What is Adderall: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

How to take Adderall tablets

• Adderall tablets can be taken with or without food.

• The first dose is usually taken right after awakening in the morning.

• Take the tablet in the morning and early afternoon. You may have trouble falling asleep if you take it at night.

How to take Adderall extended-release capsules

• You may take the capsule with or without food but make sure to take it the same way each time.

• Take the capsule in the morning right after you wake up. You may have trouble falling asleep at night if you take it in the afternoon or evening.

• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the contents over a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature and protect from light.

Store this medicine in a secure place out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose of Adderall tablets, take the next dose when remembered. Do not take it if it’s almost time for the next dose, but skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not take a dose late in the afternoon or evening.

If you miss a dose of extended-release Adderall, take it when remembered unless it’s late afternoon or evening. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next day’s dose as scheduled.

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use Adderall if you have had an allergic reaction to amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, or similar medicines.

Do not use Adderall if you are currently taking or recently stopped taking a type of drug called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Because of possible side effects and possible physical dependency, healthcare providers are urged to prescribe the lowest effective dose.

The doctor may require regular physical examinations to monitor for side effects. Keep all appointments.

Adderall is a federally controlled substance that has a high potential for abuse and misuse. The drug can cause physical dependency even at therapeutic doses. Misuse and abuse can result in overdose and death.

Tell the prescriber if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. The clinician may choose to discontinue Adderall.

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Heart or blood vessel disease

• Heart defects

• Heart rhythm abnormalities

• Mental health conditions

• Kidney disease

• High blood pressure

• Any history of heart attack, stroke, seizures, or Tourette syndrome

• A family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or suicide

This medicine may cause the following problems: 

• Heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attack and stroke

• Unusual changes in behavior or thoughts

• High blood pressure

• Blood circulation problems in the fingers and toes

• Growth suppression in children

• Increased risk for seizures

• Serotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines)

Because of possible drug interactions, tell healthcare providers you are using this medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Some foods and medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: 

• Stimulants

• Antidepressants

• Migraine medications called triptans

• Stomach acid reducers such as omeprazole or cimetidine

• Lithium

• Tramadol

• Fentanyl

• Buspirone

• Tryptophan

• St. John’s wort

Some drugs slow down or speed up the body’s metabolism of Adderall. The combination can cause serious problems, so make sure the prescriber knows about them. If these drugs are combined with Adderall, be prepared to follow special instructions. Doses or the time between doses may be modified.

Antacids, fruit juice, and vitamin C can affect how your body absorbs this medicine.