Adderall XR is the brand name for Adderall’s extended-release formulation. It is a prescription drug used to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which include poor impulse control, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. When taken, Adderall XR works in the central nervous system (CNS) by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

In this blog, we will learn more about Adderall XR dosage. In the meantime, contact Therapy Fleet for online consultation in any mental health niche or find out how to get prescribed Adderall. Our mental healthcare providers are experts in this area and are willing to go out of their way to make you feel better. Don’t hesitate; your privacy is our priority.

Adderall XR Forms and Strengths

Adderall XR is available as capsules with six strengths or potencies. The extended-release capsules are available in the following strengths;

5 mg
10 mg
15 mg
20 mg
25 mg
30 mg

Each Adderall XR capsule consists of four amphetamine salts, namely dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and amphetamine aspartate.

Dosages for Adderall XR

The normal Adderall dosage for adults and children varies between Adderall IR and Adderall XR. Unlike Adderall IR, Adderall XR is given only once daily, as the active ingredient is released gradually over the day.

Adderall XR Dosage for Adults

The dose of Adderall XR varies for adults: there is no one-for-all Adderall XR dosage for all. The medicine works differently for all, and the risk of side effects is also different. (Some people complain about Adderall headaches, which are common but not experienced by all. Regardless of the risks and side effects, do not stop using Adderall or Adderall XR because your doctor knows best.)

The goal when deciding on Adderall XR dosage is to find the lowest possible therapeutic dose.

The standard Adderall XR dosage is between 20 – 60 mg
The highest dosage of Adderall XR should not exceed 60 mg per day

Although the max dose of Adderall XR is 60 mg, little research suggests any dosage over 20 mg will offer any extra benefit.

Adderall XR Dosage Chart for Adults

Adderall XR is only used for ADHD in adults and children. The following Adderall XR chart shows the initial, standard maintenance, and maximum dose of XR in adults.

Age	Initial Adderall XR Dose	Maintenance Dose	Highest Adderall XR Dose
Adults > 18 years	20 mg, once in the morning	20 mg, once in the morning	60 mg per day
Adolescents 13 – 17 years	10 mg, once in the morning	10 – 20 mg, once in the morning	40 mg per day

Max Dose of Adderall XR for Children

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the approved therapeutic Adderall XR dosage for children as young as six years is as follows;

The standard dose for children between 6 – 12 years is 5- 30 mg, once in the morning.
The highest Adderall XR dose for children 6- 12 years is 30 mg of Adderall XR.
Standard Adderall XR dosage for children 13 – 17 years is 10 – 40 mg once a day.
Adderall XR’s highest dose for children 13- 17 is 40 mg daily.

Adderall XR Dosage Chart for Children

The following Adderall XR chart confirms the dosage for children.

Age	Initial Adderall XR Dose	Standard Dose	Adderall XR’s highest dose
Children 6 – 12 years	5 – 10 mg, once in the morning	5 – 30 mg, once in the morning	30 mg Adderall XR

Note: Clinical trials were conducted for children 13- 17 years old, given doses over 20 mg, which showed no added benefit.

Adderall XR Dosage Considerations for Kidney Disease

People with kidney disease should be cautious when using Adderall XR, as the drug is eliminated via the kidney. Impaired kidneys will lead to a buildup of Adderall XR in the body, which increases the risk of toxicity and side effects. The healthcare provider should adjust the dosages of Adderall XR for people with kidney disease to avoid complications.

Adults with severe kidney impairment: 15 mg, once in the morning
Children 6- 17 years with severe kidney impairment: 5 – 20 mg Adderall doses XR
Adults and children with last-stage kidney failure: not recommended

Always consult your healthcare professional if you have a history of kidney disease or any other health conditions. Using Adderall XR in case of health issues can pose the risk of severe side effects. Discuss alternate

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How Can You Take Adderall XR?

Use Adderall XR dosage as prescribed by the doctor. It is generally taken by mouth with or without food in the morning. Swallow the capsule; do not break or crush it. If you have difficulty swallowing, mix the contents of Adderall XR in yogurt or applesauce and swallow right away.

Note: Taking Adderall XR doses in the evening interrupts sleep.

Signs Adderall XR Dosage is Too Low

If your doctor prescribes you Adderall XR for ADHD, and you notice that the symptoms are not improving, there’s a chance the Adderall dose is too low. Some signs are;

Hyperactive behavior
Unable to sit still
Lack of concentration
Forgetting things or misplacing them

Refrain from attempting to increase the dose on your own. This may increase the risk of side effects. Talk with the doctor and see what they say. If needed, they may increase the dose of Adderall XR. Or, they may recommend another stimulant, such as Dexedrine, a common ADHD-stimulating drug.

ADHD Medications For People with Anxiety?

Adderall XR is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. Sometimes, people with ADHD suffer from anxiety; in this case, doctors will recommend ADHD medications for adults with anxiety.

Is Adderall a Controlled Drug?

Adderall is a controlled substance like Vyvanse and can lead to dependence and addiction along with some serious side effects. For instance, Adderall for ADHD can cause depression, and Adderall affects personality, too.

But, it is the first line of treatment for a reason. You can discuss CBT exercises for ADHD with your doctor or try discussing Qelbree for ADHD if you want to shift to non-stimulating drugs or try finding the best and most effective alternatives to Adderall.

The Bottom Line

The maximum Adderall XR dose in 24 hours should not exceed 60 mg for adults and 40 mg for children between 12- 17 years. In contrast, for children between 6 and 12 years, 30 mg of Adderall XR is recommended, and that’s the highest dose of Adderall XR for children. For more information about the correct Adderall XR dosage for individual cases, contact Therapy Fleet if you want online consultation for ADHD or if you want to get Adderall prescribed.

Medical Disclaimer:

At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.

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Adderall XR Dosage FAQs

1. What is Adderall XR dosage for adults by weight?

Adderall XR dosage does not depend on weight. Instead, the dosage depends on your age and present health condition. The doctor will specifically see how well the Adderall XR dosage works for you before settling on the highest Adderall XR dose.

2. How long does it take Adderall XR to work?

Adderall XR kicks in within 30 minutes to 1 hour after drug administration. You can take it with or without food, as food does not affect its absorption.

3. How long does Adderall XR stay in your system?

Adderall XR controls the symptoms of ADHD for up to 12 hours straight. The half-life of Adderall XR is 9 to 14 hours, meaning that at about this time, half of the active ingredient leaves the body. In about 46 hours, the amphetamines will be undetectable in the blood, 3 to 4 days in urine, and three months in hair.

4. What happens if I miss a dose of Adderall XR?

In case of a missed Adderall XR dosage, take it the next day if it’s past noon. Taking Adderall XR in the evening may cause drowsiness. Discussing it with your prescribing doctor in case you missed a dose is always better.

5. What is the maximum dosage for Adderall XR?

The highest dose of Adderall XR in adult clinical trials is 60 mg/ day, 40 mg for adolescents, and 30 mg for children 6 to 11 years old. In any case, the Adderall instant-release dosage should not exceed 20 mg (for people of all ages) for people with kidney disease. For adults with severe kidney impairment, the maximum Adderall XR dosage is not more than 15 mg.

6. What interacts with Adderall XR?

Although you can take Adderall XR with or without food, care must be taken when eating foods that increase stomach acid, as they reduce the amount of drugs absorbed by the body. So, avoid certain fruit juices and vitamin C supplements around the time of your Adderall XR dosage.

Adderall XR also interacts with medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Do not take Adderall XR when using MAOI, as it increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Other drugs that reduce the effectiveness of Adderall XR are;