Adderall XR vs. Adderall IR: 5 Things to Consider
Key takeaways:
Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) comes in two forms: an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR) and an immediate-release tablet (Adderall IR).
Both forms of Adderall have options available for taking them if you’re unable to swallow pills. Adderall IR can be cut or crushed. And Adderall XR can be opened and sprinkled onto food.
Adderall XR lasts about 12 hours, so you’ll take one dose daily in the morning. Adderall IR lasts about 4 to 6 hours, so you’ll need two to three doses for a full day of treatment. But you can be more flexible with when and how often you take it.
Table of contents
Navigating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding the right treatment. Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) is a well-known option for both adults and children. But it comes in two different forms: Adderall XR (extended release) and Adderall IR (immediate release).
So how do you decide which is right for you? And what’s the difference between them?
Below, we’ll cover five of the main things to consider when looking at Adderall XR versus Adderall IR.
1. Adderall XR lasts longer than Adderall IR
Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule. This means it releases the medication into your body over time, so the effects last longer. Each capsule contains individual beads. Some release medication right away, and some release medication about 4 hours after you take it.
One dose of Adderall XR lasts for about 12 hours. So you only need to take it once a day, which can be easier to remember and more convenient for school-age children.
Adderall IR is an immediate-release tablet. This means it releases the medication into your body all at once after you take it. One dose of Adderall IR typically lasts about 4 to 6 hours. So you may need two to three doses to manage symptoms throughout an entire day.
2. Adderall IR has more flexible dosing than Adderall XR
Adderall IR is approved for children as young as 3 years old. But Adderall XR is only approved for adults and children ages 6 and older.
Since Adderall IR doesn’t last as long, it also offers more flexibility when it comes to how you take it. For example, if you only need medication during work or school hours, Adderall XR could last longer than you need it. So Adderall IR might be a better option for you or your child.
Another example is if you don’t need treatment during the morning hours. Adderall IR only lasts 4 to 6 hours. So you can take it later in the day without affecting your sleep. Since Adderall XR lasts all day, you should take it first thing in the morning. Taking it later in the day can prevent you from sleeping.
The flexibility of Adderall IR dosing can also be an advantage when it comes to appetite. Stimulant medications such as Adderall can suppress your appetite. This can make it harder to get enough nutrients. And it may affect growth and development in children. You may be able to space Adderall IR doses farther apart to allow for appetite to return in between doses.
3. Adderall IR can be cut or crushed, but Adderall XR can’t
Adderall IR comes as a tablet. If you or your child has trouble swallowing tablets, it can be crushed and mixed with food or a beverage. If your healthcare provider says it’s OK, you can also cut Adderall IR tablets in half to reduce the dose.
Adderall XR is a capsule, so it can’t be cut or crushed. But if you can’t swallow it whole, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the beads inside onto applesauce. Once you mix a dose with applesauce, swallow the mixture right away. Leave the individual beads intact — don’t crush or chew them.
Don’t mix a dose ahead of time or store it for a future dose after it’s mixed. And you need to use the entire contents of the capsule — it’s not possible to divide the dose evenly since the individual beads don’t all work the same way.
4. You can take Adderall XR and Adderall IR together if needed
Most of the time, you’ll take either Adderall XR or Adderall IR. But in some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe both forms of Adderall. Your provider may have you take Adderall XR in the morning and an additional dose of Adderall IR during a time of day when you need more help with your symptoms. Or you may need a dose of Adderall IR later in the evening if Adderall XR doesn’t last long enough for you.
Taking both forms of Adderall together isn’t common. And you should only combine them if your healthcare provider tells you to. Taking more Adderall than recommended increases the risk of misuse or an overdose, which can be fatal.
5. Adderall IR may be a more affordable option than Adderall XR
Adderall IR is only available as a generic medication, and it’s been around for a long time. Adderall XR comes in both brand-name and generic forms, but the extended-release formula is more expensive to make. So Adderall IR may be a more affordable option than Adderall XR for some people.
Talk with your provider if medication cost is a concern for you. They can help you find an affordable option to help you access the ADHD medication you need.
The bottom line
Adderall (amphetamine salt combo) comes in both extended-release (Adderall XR) and immediate-release (Adderall IR) forms. They contain the same medication, but there are differences between them to consider.
One dose of Adderall XR should last an entire day. You should take it first thing in the morning so it won’t keep you from getting enough sleep. For a full day of treatment, you’ll need two to three doses of Adderall IR. But since it only lasts for 4 to 6 hours, you can be more flexible with when and how often you take it. In some cases, your provider may have you take both forms of Adderall together to manage your symptoms.
If you can’t swallow pills, both forms of Adderall have other options for taking them. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best form of Adderall for you or your child’s needs.
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References
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