Adderall Dosage

Every patient is given an individualized dosage of Adderall that depends on a number of factors that includes your age, other medications currently taken, other medications you have, and your response to treatment.

As with any other medication, you must take Adderall exactly as directed. Do not adjust your dose unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

Below is general information about Adderall dosage for specific medical conditions.

Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

For children 3 to 5 years old, the usual starting dose of Adderall is 2.5 mg per day. Depending on the patient’s response to treatment, the dose may be adjusted every week, adding 2.5 mg to the preceding dose.

For adults and children older than six years, the usual starting dose of Adderall is 5 mg taken once or twice a day. Depending on the patient’s response to treatment, the dose may be adjusted every week, adding 5 mg to the preceding dose until the lowest effective dose is achieved. The maximum Adderall dosage is 40 mg per day. Normally, the first dose is taken upon awakening. If taking divided doses per day, the succeeding doses must be taken after four to six hours.

Treatment of Narcolepsy

For adults, the usual dose of Adderall ranges from 5 mg to 6 mg per day taken in two or three divided doses.

For children 6 to 12 years old, the usual starting dose is 5 mg per day. Dose may be adjusted every week, adding 5 mg to the preceding dose. Meanwhile, for children older than 12 years of age, the usual starting dose is 10 mg per day and may be added 10 mg per week, if necessary.

Important Things to Consider When Taking Adderall

• Read the prescription label carefully before starting with this drug. If you have any question or do not understand the prescription, talk with your doctor.
• If taking multiple doses of Adderall, the first dose must be taken immediately upon awakening or as instructed by your healthcare provider.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembering. But if it is almost time for the next dose, just skip it and continue with the regular schedule. Never take double dose of Adderall.
• Adderall can interfere with your sleep. Avoid taking Adderall after 6 PM or too late in the day.
• For maximal effect of Adderall, you have to take it exactly as prescribed. Adderall can be less effective if not taken as instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Do not adjust the dose or abruptly discontinue the drug without first consulting your healthcare provider. Adderall is known to cause withdrawal symptoms.