Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall® brand has been discontinued but is available as a generic; Adderall XR® brand name and generic) is a formulation of amphetamine that contains 2 amphetamine salts and 2 dextroamphetamine salts. That’s why the product is called “mixed” amphetamine salts, often abbreviated as “MAS”.
We don’t need to remember this but, for completeness, the 4 salts in MAS are—amphetamine aspartate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and dextroamphetamine sulfate.
Here is basic information about these medication preparations.
Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall®)
FDA-approved indications
1. ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
2. Narcolepsy
Dosage
A. ADHD
Children (ages 3-5)
Initial: 2.5 mg daily
Titration: 2.5 mg weekly increments until clinical response
Children (ages 6 years or older)
Initial: 5 mg once or twice daily
Titration: 5 mg weekly increments until clinical response
Maximum: 40 mg per day in 2 to 3 divided doses with the first dose given on waking up and rest at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. The Prescribing Information notes: “Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed a total of 40 mg per day.”
B. Narcolepsy
Children (ages 6 to 12 years)
Initial: 5 mg daily
Titration: 5 mg weekly increments until clinical response
Children and Adults (≥ 12 years)
Initial: 10 mg per day
Titration: 10 mg weekly increments until clinical response. Reduce dosage in case of adverse effects.
May be given in 2 to 3 divided doses with the first dose given on waking up and rest at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.
Dosage forms and strengths
Tablets (generic): 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for a complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Mixed amphetamine salts extended-release (Adderall XR®)
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults
Dosage
Children (ages 6-12)
Initial: 10 mg once daily in the morning
Titration: 5 mg or 10 mg weekly increments
Maximum: 30 mg once daily in the morning
Adolescents(ages 13-17)
Initial: 10 mg once daily in the morning
Increase to 20 mg after 1 week
Adults
20 mg once daily in the morning
Note: The capsules may be opened and contents may be sprinkled over applesauce and consumed immediately.
Dosage forms and strengths
Extended-release capsules: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg
Please refer to Prescribing Information (see link below) for a complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.
Related Pages
Amphetamine preparations: Index and links
Pros and cons of dextroamphetamine versus levoamphetamine.
Eight tips for reducing the risk of abuse/diversion of stimulants
Ketogenic diet and amphetamines
Vitamin C if on a stimulant?
Does lisdexamfetamine really have lower abuse potential?
Converting from OROS methylphenidate to amphetamine is a two-step process
Amphetamine (Dynavel-XR®) extended-release oral suspension: Basic information
Amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablets (Adzenys XR-ODT): Basic information
What is the maximum dose of mixed amphetamine salts?
Do psychostimulant medications cause clinically-significant increases in blood pressure?
How exactly should blood pressure be monitored in persons on stimulants
How to manage stimulant-induced hypertension
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®): Basic Information
Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®): Basic Information
Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall®, Adderall XR®): Basic Information
Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Mydayis®): Basic information
Triple-bead preparation of mixed amphetamine salts (Mydayis®)
How are methylphenidate and amphetamines metabolized?
A dozen tips to manage loss of appetite due to a stimulant (in adults)
Converting stimulants: Equivalent doses
Combine a stimulant and atomoxetine?
Pros and cons of short-acting preparations of psychostimulants
Tips for managing abuse potential of medications for ADHD
Stimulant medications and irritability in children with ADHD
Stimulants for ADHD with a history of a substance use disorder?
What if you refuse an early refill of a stimulant medication?
What to look for in stimulant withdrawal (including a physical sign that is little known)
Stimulant “holidays” (breaks) in adults with ADHD?
How to get full-day coverage with stimulants
Be careful if a person is on both a stimulant and an antipsychotic
What could happen when changing from an antipsychotic to a stimulant?
Can psychostimulant medications cause or worsen Raynaud’s phenomenon?
Can a dopamine agonist (pramipexole, ropinirole) and a stimulant be combined?
Laws about prescriptions for psychostimulants
Are stimulants useful after traumatic brain injury?
References
Mixed salts of amphetamine (Adderall®) Prescribing Information
Mixed salts of amphetamine extended-release (Adderall XR®) Prescribing Information
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I have a patient who started on methylphenidate (Ritalin) and became sedated. Is this typically a metabolizing issue with the medication? The patient had some sedation with mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall), but not as significant as with methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Hi Dr. Olson. I have now written a short article about stimulant-induced sleepiness/ sedation and made some clinical recommendations. Please see the following article on this website: Stimulant medications can sometimes cause somnolence or sedation