These drugs have a boxed warning, the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Adderall and Adderall XR have a risk of misuse and dependence. (Misuse happens when a drug is taken differently from how it was prescribed. It is sometimes called abuse. With dependence, your body needs to the drug in order to function like usual.) Misuse of these drugs can lead to serious side effects and, in some cases, death.
The risk of dependence with Adderall and Adderall XR is higher for people who’ve had drug or alcohol dependence issues in the past. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Adderall or Adderall XR for someone who has had or has these conditions.
For more information, see the “ Adderall: Misuse” and “ Adderall: Withdrawal and dependence” sections below.
Adderall and Adderall XR are brand-name prescription medications that contain the active drugs amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. They are available in a generic form.
Adderall has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 3 years and older. It is also approved to treat narcolepsy in adults and children ages 6 years and older. Adderall XR is approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
Adderall and Adderall XR are available as follows.
| Form | Strength | |
| Adderall | immediate-release* tablet | • 5 milligrams (mg) • 7.5 mg • 10 mg • 12.5 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 30 mg |
| Adderall XR | extended-release† capsule | • 5 mg • 10 mg • 15 mg • 20 mg • 25 mg • 30 mg |
* Immediate release means the active drug is released at once after the medication is taken.
† Extended release means the active drug is slowly released into your body over time after the medication is taken.
In this article, you’ll find additional information about Adderall’s and Adderall XR’s dosage and details on how to take these drugs. For a comprehensive overview of Adderall and Adderall XR, view this article.
Dosage summary
For details about dosage, see the “Adderall: Dosage for adults” and “Adderall: Dosage for children” sections below. Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR that’s right for your condition.
Finding a healthcare professional
If you’re interested in taking Adderall or Adderall XR, search here to find a doctor who might prescribe it.
This article describes typical recommended dosages for Adderall and Adderall XR. These dosages are provided by the drug’s manufacturer.
Always follow the dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR that your doctor prescribes.
Commonly recommended dosages for Adderall and Adderall XR in adults are shown below. You should take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll recommend the dosage that’s best for your condition.
For information about the drugs’ dosages in children, see “Adderall: Dosage for children” below.
Adderall’s forms and strengths
Adderall comes as an immediate-release* tablet that you swallow. It’s available in the following strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg)
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Adderall XR comes as an extended-release† capsule that you swallow. It’s available in the following strengths:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 25 mg
- 30 mg
* Immediate release means the active drug is released at once after the medication is taken.
† Extended release means the active drug is slowly released into your body over time after the medication is taken.
Typical recommended dosages for adults
Usually, doctors will prescribe a low dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR at the start of treatment. Then, they’ll adjust the dosage over time if needed. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR that gives the desired effect.
Dosage chart for Adderall
Typical Adderall dosages in adults are as follows.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) | 5 mg once or twice daily | 5 mg to 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into twice daily dosing | 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into twice daily dosing |
| narcolepsy | 10 mg once daily | 5 mg to 60 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into three daily doses | 60 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into three daily doses |
Dosage chart for Adderall XR
Typical Adderall XR dosages in adults are as follows.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| ADHD | 20 mg once daily | 20 mg to 60 mg once daily | 60 mg once daily |
Length of treatment
Doctors typically prescribe Adderall or Adderall XR as a long-term treatment. You’ll likely take either drug long term if you and your doctor feel it’s safe and effective for your condition.
Sometimes, doctors may recommend that you stop taking Adderall or Adderall XR for a brief time period. They may recommend this to:
- help decrease side effects
- prevent the drug from building up in your system
- see if symptoms of your condition return
Commonly recommended dosages for Adderall and Adderall XR in children are shown below. You should take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll recommend the dosage that’s best for your condition.
For information about the drugs’ dosages in adults, see “Adderall: Dosage for adults” above.
Adderall’s forms and strengths
Adderall comes as an immediate-release* tablet that you swallow. It’s available in the following strengths:
- 5 milligrams (mg)
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
- 12.5 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 30 mg
Adderall XR comes as an extended-release† capsule that you swallow. It’s available in the following strengths:
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
- 15 mg
- 20 mg
- 25 mg
- 30 mg
* Immediate release means the active drug is released at once after the medication is taken.
† Extended release means the active drug is slowly released into your body over time after the medication is taken.
Typical recommended dosages for children
Usually, doctors will prescribe a low dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR at the start of treatment. Then, they’ll adjust the dosage over time if needed. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR that gives the desired effect.
