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What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription central nervous system stimulant containing mixed amphetamine salts. The immediate-release tablets are approved for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall contains dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. It is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse, misuse, addiction, overdose, and diversion.

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What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription central nervous system stimulant containing mixed amphetamine salts. The immediate-release tablets are approved for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall contains dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. It is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse, misuse, addiction, overdose, and diversion.

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How Does Adderall Work?

The exact therapeutic action of amphetamines in ADHD is not known. Amphetamines are thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into presynaptic neurons and increase release of these neurotransmitters into the space between nerve cells. These effects increase central nervous system stimulant activity and alter signaling involved in attention, alertness, and behavioral control.

What Is Adderall Used For?

Adderall immediate-release tablets are approved for ADHD and narcolepsy. For ADHD, treatment forms part of a broader care plan based on the patient's symptoms and clinical needs. For narcolepsy, the medicine is prescribed to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness associated with the disorder. Dose selection differs by diagnosis, age, response, and tolerability.

How Is Adderall Taken?

Adderall tablets are taken by mouth in individually adjusted doses. For ADHD, the first dose is taken after waking, with later doses spaced about four to six hours apart when prescribed. Late-evening dosing is avoided due to insomnia. The lowest dose that controls symptoms is preferred. Patients should take the medicine exactly as directed and store it securely.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings?

Adderall carries a boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misuse can lead to overdose and death. Other serious risks include heart problems, increased blood pressure and heart rate, psychiatric reactions, seizures, serotonin syndrome, circulation problems in fingers and toes, and worsening tics. Appetite loss, weight loss, dry mouth, restlessness, and insomnia are also reported.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adderall

Is Adderall a stimulant?

Yes. Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant containing mixed amphetamine salts. It is prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy.

Is Adderall a controlled substance?

Yes. Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

Does Adderall treat narcolepsy?

Yes. Immediate-release Adderall tablets are approved for narcolepsy as well as ADHD. Dosing differs according to diagnosis and patient response.

Can Adderall be taken late in the day?

Late-evening doses are avoided due to insomnia. When more than one daily dose is prescribed, later doses are spaced several hours apart.

References

Adderall CII Medication Guide. https://site2-tws02.tevapharm.com/globalassets/us/usa-files---global/medguide-pdfs/adderall-040422-rev.-m-5-2024_medguide.pdf. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

DailyMed - ADDERALL (dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f22635fe-821d-4cde-aa12-419f8b53db81. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

FDA Updating Warnings to Improve Safe Use of Prescription Stimulants Used to Treat ADHD and Other Conditions. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-communications/fda-updating-warnings-improve-safe-use-prescription-stimulants-used-treat-adhd-and-other-conditions. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

Prescription Stimulant Medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/prescription-stimulant-medications. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.