amphetamine salt combo XR (adderall XR)

• Risk factors: History of substance or alcohol use disorder | Taking more Adderall XR than prescribed

Adderall XR has a high risk that it could be misused, which can be very dangerous. Misusing this medication can cause serious side effects. This can include fast heart rate, high blood pressure, aggression, and even thoughts of hurting yourself or others. It can also lead to addiction or a life-threatening overdose.

To stay safe, take Adderall XR exactly as prescribed to you. Don't change the dose or how often you take it without talking to your prescriber first. Speak with your prescriber if you're worried about this risk.

There have been reports of sudden death in people with heart problems who take stimulants, including Adderall XR. Before starting this medication, let your prescriber know if you have any heart issues. This can include coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart rhythm problems (arrhythmia). It can also include problems with the structure of your heart. Your prescriber can make sure Adderall XR is safe for you to take.

Stimulants like Adderall XR can make your blood pressure and heart rate go up. Blood pressure can go up by an average of 2 mmHg to 4 mmHg. And, heart rate might be faster by an average of 3 to 6 beats per minute.

Tell your prescriber if you have high blood pressure or a history of a fast heart rate. They can check that Adderall XR is safe for you. Let your care team know if your blood pressure is higher than usual or if you feel your heart racing.

• Risk factors: History of psychotic episodes or other manic psychiatric conditions | Personal or family history of depression | Family history of suicide or bipolar disorder

Stimulants like Adderall XR can sometimes cause changes in thoughts or behaviors. This can include being aggressive, acting recklessly, or having too much energy. Some people might start to see or hear things that aren't there (hallucinations). And others might start to believe things that aren't true.

Although rare, this can happen in people who've never had these problems before. But these symptoms can be worse or be more likely to happen if you already have a mental health condition like psychosis, manic episodes, or bipolar disorder. Your prescriber will check your risk before you start taking Adderall XR.

If you start acting in a strange way or have unusual thoughts, let your prescriber know. You might need to stop taking Adderall XR.

Stimulants like Adderall XR have been linked to weight loss in children. They've also been linked to slower growth (in both height and weight). Your child's primary care provider will measure their height and weight often. If your child isn't growing as expected, the primary care provider might recommend taking a break from the medication.

Talk to your child's primary care provider or prescriber if you notice your child has lost a lot of weight. Also speak with the prescriber if you're worried about your child's growth. Adderall XR isn't approved or recommended for children younger than 6 years of age.

• Risk factors: History of seizures | High risk of seizures

Although rare, stimulants like Adderall XR might make seizures happen more easily. The risk is higher if you've had seizures before. If you have a seizure, get medical attention right away. You'll probably have to stop taking Adderall XR.

Stimulants including Adderall XR have been linked to problems with blood flow in the arms and legs. An example is Raynaud's phenomenon, which can affect blood flow to your fingers and toes.

Raynaud's phenomenon can cause your fingers and toes to change color from pale, to blue, to red. They can also feel cold, numb, or painful. These symptoms happen with changes in how much blood gets to your fingers and toes. Most times, symptoms are mild and happen occasionally. But in rare cases, it can lead to other problems like sores or tissue damage.

Tell your care team if you have any of these symptoms while taking Adderall XR. Usually, they get better after your prescriber lowers your dose or after you stop the medication.

• Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within 14 days of Adderall XR | Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain

There's a risk of a rare but serious problem called serotonin syndrome if you take Adderall XR with some other medications. This problem happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain.

Medications that can make serotonin syndrome more likely are those that raise serotonin levels in the brain. Examples include antidepressants, MAOIs, and migraine medications called triptans. Tell your care teams about all the medications you take or plan to take. They can help keep you safe and make changes if needed.

Get medical help right away if you have signs of serotonin syndrome. These include a fast heart rate, sweating, stiff muscles, high fever, changes in behavior, and confusion.