How much Adderall is too much Adderall?

[Stoneman60]

I'm wondering what the typical maintenance dose of Adderall is. I'm taking 20 MG extended release and feel good, although falling asleep is challenging. Is 30 MG better? Are some people being prescribed more? What are the downsides you've experienced with higher doses?

[Birdwatcher19]

Hi. There is no typical dose of stimulant medications. They are highly individualized and not based on height and weight, as are other types of medications; an adult could be on a lower dose than a child, and both could be at their optimal dose. The correct dose is the one at which you are getting the most benefit with the least amount of side effects. Generally speaking, increasing the dose tends to increase the side effects, so if you are already having difficulty sleeping, moving to a higher dose may make that worse (but the insomnia may also resolve with time, especially if you only recently started the medication). If you start feeling jittery, like you’ve had too much coffee, it probably means the dose is too high. If you’re feeling adequate symptom relief at 20mg, there isn’t necessarily a need to increase the dose. If you feel that your symptoms aren’t being managed well enough with 20mg, speak with your doctor about trying a higher dose; they should be able to talk with you about the pros and cons, and what you should expect.

[somiya_2003 in reply to Birdwatcher19]

oh you said the things i was going to say! yes insomnia is the worst!

[somiya_2003]

I am not a doctor but if insomnia persist then taking a larger dose isn't worth it but if you are having a better mood and focusing and less irritability then the medication is right for you, there is no need to increase cuz it will only make u anxious especially if you have anxiety but it is better to speak with your doctor since medication works differently for every individual

[Gem1n1]

For me, I have severe ADHD and am at my max dosage 40mg/day (25mg XR, 15mg IR) that my dr will prescribe me. My anxiety/mood are actually better. My focus, self-control, productivity, ability to switch and start/stop tasks, memory, communication are much better and improved with each increase in dosage. Only side effect I have is a dry mouth.

My insomnia is due to my racing mind. My “hyperactivity” is in my head if it isn’t externalized. The Adderall gives me a clear head, but when it wears off too early in the day, my racing mind returns, and insomnia happens (I use Benadryl to help). I have been able to take a nap during the day with my Adderall when it’s effective.

[BTV65 in reply to Gem1n1]

If you don't mind me asking... when do you take your booster (15mg)

[Gem1n1 in reply to BTV65]

I take both XR and IR together as soon as I wake up, as that’s how they were prescribed to me. I may try just XR in morning and IR in afternoon to see if it that helps.

[BTV65 in reply to Gem1n1]

I think the XR slow releases in your system, so you start with a lower amount, peaking later in the day, then diminishing slowly. So the start and end are much lower than the middle. I think IR is used for a quick boost in the morning, or an extra bump at the end of the day. The IR is supposed to get in your system faster, but also doesn't last as long and drops off faster as well. I guess it depends on each person's system and schedule for when you need to the most focus. My son really needs a booster in the late afternoon to extend the effects into the evening without causing him difficulty sleeping.

[Gem1n1 in reply to BTV65]

Makes sense. I have a really hard time “getting going” in the mornings, so I think that’s why I need the IR in the morning, but then really need another IR in the afternoon. Since I’m at my “Max” allowed daily dosage, they won’t prescribe me another IR for the afternoon, which is frustrating. I’m currently looking into new doctors.

[BTV65 in reply to Gem1n1]

Interesting. For my son they happily prescribed 2 boosters per day. Sometimes he gets two (lunch and pre-dinner), other days we don't feel he needs any. These are on top of the 30mg XR he takes very early in the morning (5am). Hard to get him out of bed if he hasn't taken it.

[DingoDoug]

30 mg is pretty common. Working in medical field private office. All are extended release

[BTV65]

The Dr slowly ramped me up over time. 5/10/15/20/30 XR and I stayed at 30 for a couple years. Then I noticed some of my ADD issues resurfacing even on medication. So he bumped me to 40 (they don't make 40, so it was 2-20s). I tried that for about 3 months but I was having too much trouble sleeping and decided 30 was my max.

I will on occasion take a 15mg booster in the afternoon if I know I need to be focused in the later part of the day. I also have a lot of occasions where I "crash" in the late afternoon, but a 15-30 min nap completely refreshes me for the evening.

I'd also advise watching out if you use other stimulants, like caffeine.

[anotheradhdhead]

30mg 3x/day