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Compare Adderall XR vs. Adderall

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts extended release) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, but they have some key differences. Adderall XR is an extended-release form that you take once a day, and its effects can last up to 12 hours. In contrast, Adderall is an immediate-release form that you might need to take multiple times a day, with each dose lasting about 4 to 6 hours. Adderall XR is not recommended for children under 6 years old, whereas Adderall can be used in children as young as 3 years old. Both medications can cause side effects like trouble sleeping and loss of appetite. Always talk to your healthcare provider to see which option is best for you.

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Adderall xr
Adderall
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Adderall

Summary of Adderall XR vs. Adderall

Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only

Adderall XR is a first-choice medication used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It contains the extended-release (XR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. This medication is typically taken once per day and lasts throughout the day, but it's common to have trouble sleeping and a loss of appetite. It's a controlled substance because of its high risk of misuse and dependency.

Summary for Stimulant
Prescription only

Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

Indications of Adderall XR vs. Adderall

Indications for
•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Indications for
•Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
•Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons of Adderall XR vs. Adderall

Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros
•First-choice medication for ADHD
•Starts working within an hour after taking, and effect lasts up to 12 hours (Adderall XR brand) or 16 hours (Mydayis brand)
•Only taken once per day
•Capsules can be opened and mixed with applesauce if you have trouble swallowing medications.
Cons
•Has a risk of misuse and dependency
•A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
•Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
•Not the best choice for pregnant or breastfeeding females or people with heart conditions
Pros and Const for Stimulant
Pros
•First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
•Starts working within an hour after taking
•Available as a lower-cost generic
•Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD
Cons
•Has a risk of misuse and dependency
•A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
•Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
•Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

Common Side Effects of Adderall XR vs. Adderall

Common Side Effects for

Children

•Poor appetite
•Trouble sleeping
•Stomach pain

Adults

•Dry mouth
•Poor appetite
•Trouble sleeping
•Headache
•Nervousness
•Weight loss
Common Side Effects for
•Upset stomach
•Lower appetite
•Weight loss
•Nervousness
•Changes in mood
•Trouble sleeping

Warnings of Adderall XR vs. Adderall

Common Side Effects for
•Misuse and dependence
•Serious heart problems
•Aggressive behavior and psychosis
•Slowed growth in children
•Vision problems
•Seizures
•Blood circulation problem (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
•Serotonin syndrome
•Drug interactions
Common Side Effects for
•Misuse and addiction
•Dependence and withdrawal
•Serious heart problems
•Aggressive behavior and psychosis
•Slowed growth in children
•Seizures
•Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
•Serotonin syndrome
•Drug interactions

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