About

Generic name: Amphetamines
Brand names: Adderall

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

How to take

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Missed dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.

Warnings and precautions

Do not take Adderall if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Adderall before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use Adderall if you are allergic to amphetamine and dextroamphetamine or if you have:
* heart disease or moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension);
* arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries);
* overactive thyroid;
* glaucoma;
* severe anxiety, tension, or agitation; or
* if you have a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects.
Before using Adderall, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
* a congenital heart defect;
* high blood pressure;
* heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart attack;
* a personal or family history of mental illness, psychotic disorder, bipolar illness, depression, or suicide attempt;
* epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
* tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette's syndrome.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Adderall.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Adderall and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
* fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
* feeling light-headed, fainting;
* increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure); or
* tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, or motor tics (muscle twitches).

Less serious Adderall side effects may include:
* headache or dizziness;
* sleep problems (insomnia);
* dry mouth or an unpleasant taste in your mouth;
* diarrhea, constipation;
* loss of appetite, weight loss; or
* loss of interest in sex, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.