Is It Safe to Take Two Doses of Adderall XR?
I'm contemplating whether I can take two doses of Adderall XR, but my physician is away for a few days and I can't consult him right now. At the moment, I have a limited supply of about 15 capsules of the 10 mg extended-release. Recently, I was switched to a 10 mg instant-release version, which I believe indicates that the dosage is effectively doubled. If I opt for two doses of the 10 mg XR, that would total 20 mg in a day, complementing my prescription of 10 mg taken twice daily in the instant-release format. Would that be acceptable? Also, should I take both doses simultaneously? I'm assuming that's the recommendation, but I’d appreciate confirmation. The reason I'm considering this alternative is due to a shortage of Adderall at my pharmacy. Thanks for your assistance!
Answers (1)
2/18/2026, 2:00:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to approach medication adjustments with caution, especially with stimulant medications like Adderall (amphetamine). Taking two doses of Adderall XR (extended-release) may not be safe or effective without proper guidance from your healthcare provider. Here are the key points to consider:
Explanation:
Adderall XR is designed to release medication gradually over time, allowing for a sustained effect throughout the day. Taking two doses of 10 mg XR would indeed give you a total of 20 mg in one day, but this may lead to higher than recommended doses without the structured timing and careful monitoring your healthcare provider would usually provide.
Your recent switch to 10 mg of the instant-release version suggests your doctor wants to manage your dosage carefully, and increasing the XR dosage without consulting them could lead to unwanted side effects or complications, including increased heart rate, anxiety, or insomnia.
Next Steps:
-
Do Not Take Two Doses at Once: It's not advisable to take both doses of Adderall XR simultaneously. Instead, take your prescribed dose as recommended unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to how you're feeling with your current dosage and make a note of any changes in your concentration, mood, or side effects.
-
Contact Your Pharmacy for Alternatives: Since you've mentioned a shortage at your pharmacy, consider asking if they have alternatives or if they can recommend another pharmacy with stock.
-
Keep Your Doctor Informed: Once your physician is back, discuss your current symptoms, the reason for considering the increased dosage, and get their professional guidance on how to proceed safely.
-
Avoid Unauthorized Adjustments: Refrain from making any unauthorized changes to your medication regimen without professional medical advice, as this can affect your treatment plan negatively.
If you feel the need for an urgent consultation, look for a telehealth option that can provide prompt access to a healthcare provider. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
Related Questions
Forearm Injury from Cat Scratch: An Unusual Blood Accumulation
This incident occurred about a week ago, and thankfully, I'm not in any immediate risk. I’m a 40-year-old male and the only medication I think might apply to my situation is a beta blocker. About a week back, while tending to a stray cat, I ended up with a scratch that led to an eerie, blood-filled bulge on my forearm that reminded me of a scene from John Carpenter's "The Thing." Rather than just a minor scratch, a small puncture from one of the cat's claws resulted in a peculiar, blood-filled protrusion that jutted out at a right angle from my arm. It resembled a diminutive pinky finger sticking out from the side of my forearm. In a panic, I doused the area with hydrogen peroxide; shortly thereafter, the bulge began to shrink, leaving the skin in that section feeling loose for a little while. The following day, I noticed that a significant portion—about three-quarters—of my forearm was heavily bruised, exhibiting a dark purple hue. Remarkably, this discoloration has faded quite rapidly; usually, such a severe bruise would take much longer to heal. I’ve kept an eye out for any symptoms of cat scratch fever, and everything appears to be normal. What I’m really curious about is whether it’s actually possible for skin to erupt like a blood-filled balloon from a vein so quickly. I witnessed it firsthand, and I just need reassurance that I’m not imagining things.
