What Is Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine Extended Release Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release used for?" The medication is used to cause a calming effect in children, teenagers, and adults who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Currently, there are several off-label uses of this drug, such as treating narcolepsy, helping with weigh loss, and treating depression.

Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine Extended Release Info

What Is Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine Extended Release Used For? -- An Overview

Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release (Adderall XR^®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Using Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine Extended Release for ADHD

ADHD is a condition involving difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling behavior. In ADHD, these problems are worse than expected for a typical child of the same age. Usually, the ADHD symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect the school, work, or social life in a negative way to qualify as ADHD (see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).

Although ADHD is generally thought of as a problem in children, teenagers and adults can also have ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD in adults is different than diagnosing ADHD in children.

During extensive clinical trials, amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release has been shown to help children, teenagers, and adults who have ADHD (see Adult ADHD). In children and teenagers, the medication can help them sit still and pay attention in the classroom, and can help to improve behavior. In adults, the medication can help them to focus and can help decrease ADHD symptoms in their daily life.

Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy (see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in changing ADHD behavior, ADHD medications, such as amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release, may be necessary.

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