Can I take 30 milligrams of Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)?

From the Guidelines

I strongly advise against taking 30 mg of Adderall without a healthcare provider's prescription and supervision, as this can lead to serious side effects and dependence. Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) dosages typically range from 5-40 mg daily, with 30 mg being within this range for some adults, but appropriate dosing depends on your specific medical condition, body weight, prior medication experience, and individual response 1. If you're considering taking 30 mg, you should only do so if prescribed this specific dose by your doctor. Adderall is a controlled substance used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy that works by increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Taking incorrect doses can lead to serious side effects including increased blood pressure, heart rate, insomnia, decreased appetite, and potential for dependence. Some key points to consider when taking Adderall include:

• Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing as needed and under medical supervision
• Monitoring for side effects such as decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, and increased blood pressure and pulse
• Regularly assessing medication adherence and adjusting the treatment plan as needed
• Considering the potential effects on height and weight gain, particularly in children and adolescents Never adjust your dose without medical guidance, and always follow your prescription instructions exactly 2. It's also important to note that stimulant medications, including Adderall, are associated with a range of adverse effects, and their use should be carefully monitored and managed by a healthcare provider 3.

From the FDA Drug Label

OVERDOSAGE ... 30 mg can produce severe reactions... The FDA drug label does not provide a clear answer to whether 30 mg of Adderall can be taken, but it does indicate that 30 mg can produce severe reactions.

• The label states that doses as low as 2 mg can occasionally produce toxic symptoms, and doses of less than 15 mg rarely produce toxic symptoms.
• However, it also states that 30 mg can produce severe reactions. Given this information, it is not possible to determine a safe dosage without consulting a medical professional. 4

From the Research

Adderall Dosage

• The typical dosage of Adderall for adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but one study 5 found that the mean end dose for responders was 10.77 mg/day.
• Another study 6 investigated the efficacy and safety of amphetamines, including mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall), in adults with ADHD, and found that the dose range for mixed amphetamine salts was 12.5 mg/d to 80 mg/d.
• A more recent study 7 found that unlicensed doses of stimulants, including amphetamines, may not have positive risk benefits compared to licensed doses for adults with ADHD.

Safety and Efficacy

• The study 5 found that Adderall may be an effective agent for the treatment of adult forms of ADHD, with positive responses occurring at relatively low doses, but may precipitate anxiety in vulnerable individuals.
• The study 6 found that amphetamines, including Adderall, were associated with an increased proportion of patients who withdrew due to adverse events.
• The study 7 found that increments in doses of amphetamines did not indicate additional reductions of symptoms, but were accompanied by continued increments in the risk of adverse event dropouts.

Adverse Events

• Common adverse events associated with Adderall include decreased appetite, insomnia, abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, and anxiety 6, 8.
• The study 9 found that misuse of stimulants, including Adderall, is associated with dangers including psychosis, myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and even sudden death.

Specific Dosage of 30 mg

• One study 6 found that the dose range for mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) was 12.5 mg/d to 80 mg/d, which includes the 30 mg dosage.
• However, the study 7 found that unlicensed doses of stimulants, including amphetamines, may not have positive risk benefits compared to licensed doses for adults with ADHD, and that increments in doses did not indicate additional reductions of symptoms, but were accompanied by continued increments in the risk of adverse event dropouts.