Active ingredient: mixed amphetamine salts (75% dextroamphetamine, 25% levoamphetamine) · Generic available
Adderall XR (extended-release) is one of the most-prescribed long-acting ADHD stimulants in the US. A once-daily capsule using a two-phase bead system that releases half the dose immediately and the rest about four hours later.
Adderall XR is a once-daily capsule containing two types of beads: immediate-release beads and delayed-release beads. The immediate-release beads release on contact, just like Adderall IR. The delayed-release beads have a coating that delays activation until the capsule has been in your digestive system for approximately four hours.
The result is a bimodal release: a first peak around the immediate-release activation, then a second peak around four hours later as the delayed-release beads kick in. Together they provide ten to twelve hours of coverage.
Mixed amphetamine salts contain four amphetamine compounds in a 75:25 ratio of dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine. Both isomers are pharmacologically active. The mixture is what distinguishes Adderall from Vyvanse (which is pure dextroamphetamine via prodrug) and from dexmethylphenidate-based medications.
Adderall XR sits between the prodrug-based Vyvanse and the immediate-release Adderall.
US Adderall XR titration for adults typically starts at 5mg or 10mg and increases in defined steps. Maximum US adult dose is 30mg per day.
Available US doses: 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, 30mg.
Most people take Adderall XR first thing in the morning. The two-phase release means the second peak lands roughly four hours after the first, which is worth knowing if you experience an afternoon dip — that may simply be the gap between peaks rather than a wear-off.
Adderall XR can be taken with or without food. Capsule contents can be sprinkled on apple sauce for adults who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Avoid acidic foods and drinks (large amounts of citrus juice, vitamin C supplements) immediately after dosing as they can slightly reduce absorption.
ADHDose models your Adderall XR profile correctly as a bimodal release, calibrated to your dose, your timing and your individual metabolism. The app translates the bimodal pattern into real-time guidance through your day. The Clinician Summary export pulls 28 days of patterns into prescriber-ready PDF for review appointments.
Adderall XR has a distinctive two-peak profile from its bead system. Mentally tracking the second peak is hard. ADHDose models the bimodal release for your dose and timing.
The app understands the two-phase bead system and renders both peaks. You see where you are in real time, including which peak you're currently riding.
Most people tolerate Mixed amphetamine salts well, especially after the first few weeks. Here are the patterns worth noticing — and the ones that warrant a call to your prescriber.
Most ease in the first two to four weeks. Logging them daily helps you and your prescriber decide whether they are settling or sticking.
Not emergencies, but worth bringing up. ADHDose tags recurring patterns automatically in your daily logs.
Rare, but worth knowing. If you see any of these, contact your prescriber rather than stopping on your own.
The first weeks of Mixed amphetamine salts have a recognisable shape. Knowing what is normal at each stage stops you reading too much into a single bad day.
Most people feel something within the first hour of the first dose. The first few days often involve small wobbles — appetite changes, sleep shifts, occasional headaches. None of this is unusual. Daily logging helps separate first-dose nerves from real side effect patterns.
Side effects from days one to three usually start to ease. The dose-response becomes more predictable. Track focus, sleep and energy daily. This is the data your prescriber wants at your first review.
Most UK and US protocols schedule the first review around week two or four. Your prescriber will ask about effect, side effects, sleep and appetite. Bringing tracked data — rather than relying on memory — turns the review from vague impressions into something concrete.
If the first dose is not quite right, your prescriber will adjust upward in defined steps. Each step is usually held for two to four weeks before the next adjustment. The same daily logging continues.
Once the dose is settled, reviews shift to every six to twelve months. Daily logging becomes lighter — focus and sleep are usually enough. The Clinician Summary export gives prescribers a 28-day window of evidence at each review.
ADHDose makes the milestone view concrete. Daily logs of focus, sleep, energy and side effects across the titration window show the trajectory clearly — to you, and to your prescriber when review day arrives.