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”.
On this page, we will provide basic information about this medication. Links to other articles on this website with more advanced information and tips related to this medication and related topics are provided below—under Related Pages below.
What are “mixed amphetamine salts”?
This preparation contains a mixture of four different salts of amphetamine: amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate.
Since amphetamine aspartate monohydrate and amphetamine sulfate are racemic amphetamine, they contain about 50% dextroamphetamine. Thus, overall, mixed amphetamine salts contains 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine.
Mixed amphetamine salts (generic)
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
These doses of mixed amphetamine salts are approximately equivalent to the following mg of amphetamine base: 3 mg, 5 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg, 9.5 mg, 12.5 mg, and 19 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