Adderall IR and XR: What’s the difference?
Adderall is the brand name for the combination drug amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, a stimulant medication commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence even though it also has medical uses.
Adderall works by increasing the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. When these neurotransmitters increase, brain activity also increases. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure and rewards, while norepinephrine is involved in activating the body’s fight or flight response. When a person with ADHD uses Adderall, the increased activity of these neurotransmitters helps the user focus and be more alert, while also preventing the brain from being distracted by other “rewarding” but trivial matters, such as a notification on the phone. social networks or a random event. thought.
The medication can be prescribed in two forms: an immediate-release formulation and an extended-release formulation.
Adderall IR
Adderall, also known as Adderall IR, is an immediate-release formulation that comes in tablet form. Because this formulation tends to treat symptoms for only five to eight hours, you would typically take one dose in the morning and one dose in the afternoon. This second dose is sometimes called a “booster dose.”
Some people with ADHD prefer to take the immediate-release formulation because there is more control over how the medication is used. For example, if a college student with ADHD has classes in the morning and then a sport in the afternoon, she might decide to take only one dose of Adderall in the morning. Conversely, if she has an important exam in the morning followed by work in the afternoon, she could take one dose at breakfast and then a second dose before going to work.
Adderall XR
Adderall XR is an extended-release formulation that can relieve ADHD symptoms for 10 to 12 hours. This means that a person with ADHD will usually only need to take the medication in the morning and will have relief from symptoms most of the day.
This formulation comes in capsule form, containing immediate-release and delayed-release beads. Adderall XR is typically used by people who cannot take multiple doses of medication throughout the day or who have symptoms that significantly affect function throughout the day.
Adderall Abuse
Both Adderall IR and Adderall XR have a high potential for abuse. However, because the immediate-release formulation comes in tablet form, it is more likely to be abused, especially by high school and college students looking for a study drug. This is because a tablet is easier to crush and inhale, which increases the speed at which the effects are felt. When abused as a study drug, rapid efficacy is desired as a way to increase concentration, increase alertness, and experience a high.
Like all drugs with potential for abuse, using Adderall or Adderall XR in a different way than prescribed or using medications that are not yours can have uncomfortable and even dangerous consequences. If you or a friend abuse stimulant medications, it is important to seek help for your addiction.
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