Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If you take too much, the medicine may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have taken it for several weeks, do not increase the dose and check with your doctor.

Take the regular tablet in the morning and early afternoon. If you take the tablet in the evening, you may have trouble falling asleep at night.

If you are using the extended-release capsule:

  • Swallow the capsule whole with water or other liquids. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Take the capsule in the morning right after you wake up. If you take it in the afternoon or evening, you may have trouble falling asleep at night.
  • You may take the capsule with or without food, but make sure to take it the same way each time.
  • If you cannot swallow the capsule, carefully open it and sprinkle the small beads over a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not store the mixture for future use. Do not crush or chew the beads from the capsule.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):
    • For oral dosage form (Adderall XR® extended-release capsules):
      • Adults—20 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 13 to 17 years of age—At first, 10 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 10 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 30 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (Mydayis® extended-release capsules):
      • Adults—At first, 12.5 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning right after you wake up. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg per day.
      • Children 13 to 17 years of age—At first, 12.5 mg once a day in the morning. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 25 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 13 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (Adderall® tablets):
      • Adults and children 6 years of age and older—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) given 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 3 to 5 years of age—At first, 2.5 mg once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 3 years of age—Use is not recommended.
  • For narcolepsy:
    • For oral dosage form (Adderall® tablets):
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) per day, divided and given into 2 doses. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 5 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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