Generic name: Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine Extended-Release Capsules (Adderall XR)
Brand name: Adderall XR
Drug class: CNS stimulants
Warning
This medication has a risk of abuse and misuse. Use only as directed by your doctor and inform them if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Uses of Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine Extended-Release Capsules
This medication is used to treat attention deficit problems with hyperactivity. It may also be prescribed for other reasons, so consult with your doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine Extended-Release Capsules?
If you are allergic to dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, or any other part of this medication.
If you have any health problems such as blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, heart structure problems, Tourette’s syndrome or tics, glaucoma, agitation, anxiety, overactive thyroid, drug abuse, stroke, or kidney disease.
If you are taking acetazolamide or sodium bicarbonate.
If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days.
If you are breast-feeding.
Note that this is not a complete list of all drugs or health problems that may interact with this medication. Inform your doctor of all medications and health conditions before taking this medication.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine Extended-Release Capsules?
Inform all healthcare providers that you are taking this medication.
Avoid driving or performing tasks that require alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
If you have been taking this medication for a long time or at high doses, it may not work as well and you may need higher doses to achieve the same effect. This is known as tolerance. Consult with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
This medication may be habit-forming with long-term use.
If you have been taking this medication for many weeks, talk with your doctor before stopping. You may need to slowly stop taking this medication.
You may need to have some heart tests before starting this medication. Consult with your doctor if you have questions.
This medication may cause high blood pressure. Check blood pressure and heart rate as directed by your doctor.
Have blood work checked as directed by your doctor.
This medication may affect certain lab tests. Inform all healthcare providers and lab workers that you are taking this medication.
Do not take antacids with this medication.
Talk with your doctor before using OTC products that may raise blood pressure.
New or worse behavior and mood changes like change in thinking, anger, and hallucinations have happened with this medication. Inform your doctor if you or a family member have any mental or mood problems like depression or bipolar illness, or if a family member has committed suicide. Call your doctor right away if you have hallucinations; change in the way you act; or signs of mood changes like depression, thoughts of suicide, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, thinking that is not normal, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
A severe and sometimes deadly problem called serotonin syndrome may happen if you take this medication with certain other drugs. Call your doctor right away if you have agitation; change in balance; confusion; hallucinations; fever; fast or abnormal heartbeat; flushing; muscle twitching or stiffness; seizures; shivering or shaking; sweating a lot; severe diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up; or severe headache.
This medication may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with your doctor.
Different brands of this medication may be for use in different ages of children. Talk with your doctor before giving this medication to a child.
Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication while pregnant.
How is this medication best taken?
Use this medication as directed by your doctor.
Take with or without food.
Take in the morning.
Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
