tasks
- Interrupts others while they are talking
There are three different types of ADHD, namely, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and hyperactivity.
Someone impulsive and hyperactive will;
- Find it tough to remain still for longer times
- Find it difficult to complete tasks without making noise
- These individuals talk non-stop
- Interrupt others while they are talking
- And cannot wait for their turn to speak or play
- find it hard to wait their turn
Someone who can’t focus will;
- Find it difficult to maintain their focus while doing a task
- Are unorganised people
- Lose or misplace their things easily
- They make a lot of mistakes in the work they do
- Gets distracted easily because of their lack of focus
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What is Narcolepsy?
It is a sleep disorder where individuals feel drowsy throughout the day. People with narcolepsy find it difficult to stay up for a long time. This excessive daytime sleep affects their daily lives. Unfortunately, there is no cure for narcolepsy. However, medications and lifestyle modifications can help individuals manage their symptoms.
Symptoms of Narcolepsy
- Excessive sleeping during the day
- Hallucinations
- Sleep paralysis
- Cataplexy
- Interrupted sleep during the night
Adderall’s Mechanism of Action
Adderall is made of 4 different amphetamine salts, namely;
- Amphetamine aspartate
- Dextroamphetamine saccharate
- Dextroamphetamine sulphate
- And amphetamine sulphate
Adderall’s mechanism of action is not clear; all the experts know is that dextroamphetamine) Adderall blocks the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, both neurotransmitters in the brain. This blockage increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the neuronal synapse.
Difference between Adderall and Adderall XR
Adderall XR is usually the first choice for treating ADHD. XR means extended-release capsules. After the drug administration, Adderall slowly releases its content throughout the day. Taken once a day, Adderall XR may cause loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. It has a high potential for misuse, as it is a controlled substance.
In contrast, Adderall, a stimulating medication, is used for treating narcolepsy and ADHD in adults and children. It is available in IR form, meaning instant release. It consists of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is the brand name that is usually more expensive. Normal Adderall dosage for adults depends on how the medication is working for you. Some common side effects are loss of appetite and trouble sleeping.
Pros and Cons of Adderall XR
The pros and cons are listed below
Pros
- First choice for ADHD
- Starts to work within an hour
- The lasting effect is up to 12 hours to 16 hours
- Taken once/day
- You can open the capsule and mix the contents with your food
Cons or Adverse Effects
- Potential of high risk and dependency
- It is a controlled medicine and can only be purchased with a valid prescription
- To avoid side effects, the dose needs tampering
- It is not suitable for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers.
- withdrawal symptoms
- allergic reactions
Pros and Cons of Adderall
Adderall has similar pros and cons to Adderall XR
Pros
- Adderall helps to relieve the chronic symptoms of ADHD
- Increases the overall performance of an individual
- Adderall has long-lasting effects
- Adderall showed promising results for narcoleptic patients
Cons
- Long-term use of Adderall can cause health issues like heart problems, weight loss, GI disturbance, etc.
- It is highly addictive and can cause dependency
- Potential risks of misuse
- May aggravate pre-existing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder
- It can impair judgement. Do not operate heavy machinery when taking Adderall
- It can increase seizures and can lead to visual problems.
- Not suitable for individuals with thyroid issues, glaucoma, liver and kidney disease
- Adderall has many drug interactions (with a couple of medications), including decongestants, antidepressants, proton pump inhibitors, and blood thinners.
- Overdosing of Adderall leads to serotonin syndrome; some symptoms to look out for are restlessness, fast heartbeat, dizziness, hallucinations, muscle tremors/rigidity and nausea, vomiting.
- Suddenly, stopping Adderall can cause depression and fatigue. This is especially true if you are using more than the normal Adderall dosage for adults.
- In rare cases, painful erections of >6 hours were reported.
Normal Adderall Dosage for Adults & Children
The normal Adderall dosage for adults and children depends on the individual response.
How to Use Adderall?
- Before starting the ADHD medication, read the medication guide and discuss your concerns with your doctor. Do not forget to lay your current medical conditions in front of them.
