ADHD & Adderall

**BarbNP.com by Barbara Hoefener, NP 6/21/2025  

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant commonly prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Increased dosages lead to more serious side effects, including:

·         Increase in anxiety and panic attacks

·         Increased heart rate

·         Elevated blood pressure

·         In severe cases, overdose. Symptoms of an overdose can include hallucinations, seizures, and significant heart problems.

The typical Adderall XR dosage for ADHD in adults is 20 mg once daily in the morning. Studies have looked at dosages of up to 60 mg per day and haven't found additional benefits to taking over 20 mg per day. Regardless, avoid taking your doses late in the day.

Immediate-release Adderall may last 4 to 6 hours. This means you may need to split your dose to an hour after coffee and an hour after lunch. Extended Release XR, releases the medication gradually may last 8 and 12 hours.

Adderall can deplete essential nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins (particularly B12), vitamin C, zinc, and iron. It can also lead to a depletion of neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain with prolonged use. This depletion can occur through various mechanisms, including blocking nutrient absorption in the gut, interfering with nutrient metabolism, causing appetite changes and increased junk food cravings. 

Common medications that may interact with Adderall include: 

·         Anticoagulants/ blood thinners: warfarin, aspirin or NSAIDs.

·         Anticonvulsants: phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone

·         Antidepressants & Benzodiazepines

·         Heart medications

·         Alcohol

***This Clinic will not prescribe more than 20mg daily of Adderall, period.  I’d suggest starting with 5mg daily only increasing if really warranted via medicine to 10mg twice a day or 10XR daily or 20XR daily.

 ***You will also be on the controlled drug monitor program meaning urine drug screening regularly, showing you taking the medication prescribed with no other controlled drugs  and no alcohol.