Also known as: mixed amphetamine salts XR, MAS-XR, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine XR (generic)
Adderall XR is an extended-release stimulant medication for ADHD containing a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. It uses a two-phase bead system: half the dose releases immediately, the other half releases approximately 4 hours later. This produces two peaks of activity designed to provide coverage through the full day from a single morning dose. ADHDose models this two-phase profile so you can see where you are in the medication cycle at any point.
Adderall XR capsules contain two types of drug-releasing beads. The first set dissolves immediately after ingestion, producing a rapid onset similar to immediate-release Adderall. The second set has an enteric coating designed to dissolve approximately 4 hours later, delivering the second half of the dose. The result is a two-peak profile that mimics taking two doses of immediate-release Adderall spaced 4 hours apart, without needing to remember a second dose.
The active ingredients are a mixture of four amphetamine salts: 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine. Dextroamphetamine is the more potent form. Levoamphetamine has a longer half-life, contributing to the extended tail of coverage.
The two-peak design means your experience of the medication may shift through the day. Some people notice a clear distinction between the two phases. Others experience a smoother, more continuous coverage. Your individual response depends on how quickly you metabolise each phase.
Both formulations contain the same mixed amphetamine salts. The difference is in delivery. Adderall IR (immediate-release) delivers the full dose at once, producing a single peak that lasts 4 to 6 hours. To cover the full day, most people take IR two or three times.
Adderall XR delivers the same total amount of medication in two phases from a single capsule. A 20mg Adderall XR capsule releases approximately 10mg immediately and 10mg four hours later, which is pharmacokinetically equivalent to two 10mg IR doses taken 4 hours apart.
The trade-off is flexibility. XR is simpler (one dose, one decision in the morning) but less adjustable. IR gives you more control over timing and afternoon coverage, at the cost of remembering multiple doses through the day. Your prescriber will help you decide which suits your routine.
Both are long-acting stimulants taken once daily, but they work differently. Adderall XR uses a mechanical bead system to time its two releases. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a prodrug that your body chemically converts into dextroamphetamine over time.
Adderall XR produces two distinct peaks. Vyvanse produces a single, smoother rise and fall. Adderall XR contains both dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Vyvanse converts exclusively into dextroamphetamine. Some people respond better to the mixed-salt profile, others to the single-salt profile.
ADHDose models both medications with their respective pharmacokinetic profiles, so you can see exactly how each behaves through your day.
Adderall XR's two-phase release means the second peak occurs in the afternoon, and active levels can persist into the evening. The levoamphetamine component has a longer half-life (approximately 13 hours) than dextroamphetamine (approximately 10 hours), which means some residual activity extends later than you might expect from the labelled duration.
If sleep difficulty is an issue, the most effective adjustment is earlier dosing. Some people also find that the XR formulation causes more evening stimulation than Vyvanse due to the later second peak. ADHDose shows you when your levels are expected to ease off, based on your actual dose timing, so you can see the relationship between your medication and your sleep quality over time.
Adderall XR titration typically starts at 10mg or 20mg depending on age and whether you are new to stimulant treatment. The dose is increased in steps, usually to a maximum of 30mg for most adults, though some prescribers go higher based on clinical need.
Each dose level is usually maintained for at least a week before adjusting. Tracking how each level affects your focus, sleep, appetite, and daily patterns gives your prescriber concrete data at your review, rather than a general impression.
ADHDose recalibrates with each dose change. When your dose is adjusted during titration, the concentration curve updates to reflect the new level. Everything you logged on the previous dose stays intact, so you can compare how different doses performed.
Adderall XR can be taken with or without food. A high-fat meal may delay the time to peak concentration but does not significantly affect the total amount of medication absorbed. Some people find that taking it with breakfast reduces stomach discomfort.
The capsule can be opened and the beads sprinkled on applesauce if you have difficulty swallowing capsules. The beads should not be chewed, as this would disrupt the extended-release mechanism.
ADHDose models the two-phase release profile of Adderall XR based on your dose and timing. You can see where you are in each phase through the day and when your levels are expected to ease off for the evening.
After 14 days of logging, the Insights tab begins revealing patterns: how your dose timing, sleep, and daily experience interact. The two-peak profile means the relationship between your afternoon experience and your morning dose timing is particularly worth understanding.
See both peaks, the transition between phases, and when you can wind down. Your concentration curve, updated in real time.
Download free →This page is for informational purposes only. ADHDose is not a medical device and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your prescribing doctor or specialist before making changes to your medication.