Dosage chart for Adderall
Typical Adderall dosages in children are as follows.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 3 to 5 years | 2.5 mg once daily | 2.5 mg to 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into twice daily dosing | 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into twice daily dosing |
| ADHD in children ages 6 years and older | 5 mg once or twice daily | 5 mg to 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into twice daily dosing | 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into twice daily dosing |
| narcolepsy in children ages 6 to 12 years | 5 mg once daily | 5 mg to 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into three daily doses | 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into three daily doses |
| narcolepsy in children ages 12 and older | 10 mg once daily | 10 mg to 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into three daily doses | 40 mg daily, which may be taken once daily or divided into three daily doses |
Dosage chart for Adderall XR
Typical Adderall XR dosages in children are as follows.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| ADHD in children ages 6 to 17 years | 10 mg once daily | 10 mg to 30 mg once daily | 30 mg once daily |
Length of treatment
Doctors typically prescribe Adderall or Adderall XR as a long-term treatment. You’ll likely take either drug long term if you and your doctor feel it’s safe and effective for your condition.
Sometimes, doctors may recommend that you stop taking Adderall or Adderall XR for a brief time period. They may recommend this to:
- help decrease side effects
- prevent the drug from building up in your system
- see if symptoms of your condition return
Below are some common questions related to Adderall and Adderall XR’s dosing.
What’s the average dose of Adderall for adults?
There is no average dose of Adderall for adults. However, there are typical dosage ranges of Adderall and Adderall XR.
Your doctor will determine the best dose of Adderall or Adderall XR to treat your condition. Typically, your dosage will depend on whether you take Adderall or Adderall XR and what condition it is treating. The typical dosage range of Adderall for adults is 5 milligrams (mg) to 60 mg daily. The typical dosage range of Adderall XR for adults is 20 mg to 60 mg daily.
If you have questions about your dosage of Adderall, talk with your doctor.
Are Adderall dosages for adults based on weight?
No, they’re not. Instead, the dosages of Adderall and Adderall XR for adults are based on the condition the drug is treating. To learn more, see the “Adderall: Dosage for adults” section above.
If you’d like to know about possible dosage modifications with Adderall or Adderall XR, talk with your doctor.
What’s the highest dose of Adderall that doctors prescribe?
The highest dose of Adderall that doctors prescribe may depend on:
- the condition being treated
- the form of drug
- your age
For example, for an adult who is prescribed Adderall for narcolepsy, the highest or maximum dose would be 60 mg daily. This dose may be taken once daily or divided into three daily doses. For a child who is prescribed Adderall XR for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the highest or maximum dose is 30 mg taken once daily. (For more information about dosage, see the “Adderall: Dosage for adults” and “Adderall: Dosage for children” sections above.)
You should take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll prescribe the dosage that’s best for your needs.
If you have questions about your dosage of Adderall, talk with your doctor.
Is there a lowest dose of Adderall?
Yes. The lowest dose of Adderall that doctors prescribe may depend on:
- the condition being treated
- the form of drug
- your age
The lowest dose of Adderall that’s usually prescribed is 2.5 mg taken once daily. This dosage may be prescribed for certain children with ADHD. For Adderall XR, the lowest dose that’s typically prescribed is 10 mg taken once daily. This dosage may also be prescribed for children with ADHD.
You should take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll prescribe the dosage that’s best for your needs. (For more information about dosage, see the “Adderall: Dosage for adults” and “Adderall: Dosage for children” sections above.)
If you have questions about your dosage of Adderall, talk with your doctor.
Your doctor will consider certain factors when prescribing a dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR. These factors include:
- your age
- the condition you’re taking Adderall or Adderall XR to treat
- the severity of your condition
- the form of Adderall or Adderall XR you’re taking
- other medications you’re taking
- the side effects you may have
Your prescribed dosage may also vary based on other medical conditions you have.
Recommended adjustments in dosage
Adderall and Adderall XR are eliminated through the kidneys. In someone with kidney problems, these drugs could build up in their system and lead to increased side effects. For this reason, if you have kidney problems, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR.
The manufacturer of Adderall doesn’t provide specific dosages for people with kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, your doctor will tell you the dosage of Adderall to take.
For adults with serious kidney problems, such as end stage renal disease, the recommended dosage of Adderall XR is 15 milligrams (mg) once daily. For children with serious kidney problems, the recommended dosage of Adderall XR is 5 mg once daily.
Adderall comes as immediate-release* tablets and extended-release† capsules. Both of these forms should be swallowed whole. Do not chew, cut, or crush them. Take Adderall or Adderall XR exactly as your doctor prescribes. You may take these drugs with or without food.
Your doctor may recommend that you take Adderall or Adderall XR around the same time of day. Doing so will help maintain a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And this can help Adderall or Adderall XR work effectively.
If you’re taking Adderall or Adderall XR once daily, you’ll typically take your dose in the morning. If you’re taking Adderall more than once per day, you’ll take the first dose in the morning and the next dose 4 to 6 hours later. Your doctor can recommend when you should take the drug based on your typical sleep schedule.
