What is this medication for?
Mixed salts amphetamine belongs to the family of medications known as stimulants. It is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It helps to increase attention and decrease hyperactivity in children and adolescents above 3 years of age and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
When used for ADHD, this medication should be used as part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment program that may include other measures such as educational, social, or psychological support.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Adderall® is available as:
- tablets
- 5 mg
- 7.5 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The dose of this medication needs to be individualized according to the needs of the person taking the medication. The starting dose for children with ADHD aged 3 to 5 years is 2.5 mg daily. For people 6 years of age and older with ADHD, the usual starting dose is 5 mg once or twice daily. The usual dose for narcolepsy ranges from 5 mg to 60 mg per day in divided doses. Avoid taking the tablets in the late evening, as this may interfere with sleep. This medication may be taken with or without food.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
This medication should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to mixed salts amphetamine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is allergic to a group of medications known as sympathomimetics (e.g., pseudoephedrine, epinephrine)
- is agitated
- is taking an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor; e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or has taken one in the last 14 days
- has a history of drug abuse
- has an overactive thyroid gland
- has advanced hardening of the arteries
- has glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- has heart disease causing noticeable symptoms
- has moderate-to-severe high blood pressure
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