by Lucius Trae

Created on: August 18, 2010

The distinction between Adderall and Adderall XR can be confusing. More specifically, individual experiences with the medications are what make the distinction important to clarify. These are both the drug Adderall, which is a stimulant primarily used for the treatment of ADHD, though sometimes used for other conditions such as narcolepsy and depression. The term Adderall is referring to Adderall IR, which stands for "immediate release." The "XR" of Adderall XR stands for "extended release."

The standard form of medications tends to be immediate release, which is why the "IR" is not typically associated with the standard medication. However, XR is the same medication, but it's designed to extend the duration of the medication over time. Adderall XR is placed within beads which are then put inside a capsule, which is the medication itself. There are two different types of beads, and they are designed to be absorbed by the body at different rates. First, half the medication is released and then hours later, the second half is released.

This can be confusing, but it can be understood using candy as a metaphor. If you put a candy in your mouth, it tends to give you an immediate taste. Many candies have an outside flavoring that disappears and leaves the consumer wanting more. This is where you get your XR candy. As you've been sucking on the candy, you have slowly warn away the outside until you've reached an inner layer. This layer contains more of the original flavor. You get less of a flavor burst at once, but it lasts longer.

When it comes to Adderall, the medication can be taken at various times of the day. However, individuals can have different experiences with it, and the "stimulant" can have a mood improving effect. Once the medication wears off, there can be a "low" that's somewhat comparable to that of caffeine. You crash. When taking Adderall, the crash can be more serious for some individuals, and XR decreases the risk of this being a serious issue. Instead of taking a lot of the medication at once and having a greater crash, the medication is released more gradually. The user is slowly crossing the dangerous bridge in small, manageable steps, but they eventually realize they've made it across.

For most people, either medication will work, and some individuals have a preference of one or the other. Because Adderall XR works twice, essentially, a 30mg dosage is really a 15mg twice, twice a day. So you might hear about someone who had a better experience

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