What is Adderall used for?
Adderall is a compelling mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and adults. It belongs to a class of medications, namely, CNS stimulants. Adderall is considered one of the best and first-choice treatment options for ADHD. And, studies state that it effectively improves attention and focus while reducing impulsive behaviors.
Adderall is also helpful in treating people with narcolepsy. It increases daytime wakefulness in individuals suffering from this medical condition, although not much-related research is available. Adderall is a controlled substance that can cause psychological and physical dependence as it can have the potential to abuse and misuse.
Does Adderall help with anxiety?
It is a CNS stimulant that is known for providing a calming effect. FDA has approved Adderall only for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Still, it has been rarely used as an off-label medication to treat depression when all other treatment measures fail to show any result.
There is a lack of good quality evidence to support its use in anxiety and depression. And, it is hard to tell if this medicine helps with anxiety and other pre-existing mood disorders. If anything, Adderall can worsen your depression or anxiety.
How does Adderall work?
In Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is challenging to stay still and control impulsive behaviors. Adderall works by increasing the availability of specific neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the CNS (central nervous system) connections. Adderall stays active in the body longer than any other CNS stimulant and works for about four to six hours.
Adderall dosage
In adults with ADHD, the initial dose should be 5 mg once or twice a day, while the medical healthcare provider will assign maintenance amounts for you. The maximum quantity should not exceed 40 mg per day; hence, your doctor may prescribe you to take Adderall 20 mg pill twice a day. Following are the drug strength that your medical healthcare may prescribe if you have become tolerant of this CNS stimulant or you need this medicine in high doses:
Dosage for ADHD
Adderall dosage for adults (ages 18 years and older) and children (ages 6 to 17 years):
● The typical starting amount should be 5 mg once or twice per day.
● Dosage increases: Your medical healthcare provider may increase your dosage by 5 mg weekly until you gain the desired effect.
● The primary dose of this medicine should be given as the first thing when you wake up in the morning. And the additional doses should be administered every four to six hours.
Adderall tablet dosage for children (ages 3 to 5 years):
● The usual initial dose should be 2.5 mg once or twice per day.
● Dosage increments: Your medical healthcare provider might prescribe you more of this medicine by increasing the amount by 2.5 mg each week until you gain the desired effect.
● It will benefit you more if you give your child the first dose of this drug when they first wake up in the morning. And administer any additional doses within every four to six hours.
Dosage for narcolepsy
For adults (ages 18 years and older) and children (ages 12 to 17 years):
● The usual initial amount is 10 mg one time a day.
● Maintenance amount: Your medical healthcare provider may increase your dosage by 10 mg each week until it starts giving you the desired effect.
● It will benefit you more if you take the first dose right after waking up in the morning. And take other additional doses within every four to six hours.
For children (ages 6 to 11 years):
● The usual initial amount is about 5 mg once per day.
● Dosage increments: Your child's medical healthcare provider might increase the dose by 5 mg until it starts giving the desired effect.
● The first dose of Adderall should be administered when your child wakes up first in the morning. And assist the additional amounts within every four to six hours.