- Take Adderall by mouth, with/without food. It is best to take it first thing in the morning
- If more than one dose is given, divide them equally throughout the day
- Using Adderall later in the evening may disrupt sleep
- The normal Adderall dosage for adults depends on the condition of the patient and their response to the drug
- Follow the doctor’s advice carefully
Forms & Potency of Adderall and Adderall XR
Adderall is available in the form of an immediate-release tablet. The drug is found in the following potency to swallow;
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Adderall XR is available as an extended-release version. You can find the following potencies;
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 25 mg
- 30 mg
What is the Normal Adderall Dosage for Adults?
The normal Adderall dosage for adults depends on the condition and diagnosis of the patient. Initially, your healthcare provider will start with a low dose, incrementing it according to the tolerance and reaction of the patient, until visible results are noticed.
| Conditions Treated | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Maximum Limit |
| ADHD | 5mg/day or twice a day | 5mg to 40mg, one time a day or divided equally into two doses | 40 mg |
| Narcolepsy | 10mg/day | 5mg to 60 mg, once or thrice a day equally divided | 60mg, divided three times a day |
Dosage Chart for Adderall
Adderall is used for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Review the chart below for the recommended normal Adderall dosage for Adults
| Conditions Treated | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Maximum Limit |
| ADHD | 5 mg/day or twice a day | 5 mg- 40 mg, either once a day or 2 divided dose | The maximum dosage of Adderall for ADHD is 40mg. |
| Narcolepsy | 10 mg/day | 5 mg- 60 mg, once daily or taken three times per day | 60 mg is the limit, either taken 60 mg once or divided into 3 equal parts throughout the day |
Dosing Chart for Adderall XR for Adults
The normal Adderall XR dosage for adults is;
| Conditions Treated | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Maximum Dose |
| ADHD | 20mg/day | 20 mg – 60 mg/day | 60mg/day |
Duration of the Treatment
The typical duration of Adderall and Adderall XR is long-term. If the medicine suits you, then you will be on the normal Adderall dosage for a long time. Other times, the medicine leads to some side effects, or your healthcare professional will ask you to stop the drug for some time, because;
- They may want to decrease the side effects
- Check if the symptoms come back and
- Prevent the accumulation of Adderall in your body
Normal Adderall Dosage for Adults Considerations
When prescribing Adderall or Adderall XR, the prescribing doctor will include and assess a few things, as mentioned below;
- The age of the patient
- The conditions being treated
- The severity of the diagnosis
- The form of Adderall or Adderall XR you are on
- Health condition
- List of other medicines
- The side effects you have
Finally, the prescribed dose depends on your medical condition and reaction to the medicine.
Other Precautions for Normal Adderall Dosage for Adults
- If you have kidney problems, discuss it with your doctor. Adderall and Adderall XR are eliminated via the kidneys, and people with kidney issues have these drugs built into their bodies, leading to more serious side effects.
- There is no normal Adderall dosage for adults with kidney problems. Only your healthcare provider can guide you on this.
- However, for adults who have end-stage renal disease, your doctor is likely to prescribe only 15 mg of Adderall XR/day, and for children with the same problem, Adderall XR 5 mg dose per day is prescribed.
What is the Normal Adderall Dosage for Children?
Just like adults, the lowest dose is given initially and incremented with time, if required.
Note: Adderall comes in immediate-release form, meaning the drug gets active as soon as you take medicine, and Adderall XR, in an extended-release form, means the drug releases slowly into the system.
Dosage Chart for Adderall for Children
Adderall dosages in children are as follows;
| Conditions Treated | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Maximum Dose |
| ADHD in children, 3 to 5 years of age | 2.5 mg/daily | 2.5 mg to 40 mg, either once a day, or divided equally twice a day | 40 mg |
| ADHD in children > 6 years of age | 5 mg/ day or twice a day | 5 mg to 40 mg, once per day or twice daily dosing | 40 mg |
| Narcolepsy 6-12 years of age | 5 mg/day | 5 mg to 40 mg, once per day, or divided into three daily equal dosing | 40 mg |
| Narcolepsy in children > 12 years and older | 10 mg/day | 10 mg to 40 mg, one/day or divided thrice per day | 40 mg one per day or three times daily dosing |
Note– You take the medicine as directed by the doctor. Do not change the dose without consultation. In case of serious side effects, take the child to the prescribing doctor. Only a professional can prescribe the correct dose.
