Adderall XR (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a medication used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the Drugs website, Adderall XR is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. The Adderal XR site states that this medication has been found to effectively treat the core symptoms of ADHD in children ages six to 12, adolescents ages 13 to 17 and in adults. Although this medication is effective, you should be aware of its ingredients and possible side effects.
Dextroamphetamine Saccharate
According to the Adderall XR site, Adderall XR contains the active ingredient dextroamphetamine saccharate. This ingredient is a central nervous system stimulant that is thought to block the actions of certain chemicals in the brain and nerves that lead to ADHD and narcolepsy. However, this mechanism is not fully understood. Serious side effects of dextroamphetamine saccharate include fast or pounding heartbeats, lightheadedness, fainting, high blood pressure, tremor, restlessness, hallucinations, unusual behavior, motor tics, headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, weight loss or impotence, according to the Drugs website. These side effects occur because dextroamphetamine saccharate may affect chemical receptor in other parts of the body, resulting in adverse effects. Therefore, let you doctor know if you are experiencing any of these side effects.
Dextroamphetamine Sulfate
According to the Drugs website, dextroamphetamine sulfate is an active ingredient in Adderall XR. This ingredient is a neutral sulfate salt of dextroamphetamine and assists in keeping this medication in your system for a longer period of time. The side effects of this ingredient are similar to those that you may experience with dextroamphetamine saccharate.
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate is an active ingredient in Adderall XR. This ingredient is also a central nervous system stimulant that increases certain chemicals in the brain and nerves to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Side effects of this ingredient include irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, confusion, restlessness, tremor, anxiety, nervousness, headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation or impotence, according to the Drugs website. Similar to dextroamphetamine, amphetamine affects chemical receptors in other parts of the body to cause these side effects. Amphetamine is habit-forming. You may become physically and psychologically dependent to this medication. Do not immediately discontinue or you may experience withdrawal effects. Alert your doctor if you are having problems with addiction or withdrawal.
Amphetamine Sulfate
Amphetamine sulfate is an active ingredient in Adderall XR, states the Drugs website. This ingredient is a neutral sulfate salt of amphetamine and assists in keeping this medication in your system for a longer period of time. The side effects of this ingredient are the same as with amphetamine aspartate monohydrate.
Inactive Ingredients
According to Adderall XR, the inactive ingredients in this medication include gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methacrylic acid, copolymer, apadry beige, sugar spheres, talc and triethyl citrate. In addition, the gelatin capsules contain edible inks, kosher gelatin and titanium dioxide.
