What is the starting dose of Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) XR?

From the Guidelines

The starting dose of Adderall XR (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine extended-release) is 10 mg once daily in the morning. This dosage is recommended for both children and adults, as indicated in the study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2024 1. The medication should be taken whole and not crushed or chewed, as this would disrupt the extended-release mechanism.

Key Considerations

• Dosage may be adjusted by your healthcare provider at weekly intervals based on response and tolerability, with a maximum recommended daily dose of 50 mg.
• Adderall XR works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in patients with ADHD.
• It's essential to take this medication exactly as prescribed, typically in the morning to avoid sleep disturbances, and to have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor effectiveness and side effects.

Monitoring and Follow-up

• Regular follow-up appointments should be made at least monthly until the patient’s symptoms have been stabilized, as suggested in the study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2002 1.
• Changes in the frequency of physician visits should be governed by robustness of drug response, adherence of the family and patient to a drug regimen, concern about side effects, and need for psychoeducation and/or psychosocial intervention.
• More frequent appointments should be made if there are side effects, significant impairment from comorbid psychiatric disorders, or problems in adherence to taking the stimulants.

From the FDA Drug Label

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Amphetamines should be administered at the lowest effective dosage and dosage should be individually adjusted. Narcolepsy: Usual dose is 5 mg to 60 mg per day in divided doses, depending on the individual patient response In patients 12 years of age and older, start with 10 mg daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until an optimal response is obtained. Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity: Not recommended for pediatric patients under 3 years of age. In pediatric patients from 3 to 5 years of age, start with 2.5 mg daily, by tablet; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 2. 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained. In pediatric patients 6 years of age and older, start with 5 mg once or twice daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.

The starting dose of Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is not explicitly stated in the provided drug label for the XR formulation. However, for immediate-release formulations, the starting dose is:

• 10 mg daily for patients 12 years of age and older with narcolepsy 2
• 2.5 mg daily for pediatric patients from 3 to 5 years of age with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity 2
• 5 mg once or twice daily for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity 2 The provided label does not contain information about the XR formulation, so no conclusion can be drawn about the starting dose of Adderall XR.

From the Research

Starting Dose of Adderall XR

The starting dose of Adderall XR (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, according to the study 3, an 11-year-old autistic boy was prescribed dextroamphetamine-amphetamine extended-release capsule 10 mg daily.

Key Points to Consider

• The study 3 mentions that the boy was stabilized on extended-release dextroamphetamine-amphetamine at the age of 9 years, which suggests that the starting dose may have been lower.
• The study 4 discusses the cardiovascular effects of methylphenidate, amphetamines, and atomoxetine, but does not provide information on the starting dose of Adderall XR.
• The study 5 reviews the misuse of prescription stimulants, including Adderall, but does not provide information on the starting dose.
• The study 6 analyzes the safety profiles of methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and amphetamine, but does not provide information on the starting dose of Adderall XR.
• The study 7 discusses the pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate, but does not provide information on the starting dose of Adderall XR.

Important Notes

• The starting dose of Adderall XR may vary depending on the individual patient and their specific needs.
• It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other conditions.
• The provided studies do not offer a clear answer to the question of the starting dose of Adderall XR, and further research or consultation with a healthcare professional is necessary.