Dosing for Adderall XR
Adderall XR normal dosage for children is mentioned below
| Conditions Treated | Initial Dose | Maintenance Dose | Maximum Limit |
| ADHD in children aged between 6 to 17 years of age | 10 mg/day | 10 mg to 30 mg/day | 30 mg |
Duration of Treatment- Normal Adderall and Adderall XR Dosage for Children
The typical duration of treatment for amphetamine salts is long-term. If the medicine is safe and showing results, the treatment will commence; however, if the doctor feels you need to stop the medicine for some time, you will have to check;
- To lessen the side effects
- To prevent drug validation in the body
- And to check if the ADHD symptoms return
Potential Side Effects of Adderall
Like any other medication, Adderall can cause side effects. Look out for;
- Weight loss due to loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, diarrhoea
- Fever
- Trouble sleeping
- And extreme restlessness
Contact your doctor if these side effects do not disappear after a week.
Note- All medicines come with side effects; do not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor. Your doctor prescribed this drug because the benefits outweigh the side effects.
Keep a check on your blood pressure while taking Adderall. In case of serious side effects ( mentioned below), contact your doctor immediately;
- Numbness or coldness of skin
- Colour change
- Pain in the skin
- Wounds found near toes and fingers
- Changes in mood like aggression, depression, extreme agitation
- Suicidal behaviour or thoughts
- Uncontrolled body movements
- Grinding of teeth
- Changes in sexual desire
Call 911 in case you feel;
- short of breath
- Feel pain in the jaw, left arm, and chest
- Severe headache
- Feel lightheaded
- Palpitations
- Swelling of ankles
- Seizures
- Feel tired and weak
- Trouble speaking
- Blurred vision
- Serious allergic reaction that includes rash, swelling of face, mouth, and tongue, and difficulty breathing
Note- This list needs to be completed. Contact your doctor if you notice something different but serious.
How Does Adderall Affect Our Brain?
People who have ADHD have lower concentrations of dopamine in their brains. Dopamine is responsible for making you feel good; the lack of this neurotransmitter makes people seek stimulation all the time. This is where Adderall kicks in. Adderall improves dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels in the brain, bringing down overstimulation to a normal state.
The normal Adderall dosage for adults and children at this point depends on the individual’s condition. In contrast, people without ADHD misusing the medicine are in a state of euphoria and cope better with stress. This is why misuse of Adderall is common among youngsters, especially before exams.
Bottom line
In conclusion, both Adderall IR and Adderall XR are used for the treatment and management of ADHD symptoms. Additionally, Adderall IR also helps patients with narcolepsy. Both consist of the same active ingredient, but the duration and peak hours vary. Adderall IR releases into the body immediately, while Adderall XR releases itself slowly into the body.
In the end, your healthcare provider can tell which one is for you, and there is no specified normal Adderall dosage for adults and children. However, the starting dosage is always low. Discuss the matter with your doctor; they are the best people to guide you.
Note that the manufacturer provides the dosages prescribed in this blog. Never self-medicate yourself. Only your doctor can prescribe you the correct dose. Both Adderall IR and XR can cause severe life-threatening conditions. Adderall misuse is common, if you have a history of drug abuse, tell your doctor. In case of serious side effects, call 911. For qualified healthcare providers, contact Therapy Fleet.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Thanks for checking out our guide! We’ve worked hard to give you reliable info on Adderall dosage. Your health matters, so let us know if you need anything. Here’s to your well-being!
FAQS Regarding the Normal Adderall Dosage Guide
1. What is the half-life of Adderall?
It takes approximately 10 hours for half of the drug to leave your body.
2. What is the normal Adderall dosage for adults?
There is no specific dose for adults. There is a range of doses you can follow after visiting your doctor. Different factors are included in finding the correct dose, like whether you should be given Adderall or XR, your age, other medical diagnoses, and what condition needs to be treated. However, typically, the normal Adderall dose for adults is 5 mg to 60 mg/day.
3. Does the dose depend on our weight?
No, human body weight does not cause an issue in determining the best dose. The dosage depends on the condition of the drug.
4. What if I miss a dose?
Do not take two doses simultaneously if you miss an earlier dose. Adderall is a prescription medication, Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but not when it’s nearly time for the next dose. If you missed a dose of Adderall XR, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose when it is time. Do not exceed the daily dose.
5. What is the peak time for Adderall XR and Adderall
The peak time for Adderall IR is 3 hours, and 7 hours for Adderall R.
