Aderall XR - Extended-Release Capsules

In 2001, in addition to the single-salt formulation of Aderall (Adderall), Shire Pharmaceuticals launched a new version of her famous medication. It was called Adderall XR, in which XR means 'extended release'. The formulation consists of four different amphetamine salts which are metabolized at different rates. Moreover, Adderall XR utilizes the Microtrol extended-release delivery system, incorporating two types of beads, the second ones being dissolved after the interval of 4 hours. As a result, after having been taken, the drug is released into the system gradually, step by step. Due to this, the effects last much longer and they are considerably milder, as compared to the single-salt formulation. Adderall XR is marketed in six strenths (as capsules from 5 to 30 mg).

What is Aderall?

Aderall is a common misspelling of the medication correctly known and distributed as Adderall. (You may notice the difference between the names if you look more closely at the beginnings of the words: the only correct name has two d's in it).

Adderall (Aderall) is a psychostimulant used mainly to treat attention deficit or hyperacive disorder (ADHD), especially in children. It is an effective drug when one needs to concentrate and keep on the alert. So, it is very popular among students who call it a "study drug". Also, Adderall (Aderall) is used for the treatment of narcolepsy and severe treatment-resistant depressions in adult patiens.

Adderall (Aderall) is a mixture of several amphetamine salts, so its generic name is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. There can be found an extended-release formulation of "Aderall" - Adderall XR, in which different salts are metabolized at different rates, thus making the medication act longer. "Common" Adderall (Aderall) is said to be approved for use in children over 3 years of age, but as a rule, the medication is rarely prescribed for children under 6 years of age. Adderall (Aderall) XR is approved for children over age 6.

For children age six and older, Adderall (Aderall) should be started at 5 mg once or twice a day. The dose may be increased by 5mg every week if needed, but the total dosage of Adderall (Aderall) should not be more than 40 mg per day. Adults may start with 10 or even 20 mg of Adderall (Aderall), gradually increasing the dose week by week if necessary up to 120 or even 160 mg per day in total.