{"id":4019,"date":"2022-09-28T07:51:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T14:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=4019"},"modified":"2023-10-04T10:41:42","modified_gmt":"2023-10-04T17:41:42","slug":"adderallxr-vs-adderall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/adderallxr-vs-adderall\/","title":{"rendered":"Adderall XR vs. Adderall: Which One Should I Take?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Navigating the wide variety of medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be frustrating and confusing, especially when the medications are extremely similar. Adderall IR is one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications for reducing symptoms and regulating brain function. Adderall XR is the same medication in extended-release form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll compare the two forms of Adderall so that you can have an informed discussion with your healthcare provider about which one is right for you. 
If you suspect that you have ADHD, Adderall and Adderall XR could help relieve your symptoms. Klarity matches patients with experienced healthcare providers for personalized ADHD treatment<\/a>, including prescription medication. Start your journey toward ADHD relief with our free evaluation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Adderall XR<\/th>Adderall<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Schedule II stimulant<\/td>Schedule II stimulant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Brand name for amphetamine salts<\/td>Brand name for amphetamine salts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>Extended-release capsules<\/td>Immediate release tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg capsules<\/td>5mg to 30mg tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 ADHD
\n\u2022 Narcolepsy<\/td>		FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 ADHD
\n\u2022 Narcolepsy (sleep disorder)
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Depression
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Brand-name Adderall XR:
\n\u2022 $300 for one month\u2019s supply
\n
\nGeneric form (amphetamine salts):
\n\u2022 $180 for one month\u2019s supply (without insurance)
\n<\/td>		Brand-name Adderall:
\n\u2022 $8 per 5mg tablet
\n\u2022 $237 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nGeneric form (amphetamine salts):
\n\u2022 $13 for 30 days of 5mg tablets
\n\u2022 $85 for 30 extended-release pills<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Low appetite
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n\u2022 Headaches
\n\u2022 Weight loss
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\n\u2022 Racing pulse
\n\u2022 Mood imbalance
\n\u2022 Stomach pain
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Eyesight instability
\n\u2022 Urinary tract infection
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Fever
\n\u2022 Stroke
\n\u2022 Heart attack
\n<\/td>		Common side-effects:
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite
\n\u2022 Weight loss
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Fever
\n\u2022 Trouble sleeping
\n
\nSerious side-effects:
\n\u2022 Signs of blood flow problems
\n\u2022 Behavior changes
\n\u2022 Uncontrolled movements
\n\u2022 Shortness of breath
\n\u2022 Irregular heartbeat
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Trouble speaking
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 MAOIs
\n\u2022 Medications that raise blood pressure
\n\u2022 SSRIs and SNRIs,
\n\u2022 Medications containing lisdexamfetamine
\n
\nDon\u2019t crush or chew the capsule, as it may cause serotonin syndrome.
\n<\/td>		Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 SSRIs and SNRIs
\n\u2022 Blood pressure medication
\n\u2022 Acid reflux medication
\n\u2022 Blood thinners
\n\u2022 Cold or allergy medication
\n\u2022 Opioid-based medications
\n\u2022 Seizure medication<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

What is Adderall XR?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stimulant medications like Adderall help those with ADHD symptoms pay attention, control behavioral issues, organize tasks, and listen by regulating the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain\u2014specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. Adderall XR capsules have a time-released formula that remains in the system longer than the standard Adderall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forms and Dosages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An Adderall XR dose comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg capsules. The slow-dissolving capsules allow for a steady release of the active ingredients into the bloodstream. Adderall XR can be taken with or without food and should only be taken once daily as it lasts in your system for at least 12 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When taking Adderall XR, you may swallow the capsule whole or break open the capsule and add it to applesauce. The recommended dose for adults is 20 mg. Children between 6 and 17 may begin with 5mg or 10mg per day and increase to 20 or 30mg if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions Treated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adderall XR is primarily used for the treatment of ADHD, although it has been used in some cases for those with sleeping disorders like narcolepsy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adderall XR comes in a generic form that\u2019s much less expensive than the branded medication. However, without insurance, you may pay $180 or more for a one-month supply of generic Adderall XR. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you get the branded version, you\u2019ll spend approximately $300. Contact your health insurance carrier to see whether your current plan partially or completely covers Adderall XR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone experiences side effects differently. It\u2019s important to discuss any ongoing or worsening symptoms with your healthcare provider. Common side effects of Adderall XR include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Low appetite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Weight loss<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Racing pulse<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Mood imbalance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Stomach pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    More severe, but less common side effects of Adderall XR include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Seizures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Eyesight instability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Urinary tract infection<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Nausea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Stroke<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Heart attack<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      If you experience any severe side effects listed above, contact your medical provider immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Warnings and Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Adderall XR is a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States which means it has a high potential for misuse and abuse. Adderall XR should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to avoid the increased risk of negative side effects that come with Adderall misuse, including sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, and psychosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Only use Adderall XR as prescribed by a healthcare professional and avoid sharing it with others.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Don\u2019t crush or chew the capsule, as it\u2019ll potentially cause you to experience a highly dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition occurs when the brain is flooded with serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in the body\u2019s production of positive, \u201cgood\u201d feelings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Serotonin syndrome can lead to heart attack and even death. If you\u2019re experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact emergency medical services immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Agitation or restlessness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Confusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Increased heart rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • High blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Muscle rigidity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Excessive sweating<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Headache<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Shivering<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • High fever<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Seizures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Loss of consciousness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Avoid suddenly stopping this medication as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Other things to avoid or speak to your healthcare provider about while taking this medication include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • MAOIs like procarbazine, metaxalone, etc. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Medications that raise blood pressure <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • SSRIs and SNRIs, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Medications containing lisdexamfetamine as Adderall XR is very similar in chemical structure  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\t\t
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