Unexpected Resolution of Shoulder Pain Over Time
Good evening, everyone. For several months, I've been grappling with persistent pain and stiffness in my shoulder, which radiated into my bicep. In an effort to alleviate this discomfort, I opted for shockwave therapy, a treatment that had previously provided relief, though this time it didn’t yield any improvement. After undergoing an x-ray, my physiotherapist informed me that there were indications of mild osteoarthritis and bone spurs. However, my doctor suspects that I may have a rotator cuff tear or tendonitis and has recommended an MRI for further investigation. Despite these challenges, I've continued my gym routine but have been very cautious about the arm exercises I perform. Recently, I attempted some light lat pull-downs; initially, everything felt fine as I pulled the bar down, yet I was taken by surprise when I experienced a sudden, sharp pain shooting from my shoulder down to my elbow upon releasing it. I promptly ceased the exercise. Later that evening, my shoulder grew increasingly sore, making it difficult to raise my arm to waist height without significant pain. However, within 48 hours, I noticed an unexpected change — the persistent pain in my shoulder that had troubled me for months seemed to have mostly vanished in the last few days. I’m left wondering if anyone can offer insight into this abrupt change or what might have transpired. While I plan to proceed with the MRI as a precaution in case the pain resurfaces, I find myself puzzled about the potential underlying issues. 🤔
Seeking Advice for Upcoming Doctor's Visit
Greetings. I am a 48-year-old male, weighing 100 kg and standing at 176 cm tall, residing in Sweden. I am currently on medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. As I lay in bed at home, I'm anticipating the morning to come. To provide some background, I began experiencing mild discomfort in my abdomen approximately 24 hours ago while returning from a vacation. At the airport, I used the restroom, where I had a slightly loose stool, which momentarily alleviated my discomfort. However, during the six-hour flight, the pain in my stomach persisted, albeit at a lower intensity. Upon returning home, I went to the bathroom again, and the stool was somewhat soft this time. Unfortunately, the abdominal pain didn’t subside; it actually intensified. Consequently, I sought assistance at the local emergency department, where I was assessed and subsequently referred to a nearby clinic for further evaluation. I spent around two hours waiting before being examined by a physician (I even had an episode of vomiting). The doctor examined my abdomen and performed a blood test. After a brief wait of about 20 minutes, he returned with a diagnosis suggesting it was likely a bowel infection (not appendicitis). He advised me to rest at home, take paracetamol, and visit my local clinic in the morning if the pain persists. Now, as I prepare for my appointment tomorrow, the pain has subsided slightly; I would rate it about 7 out of 10. I feel utterly drained from the sleepless night and ongoing discomfort. What steps should I take during my consultation with the doctor?
Persistent Bump on Shoulder Linked to Old Splinter
- Age: 20 - Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, BPD, Depression - Medications: Clonidine, Lamictal, Adderall, Strattera - Recreational Use: Cannabis Approximately four years ago, I had a tiny splinter lodged in my arm, and since that incident, I've been experiencing persistent bumps in the same location. I believed the splinter was completely removed. The bump occasionally causes discomfort, but it's quite small, making it difficult to determine if anything remains inside it. Do you think a visit to a healthcare professional would be advisable? I'm uncertain about the appropriate steps to take. I appreciate any guidance you can offer!
Injury Update: Head Trauma and Swelling Changes
I’m a 30-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 260 pounds. Daily, I take a prescription of 20 mg amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts, and I used Tylenol today to address any discomfort. I don’t smoke and limit my alcohol consumption to one or two drinks a week. Last week, I accidentally struck the front of my head, just above my forehead. This impact resulted in the formation of a bump, which is commonly associated with such injuries. Thankfully, I remained conscious after the incident. Initially, the swelling presented as a noticeable lump at the front of my head, but it has now shifted. As of yesterday, it has moved to a flatter, tender area on the left side at the back of my head. Today, the swelling has transitioned again to the right side, where it remains sensitive, though it is not warm to the touch, nor am I experiencing a headache. This isn’t my first encounter with head trauma, and I've had bumps before; however, it's the first instance I've observed the swelling migrating from the original site. While I’m not sure if it’s relevant, I’ve been working at a construction site that is quite muddy and uneven, with constant bouncing akin to driving over speed bumps all day. I can’t help but think that this might not be beneficial for my recovery. I’m reaching out to ask if any of these symptoms raise significant concern. Would it be advisable for me to seek immediate medical attention at the ER, schedule an appointment with my primary care doctor, or simply keep an eye on my condition?