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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Safe Is XR For ADD?

I am wondering if there are any techniques to increasing or prolonging the effects of adderall. I am currently prescribed 20mg XR, once a day. I have been taking the drug for ADD a little over 6 months now and have noticed my ability to stay focused has greatly decreased.
Wed, 10 Sep 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Adderall is known to cause dependence and tolerance. Here are some tips that will help:
A. Take Adderall only as prescribed and not for recreational purposes.
B. Discuss with your doctor whether 1. you may increase the dose, since you now need a higher dose. However, remember that tolerance will develop to higher dose as well. 2. you can consider a drug holiday in which you slowly decrease Adderall and stop it. You then restart it later on. However, in the period that you are not taking Adderall, your ADD symptoms will return.
C. You may discuss with your doctor switching to another medicine such as Atomoxetine which rarely causes dependence and tolerance.
D. You may also see if there are any other medications you are taking that interact with Adderall.
E. Don't ignore behavioral management for your ADD.
I hope this answer is helpful.
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How Safe Is XR For ADD?

Adderall is known to cause dependence and tolerance. Here are some tips that will help: A. Take Adderall only as prescribed and not for recreational purposes. B. Discuss with your doctor whether 1. you may increase the dose, since you now need a higher dose. However, remember that tolerance will develop to higher dose as well. 2. you can consider a drug holiday in which you slowly decrease Adderall and stop it. You then restart it later on. However, in the period that you are not taking Adderall, your ADD symptoms will return. C. You may discuss with your doctor switching to another medicine such as Atomoxetine which rarely causes dependence and tolerance. D. You may also see if there are any other medications you are taking that interact with Adderall. E. Don t ignore behavioral management for your ADD. I hope this answer is helpful.