I just started taking 20mgs of adderall XR in the morning. I find it wears off in only a few hours. Should I take more in the morning or do people take a second dose around lunch time? I will of course check with my doctor but I wanted to know what real folks were going through.
Also, Do you take regular adderall with the XR? Thanks for the comments.
AND, If anyone took concerta before please let me know if you like adderall better and why? Thanks.

[This message has been edited by luckygirl3 (edited 06-20-2003).]

[This message has been edited by luckygirl3 (edited 06-20-2003).]

Caffeine really reduces effectiveness, in my experience. I'm decaf only now, and it makes a big difference.
Also, you're not supposed to drink Vitamin C (like OJ) around the time you take the XR. I'm not sure on the details, so check with your doc.
I find that cutting down on carbs in the morning helps, too. Especially if all you have is a donut or a bagel. Getting some protein instead, or in addition, evens me out more and I feel the benefits of the XR more.
Good luck!

thanks for the replies thus far but I was looking for how many hours it lasts, too. Thx.

Originally posted by luckygirl3:
thanks for the replies thus far but I was looking for how many hours it lasts, too. Thx.

I have been taking XR for about a year and also find that one 20 mg pill only lasts a few hours. Initially, I took three 20 mg pills at once in the morning, and found that the effects wore off by early afternoon. So, I have been taking the three pills intermittantly throughout the day. I take one at 7:00 AM, another directly after lunch, and the final one about 3:30. That usually lasts me until about 7:00 or 8:00 pm.

You just need to take more than one dose throughout the day. Everyone metabolizes adderall at a different rate, so each person will have a different strength and timing dose. Adderall XR is supposed to last on average about 12 hours but for me it only lasts about 4-5.

My son who is 15 takes Adderall XR 20 mg in the morning - it lasts about 9-10 hours. You shouldn't have to take the XR more than once a day. The therapist said if it was wearing off very early and he needed extra, just to take a regular Adderall. He also has recently been prescribed Seroquel 100 mg but only takes 1/2 at nightime. It is suppose to help him sleep and also controls the severe mood swings. It also seemed like it was helping his concentration during school. You really need to talk to your doctor if the Adderall XR is only lasting a couple hours.

Thanks so much for the replies.