ADDERALL 30MG (AD30 BRAND) COMES IN LOOSE

How does this medication work?

Amphetamine belongs to the family of medications known as stimulants. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps to increase attention and decrease hyperactivity and impulsiveness for children over 6 years of age, adolescents, and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Other measures (e.g., psychological, educational, and social therapies) are used along with mixed salts amphetamine as part of an overall treatment program for ADHD. An improvement in ADHD symptoms can be seen within one week of starting the medication.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

30 mg
Each clear and orange extended-release capsule, imprinted "ADDERALL XR" on one end and "30 mg" on the other, contains 30 mg of mixed salts amphetamine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methacrylic acid copolymer, opadry beige, red iron oxide, starch, sugar spheres, talc, triethyl citrate, and yellow iron oxide; gelatin capsule: edible inks, kosher gelatin, and titanium dioxide.

How should I use this medication?

The usual starting dose is 10 mg taken once daily in the morning. The dose is usually started low and increased gradually. The dose of this medication needs to be individualized according to the needs of the person taking the medication. Doses above 30 mg daily are not recommended.

This medication may be taken with or without food. Swallow this medication whole with water or other liquids. Do not crush or split the capsules. The capsule contains small pellets of medication specially designed to release their contents slowly inside the body. The capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled over applesauce. The applesauce should be eaten immediately after sprinkling and not stored for later. Avoid chewing the applesauce – chewing could damage the pellets from the capsule. Eat all of the sprinkled applesauce to make sure you get the full dose.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.  Taking a dose in the afternoon may cause difficulty sleeping, and should therefore be avoided. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take this medication if you:

• are allergic to mixed salts amphetamine extended release or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic or sensitive to a group of medications known as sympathomimetics (e.g., pseudoephedrine, epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• are agitated
• are taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor medication (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or have taken one in the last 14 days
• have a history of drug abuse
• have advanced hardening of the arteries
• have an overactive thyroid gland
• have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• have heart disease
• have moderate-to-severe high blood pressure

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• chills
• constipation
• decreased appetite
• decreased interest in sexual activity
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• grinding teeth
• headache
• heartburn
• irritability
• mood changes
• nausea
• neck pain
• sensitivity to light
• stomach ache
• sweating
• thirst
• trouble falling asleep
• unpleasant taste in the mouth
• vomiting
• weight loss