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Adderall |
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What is Adderall and why is it prescribed? Adderall is prescribed in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the condition in which a child exhibits a short attention span and becomes easily distracted, overly emotional, excessively active, and highly impulsive. It should be used as part of a broader treatment plan that includes psychological, educational, and social measures. An extended-release form of the drug, called Adderall XR, is available for once-daily treatment of ADHD. The regular form of Adderall is also prescribed for narcolepsy. Adderall, like all amphetamines, has a high potential for abuse. If used in large doses over long periods of time, it can cause dependence and addiction. Be careful to take Adderall only as prescribed. How should you take Adderall? Follow your doctors directions for taking Adderall. Never take more Adderall than your doctor has prescribed. Do not take it for a longer time or for any other purpose than prescribed. Take the first dose upon awakening. If additional doses are prescribed, take them at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. Avoid late evening doses, which can interfere with sleep. Adderall XR capsules can be taken whole, or the contents can be sprinkled on applesauce. The applesauce should be eaten immediately, without chewing. Be sure to use the entire contents of the capsule. If you miss a dose and you are taking 1 dose a day, and at least 6 hours remain before bedtime, take the dose as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. If you are taking more than 1 dose a day, and you remember within an hour or so of the scheduled time, take the missed dose immediately. Otherwise, skip the dose and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Store Adderall at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant container. Are there any Adderall side effects? Adderall side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Adderall side effects may include accidental injury, changes in sex drive, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, emotional instability, exaggerated feelings of well-being, fatigue, fever, headache, high blood pressure, hives, impotence, indigestion, infections, insomnia, loss of appetite, mental disturbances, nausea, nervousness, overstimulation, rapid or pounding heartbeat, restlessness, stomach and intestinal disturbances, tremor, twitches, unpleasant taste, vomiting, weakened heart, weight loss, and worsening of tics. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Adderall? If Adapalene is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Adderall with Acetazolamide (Diamox), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton), Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors (including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Drugs that make the urine more acid (such as Uroquid-Acid No. 2), Glutamic acid (an amino acid related to MSG), High blood pressure medications (such as Calan, guanethidine, HydroDIURIL, Hytrin, Procardia, and Reserpine), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Major tranquilizers (such as Haldol and Thorazine), Meperidine (Demerol), Methenamine (Urised), Norepinephrine (Levophed), Propoxyphene (Darvon), Seizure medications (such as Dilantin, phenobarbital, and Zarontin), "Tricyclic" antidepressants (such as Norpramin, Tofranil, and Vivactil), or Vitamin C. Are there any special warnings about Adderall? If you have even a mild case of high blood pressure, take Adderall with caution. Be careful, too, about driving or operating machinery until you know how Adderall affects you. It may impair judgment and coordination. Adderall can make tics and twitches worse. If you or a family member has this problem, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Amphetamines such as Adderall have also been known to aggravate symptoms in seriously disturbed individuals. If the problem is attention-deficit disorder, the doctor will do a complete history and evaluation before prescribing Adderall, taking particular account of the severity of the symptoms and the age of your child. If the problem is a temporary reaction to a stressful situation, Adderall is probably not called for. Currently, there has been no experience with long-term Adderall therapy in children. However, other amphetamine-based medications have been known to stunt growth, so your doctor will need to watch the child carefully. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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