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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
  • Adderall xr
    Adderall

  • Summary of Adderall XR vs. Adderall

    Summary for Stimulant
    Prescription only

    Adderall XR is the extended-release version of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salt combo. It's a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in people 6 years and older. It comes as a capsule that you take once a day in the morning. The prescriber can adjust the dosage depending on how well it helps you focus and if you have side effects that bother you. These side effects can include low appetite, stomach pain, and trouble sleeping. It's a controlled substance because of its high risk of misuse and dependency. Adderall XR is available as a brand-name medication and a generic.

    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) in people ages 6 years and older
    Indications for
    •Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
    •Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

  • Pros and Cons of Adderall XR vs. Adderall

    Pros and Const for Stimulant
    Pros
    •A first-choice medication for ADHD
    •Only taken once a day
    •Starts working within 45 minutes and lasts for up to 12 hours
    •Can open capsules and mix contents with applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Has a risk of misuse and dependency
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop the medication too suddenly
    •Not the best choice for 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:

    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Stomach pain

    Adults:

    •Dry mouth
    •Low appetite
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Headache
    •Feeling nervous
    •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
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risks to people with serious heart conditions
    •Higher blood pressure and faster heart rate
    •Strange thoughts or behaviors
    •Slow growth in children
    •Seizures
    •Problems with blood flow in the arms and legs, including Raynaud's phenomenon
    •Serotonin syndrome
    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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