"Overview of Adderall XR"

generic, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine

                       

 The first generic version of Adderall IR was introduced to the market in 2002. Adderall XR was the 27th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 24 million prescriptions. Its a combination medicine containing amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These chemicals belong to the class of drugs called CNS (central nervous system) stimulants. Adderall XR is called the psychomotor stimulant because it can increase the ability to pay attention. It can also help you to recognize your tasks. This drug causes excitement and eutrophic condition with a decreased feeling of fatigue and increased motor activity. It is included in the pregnancy category C. Amphetamine has a high potential for abuse and addiction. While dextroamphetamine is an enantiomer of amphetamine used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is included in one of the top most prescribed drugs in the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. 

     Working of Adderall XR

 Adderall XR works by increasing the activity of various neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine as well as various neuropeptides. Both active ingredients of Adderall XR bind to the biological targets. The behavioral effect of amphetamine and its derivatives show similarity with cocaine. However, its mechanism of action in children is not known to us.

   Usage and dosage of Adderall XR

The efficacy of Adderall XR in the treatment of ADHD was established. Narcolepsy is a kind of sleep disorder. The disorder of insomnia can be treated using mixed salt of amphetamine. The recommended dosage is OD (once a day) and it should be given with or without meal upon awakening. Adderall XR is a control drug so you must have a prescription of an authorized physician.However, because of its inclusion in schedule II controlled substance, refilling of prescription is not allowed because of its high potential of dependence. You will have to manage a new prescription every time.

           Pharmacokinetic of Adderall XR

It is well absorbed from the gut having bioavailability of 75%. Approximately 40% of circulating amphetamine binds to plasma proteins. Half-life depends on the PH of urine however we can say it is 9-11 hours for normal urine. 90% of the ingested amphetamine is eliminated from the body within 3 days of following the last oral dose. 

          Side effects of Adderall XR

The occurrence of side effects is not indicated in all patients especially at lower doses.

• ●                        Insomnia
• ●                        Dizziness
• ●                        Weakness
• ●                        Delirium
• ●                        Psychic and physical dependence
• ●                        Anorectic effects
• ●                        Headache
• ●                        Weight loss
• ●                        Racing heart

                                             Contraindications,

• ●                        Arteriosclerosis of advanced stage
• ●                         cardiovascular disease
• ●                        patients with hypertension
• ●                         Hyperthyroidism
• ●        Known hypersensitivity  to the sympathomimetic amines
• ●                         Glaucoma
• ●                        Agitated states 

 patients having a history of drug abuse · Those patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) should never be treated with Adderall XR.

   Precautions to be taken,

Serious cardiovascular events had been reported for using Adderall XR even at a normal dose. So stimulants should never be taken by patients who are facing cardiac abnormalities and coronary artery disease. The maximum recommended dose is 30mg of Adderall per day for children. And for adults, it is 40mg per day. Make sure to follow the pharmacotherapy plan as recommended by your physician in order to avoid dependence issues. 

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