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Prescription medication · CNS Stimulant

amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

Also sold as Adderall, Adderall XR. Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older.

Data updated 2026-05-15

6,878
FDA reports
In shortage
FDA status

What the data shows

amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) is a prescription CNS Stimulant, with 6,878 FDA adverse-event reports on file.

Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.

amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) is a prescription CNS Stimulant. Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older.

Adderall XR is a stimulant medicine. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →

Drug Shortage Alert

amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is currently listed as in shortage by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Aurobindo Pharma USA. Status: Unavailable.

View all drug shortages →

Drug Pricing (NADAC)

Brand Price

$6.84/unit

Generic Price

$10.28/unit

Generic Available

Yes (1 manufacturer)

Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →

View Alternatives → Compare with Another Drug →

What it does

Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older.

Common side effects

Loss of appetite, Trouble sleeping, Stomach pain

Key warnings

Adderall XR has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from amphetamine/dextroamphetamine's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

How It Works

Adderall XR works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. These substances affect attention and behavior. It helps to improve focus and reduce impulsive actions.

How to Take It

Take Adderall XR once a day in the morning. You can take it with or without food. You can swallow the capsule whole or open it and sprinkle the contents on applesauce. Eat the applesauce right away without chewing.

This is a plain-language summary of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Adderall XR may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Adderall XR.

This is a plain-language summary of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

This is a plain-language summary of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

Storage

Store Adderall XR at room temperature in a closed, light-resistant container.

Side Effects (from patient reports)

Based on 6,878 FDA adverse event reports.

Most-reported reactions

Adverse reactions in FAERS for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, by number of reports

reports

What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.

Source FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)

Serious Warnings

Adderall XR has a high risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Misusing it can lead to overdose and death. Your doctor will check your risk before and during treatment. Store this medicine safely and do not give it to anyone else.

Common Questions

Can I take Adderall XR if I have heart problems?
You should avoid Adderall XR if you have serious heart problems.
Will Adderall XR affect my blood pressure?
Adderall XR can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor will monitor these.
Can Adderall XR cause mental health problems?
Adderall XR can cause psychiatric side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any new or worsening mental health symptoms.
Will Adderall XR affect my child's growth?
Adderall XR can slow growth in children. Your doctor will monitor your child's height and weight.
Can Adderall XR cause seizures?
Adderall XR can lower the chance of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a seizure while taking this medicine.
What should I do if I experience numbness or color changes in my fingers or toes?
Tell your doctor if you have numbness, pain, or color changes in your fingers or toes.
Can Adderall XR cause Serotonin Syndrome?
Adderall XR can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome if taken with certain other drugs. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.
Can Adderall XR cause tics?
Adderall XR can cause or worsen tics. Your doctor will check for tics before and during treatment.
Can I stop taking Adderall XR suddenly?
Talk to your doctor before stopping Adderall XR. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Can Adderall XR be abused?
Yes, Adderall XR has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Store it securely and do not share it.
What are the common side effects of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine?
The most commonly reported side effects of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine include Loss of appetite, Trouble sleeping, Stomach pain, Feeling emotional, Throwing up. Based on 6,878 FDA adverse event reports. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.
What drug class is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine?
amphetamine/dextroamphetamine belongs to the CNS Stimulant drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older.
Is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine safe during pregnancy?
Adderall XR may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine currently in shortage?
Yes, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is currently listed as in shortage by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Aurobindo Pharma USA. Status: Unavailable. Visit the FDA Drug Shortages database for the latest updates.

Related Medications in CNS Stimulant

Other drugs grouped near amphetamine/dextroamphetamine - same-class peers and common alternatives.

acamprosate

Campral

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alprazolam

Xanax

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a medication that can help you with anxiety and panic disorders.

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amitriptyline

Elavil

Amitriptyline is a medicine used to treat depression.

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aripiprazole

Abilify

Aripiprazole (Abilify) is a medicine used to treat certain mental disorders and mood problems.

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asenapine

Saphris

Asenapine (Saphris) is an antipsychotic medicine.

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What the FDA Data Shows for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine

The FDA label for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (sold under brand names such as Adderall, Adderall XR) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the CNS Stimulant class. Adderall XR treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and kids 6 years and older. Official labeling lists 18 commonly reported side effects, including Loss of appetite, Trouble sleeping, Stomach pain.

Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 6,878 voluntary reports. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $10.28 versus $6.84 for the brand.

Report counts do not establish causation, a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Data Sources

Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). Shortage status: FDA Drug Shortages Database.

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.

Last updated: September 23, 2025

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.

Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled and last refreshed May 2026. See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a correction.

All federal data sources used on this page