Adderall XR and Adderall IR are both recommended to treat attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a disease that keeps you feeling dizzy during the day). The Adderall IR is an immediate-release (takes 3 hours to reach its peak), while the Adderall XR is an extended-release version (takes 7 hours to reach its peak).

Since Adderall XR stays in the system for about 8 to 12 hours, it is consumed once daily, whereas Adderall IR lasts for about 5 to 8 hours, allowing flexible dosage options.

Both the Adderall IR and Adderall XR are used to treat ADHD, but the effective treatment requires correct dosages, thus doctors can administer different dosages and set a fixed dose after noticing which one is working the best for an individual.

This is important to note that the same compound and dosage can affect people differently based on a few factors, including genetic variations, age, sex, and any medication they are already consuming. This is the reason why the FDA has labeled certain medications, most of which are mental health medications as if they can affect individuals differently.

What is Adderall?

Adderall XR (single dosing & extended hours dosing) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. This stimulant works by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine (a chemical that affects your brain, body, and behavior) and norepinephrine (produced from dopamine), in the brain. Here’s how it works:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, reward, and motor control. This activates your brain’s reward system and helps feel pleasure. Certain activities can also release dopamine, such as regular exercise, shopping, meditation, enough protein, and having sex.

Norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) is synthesized from dopamine in a process that occurs primarily in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain and in the adrenal glands.

Benefits of Adderall

Since these are a few things most individuals prefer, the chances of this drug being abused are quite high. Please be mindful that extra dosage can cause worse reactions.

• Improved alertness and concentration
• Improved Attention

Does Adderall XR have more side effects than Adderall?

The overdose side effects of Adderall XR (extended-release) and Adderall IR (immediate-release) are generally the same, as both contain the same active ingredients (amphetamine salts). However, there can be differences in the timing and intensity of those effects.

Difference in side effects of XR and IR

Adderall XR has a prolonged release, which means it slowly releases the active ingredients over a longer period of time, typically 12 hours, and is taken once daily. An overdose from XR may not cause immediate, extreme symptoms but could lead to prolonged or more sustained effects over time. If the overdose is significant, the risk of more severe cardiovascular effects (such as a heart attack or stroke) could be higher than that of IR.

Adderall IR releases the active ingredients more quickly, leading to a more immediate effect, and is usually taken multiple times a day (typically every 4-6 hours). Because it releases the medication quickly, an overdose of IR might cause a more rapid onset of symptoms, potentially leading to more immediate and severe neurological effects like seizures or extreme anxiety. However, the effects might wear off quicker than XR’s effects.

PGx tests (Pharmacogenomics testing) from RPh LABS gives you clear insights into your genetic makeup, reducing the trial and error of your medication.

Common signs showing the Adderall XR dose is too high

Going through the Adderall XR FDA-label before consuming or prescribing it can be vital for both the patients and doctors. Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine and the following are the reported side effects of stimulant medicines:

• Headache
• Decreased Appetite
• Stomach Ache
• Nervousness
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Mood Swings
• Weight Loss
• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Increased Heart Rate

Side effects of Adderall XR (generally considered rare)

Although considered to be rare, especially when the medication is taken as prescribed. Signs XR dose is too high include the following as well.

Heart-related problems:

• Sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects
• Stroke and heart attack in adults
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Mental (Psychiatric) problems:

• New or worse behavior and thought problems
• New or worse bipolar illness
• New or worse aggressive behaviour or hostility

Children and Teenagers

New psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, believing things that are not true, becoming suspicious) or new manic symptoms.

Adderall XR is a Schedule II drug; these drugs are typically prescribed to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy (a comorbid with ADHD dysregulating sleep cycles) having a high potential to be abused. Selling or giving away without a prescription may harm others, and is against the law.

Who should not take Adderall XR?

• The Adderall XR should not be taken if you:
• Have heart disease or hardening of the arteries
• Have moderate to severe high blood pressure
• Have hyperthyroidism
• Have an eye problem called glaucoma
• Are very anxious, tense or agitated
• Have a history of drug abuse
• Are taking or have taken within the past 14 days an antidepressant medication called Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) – the first type of antidepressant.
• Are sensitive to, allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines

It’s critically important to tell your doctor if you or your child is experiencing or have experienced any of the above. Do NOT consume Adderall XR if you are already consuming or have recently consumed any anti-depression medications. Always talk to your doctor and share any of the drugs, vitamins, and even herbal supplements you are consuming or have recently consumed.

According to the FDA, “ADDERALL XR® has not been studied in children less than 6 years old. And ADDERALL XR® is not recommended for use in children less than 3 years old.”

Role of PGx testing:

The enzyme primarily responsible for metabolizing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is CYP2D6 (Cytochrome P450 2D6). How CYP2D6 in your body responds to this medication can be seen through an at-home PGx test from RPh LABS. One test can show how your body may react to 250+ medications. Check out how it works.

Major Takeaway:

Adderall is a Schedule II drug. Both XR and IR are typically used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy. The Adderall XR lasts for extended hours and is consumed once a day, whereas the IR can be administered more than once a day with specific delays. Abusing the medicine can result in severe health conditions, including heart attacks. In case you are concerned about how Adderall or any other mental health medication would affect you, talk to your doctor about a PGx test.

References:

https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/220124992.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Amphetamine