Mixed amphetamine salts extended release (Adderall XR)
This formulation includes neutral salts consisting of 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine, and it comes in a capsule with long and short-acting beads (James et al 2001). An important advantage of extended released mixed amphetamine salts is its extended duration of action. This stimulant formulation covers patients for a period from 10–12 hours. Mixed amphetamine salts XR is available in 6 dosages (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mg). Fifty percent of the dose is immediately available resulting in significant improvement in symptoms in the morning without need for augmentation (CADDRA 2006).
Mixed amphetamine salts XR has a good cardiovascular tolerability and may be administered in patients with a mild hypertension who are on stable antihypertensive medication (Wilens et al 2006).
The most common side effects are insomnia, decreased appetite and weight loss, headache, dry mouth, and nervousness (Biederman et al 2005).