Key takeaways
Adderall XR (amphetamine salt combo extended release) and Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) are both stimulant medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They share the same active ingredients and are both classified as Schedule II controlled substances due to their potential for misuse and dependency. However, they differ in their release mechanisms and approved uses. Adderall XR is an extended-release form taken once daily, lasting up to 12 hours, while Adderall is an immediate-release form that lasts 4 to 6 hours and may require multiple doses throughout the day. Adderall is also FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy, a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, which is not an approved use for Adderall XR. Both medications are available as brand-name and generic options. Common side effects for both include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite, as well as dry mouth and headaches. Both Adderall XR and Adderall can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels, and should not be taken within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
