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What are the differences in positive and negative effects of Adderall vs. Adderall XR? Both are used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and adults. The main difference is that the former is an immediate release oral tablet that requires multiple doses per day, while Adderall XR is an extended-release oral capsule taken once daily.

They contain the same active ingredient, amphetamine dextroamphetamine, but are released differently in the body. Therefore, the duration it takes to take effect and the appearance of side effects may vary. Adderall effects last about 4-6 hours, while the extended-release drug can last up to 12 hours. Both medications are also prescribed for anxiety in ADHD patients.

What is Adderall

Both forms are approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic mental condition that can affect children, teenagers, and adults alike. When used under proper medical guidance, these medications can effectively relieve the most common symptoms of ADHD including inattention, restlessness, and impulsiveness.

They are the combination of nervous system stimulants dextroamphetamine-amphetamine and work by raising dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain to improve focus, attention, alertness, listening skills, learning process, memory, and overall mood. Due to these benefits, both are also used to treat depression and anxiety in patients who suffer from ADHD.

Adderall for children with ADHD

Like any other medication, the side effects Adderall can cause are numerous, both in children and adults. The most common side effects of this medication are insomnia or trouble sleeping, dry mouth, weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, and nervousness or anxiety. Serious Adderall side effects include intense muscle pain or weakness, physical or verbal tics, etc.

Compared to other ADHD medications, this amphetamine drug combination is highly likely to cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, agitation, and headaches. Some side effects, such as dry mouth and headaches don’t need medical treatment. But if you experience other symptoms, like pain when you pee and unusual mood swings, you should inform your doctor right away.

Other common side effects include:
  • ● Weakness
  • ● Stomachache
  • ● Constipation
  • ● Unusual sense of well-being
  • ● Hormonal imbalance in female patients
  • ● Difficulty keeping an erection

Less common and severe Adderall vs. Adderall XR side effects

These medications can lead to some serious adverse effects if abused. They have similar benefits, except that only Adderall 30mg tablets (immediate release) are used for treating narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. It is also an affordable ADHD medication online.

However, regardless of the form, only buy Adderall online from a registered online pharmacy with a medical provider’s prescription. Taking this medication, both immediate release tablets and extended release capsules without proper ADHD diagnosis can lead to severe side effects.

They share the same severe side effects. Unlike more common side effects these need immediate medical attention, as they can negatively affect your overall health, including:
  • ● Increase in blood pressure
  • ● Rise in heart rate
  • ● Muscle twitching
  • ● An erection that hurts and lasts too long
  • ● Less interest in sex
  • ● Slow speech
  • ● Seizures
  • ● Teeth grinding
  • ● Skin that starts peeling or blistering
  • ● Rash or hives
  • ● Serious anxiety
  • ● Panic attacks
  • ● Paranoia
  • ● Depression
  • ● Hallucinations

Is Adderall or Adderall XR more effective?

Adderall XR has the advantage of once-daily dosing, while its effects last up to 12 hours on average. It also has good tolerability and fewer side effects, especially in people with existing heart or blood pressure problems. Studies have found that this form is long-term effective and safe for those with high blood pressure (hypotension) without causing adverse reactions.

But when using the immediate release version, some children and adults may forget to take the second dose later in the day, as it requires 2-3 doses. You can get an Adderall prescription online for either form of the medication. Whether you are prescribed an oral tablet or an extended-release capsule depends on your ADHD symptoms and response to stimulants.

Adderall XR and Adderall drug interactions

Both forms of this medication and other amphetamine combinations for ADHD, such as Mydayis and Mydayis XR have similar drug interactions. They can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), alkalinizing agents, and CYP2D6 inhibitors. Taking these drugs with amphetamines can increase the risk of side effects.

If you are taking beta blockers and certain blood pressure-lowering drugs alongside ADHD medications, there is a risk of negative interactions which can cause increased blood pressure. Due to the potential for drug interaction and abuse, amphetamines should only be used if you are not on any other medications, particularly seizure and anxiety medications.

FAQs on Adderall vs. Adderall XR Side Effects

Both immediate release (IR) and extended release (XR) forms of this medication contain amphetamine and dextroamphetamine as active ingredients. Thus, they have the same potential side effects. Common side effects of this medication include; loss of appetite, dry mouth, headaches, constipation, weight loss, stomach pain, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and nervousness.

This drug is a potent brain stimulant. It can cause cardiac problems and affect blood pressure. Children, teenagers, and adults under 25 years of age are at a higher risk for these effects. Therefore, it should generally not be used in children and teenagers with known serious structural cardiac abnormalities, or other cardiac issues.

No, you should not take these medications together. You can use either one as prescribed. The extended release (XR) capsules could last longer than you need them (12 hours). Therefore, if you only need your ADHD medication during school or work hours, you can take the immediate release (IR) oral tablets in the morning hours, which can last for around 4 to 6 hours.

Mydayis XR is commonly used to manage ADHD in children and adults. XR refers to extended release capsules, and this form lasts for around 12 hours in your system, so you can take it once daily. If your prescription mentions everyday use, you can take them every day. Otherwise, take them as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

This medication is typically safe when taken as prescribed. However, its long-term effects may include misuse, heart problems, addiction, severe mood changes, and sexual problems.