If it’s difficult for you to swallow capsules or tablets, see this article for information on taking this form of medication. You may open Adderall XR capsules and sprinkle the contents over some applesauce. Swallow the applesauce and medication without chewing and then drink a glass of water or another liquid.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist and ask if they have other suggestions to help you take the medication.
* Immediate release means the active drug is released at once after the medication is taken.
† Extended release means the active drug is slowly released into your body over time after the medication is taken.
If you find it challenging to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies provide medication labels with large print or braille. They may also offer labels that contain a scannable code that your smartphone can convert into text to speech. If your pharmacy doesn’t provide these choices, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If it’s difficult for you to open medication bottles, ask your pharmacist if they can dispense Adderall or Adderall XR in an easy-open container. They also may recommend ways to help make it easier to open the bottles.
If you miss a dose of Adderall or Adderall XR, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to bedtime, it may be best to wait and take your next scheduled dose in the morning. Taking Adderall or Adderall XR too close to bedtime may cause insomnia.
Don’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Your doctor can recommend when you should take the drug based on your typical sleep schedule.
View these medication reminder options to help avoid missing doses. You could also set an alarm or download a reminder app on your phone.
Adderall and Adderall XR have a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This section discusses the risk of misuse. To learn more about the risk of dependence, see the “Adderall: Withdrawal and dependence” section below.
Misuse happens when a drug is taken differently from how it was prescribed. It is sometimes called abuse. Signs of misuse include:
- taking more of a drug than you can safely take
- continuing to take a drug despite it causing you harm
- having cravings for a drug
Symptoms of misuse of Adderall or Adderall XR include:
- increased heart rate
- increased rate of breathing
- increased blood pressure
- excessive sweating or flushing
- dilated pupils
- feeling restless, anxious, or aggressive
- insomnia
- decreased appetite
- loss of coordination
- feeling shaky
- nausea and vomiting
- thoughts about harming yourself or harming others
People with a history of drug or alcohol dependence may be at increased risk of misuse with Adderall or Adderall XR. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Adderall or Adderall XR for people who’ve had these conditions.
Tell your doctor right away if you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above.
Adderall and Adderall XR have a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This section discusses the risk of dependence. To learn more about the risk of misuse, see the “Adderall: Misuse” section above.
With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual. Over time, your body may need higher doses of Adderall or Adderall XR to produce the same effect that you had when you first started treatment.
People with a history of drug or alcohol dependence may be at increased risk of dependence with Adderall or Adderall XR. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Adderall or Adderall XR for people who’ve had these conditions.
Withdrawal symptoms can happen if you suddenly stop taking these drugs or if your body has become dependent on either medication. Symptoms of withdrawal may include:
- feeling very sad or depressed
- feeling very tired
- having unpleasant dreams
- sleeping too much or too little
- increased appetite
- agitation or problems with movement
If you notice any of the above symptoms of withdrawal, talk with your doctor. Also, if you’re interested in stopping Adderall or Adderall XR, talk with your doctor first. They’ll likely reduce your dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR over time to help reduce the risk of having withdrawal symptoms.
If you take more than the recommended dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR, serious effects can occur. In some cases, these effects can be fatal. Do not take more Adderall or Adderall XR than your doctor prescribes.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms that an overdose of Adderall or Adderall XR could cause include:
- feelings of restlessness, panic, or aggression
- feeling shaky
- increased rate of breathing
- feeling confused
- seeing or hearing things that aren’t real
- high fever, a temperature greater than 106.7°F (41.5°C)
- rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue)
- fatigue
- depression
- serotonin syndrome, a high level of the chemical serotonin
- high or low blood pressure
- problems with heart rhythm
- digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- coma
What to do in case of overdose
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much of this drug. Also, you can call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out more information about Adderall’s and Adderall XR’s dosages. Keep in mind that the dosages presented in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Adderall or Adderall XR that’s right for you and your condition. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any medications you’re taking, do not change your Adderall or Adderall XR dosage without with a recommendation from your doctor.
In addition to discussing Adderall and Adderall XR with your doctor, you may find the following articles helpful in learning more.
- Overview of Adderall and Adderall XR. For comprehensive details on Adderall and Adderall XR, see this article.
- Drug comparisons. To learn how Adderall and Adderall XR compare with Vyvanse, read this article.
- Details about Adderall’s and Adderall XR’s uses. To learn more about the conditions that Adderall and Adderall XR are used to treat, see these articles on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
- Information on side effects. If you’d like to know about possible side effects of Adderall and Adderall XR, view this article.
Disclaimer: Healthgrades has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.