There are two types of Adderall:
- Immediate release (IR Adderall tends to work 20-30 minutes after ingestion and peaks in function after 1-2 hours. It is generally taken 3-4 times a day.)
- Extensive release (XR Adderall ends to work one hour after ingestion and it is usually only taken once or twice a day.)

Adderall, also known as mixed amphetamine salts, works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS) and increasing the amount of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the synaptic cleft (a small gap where neurons can communicate with one another).

Stimulant Medication in ADHD: Adderall

Types of Adderall

FDA. (n.d.). FDA announces shortage of adderall. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall 
Peterson, J. (2021, August 21). What do -sr and -er stand for? sustained vs. extended release. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/drugs/medication-basics/meaning-medication-suffixes-er-sr
Swanson J. M. (2005). Long-acting stimulants: development and dosing. The Canadian child and adolescent psychiatry review = La revue canadienne de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, 14(Supplement 1), 4–9.

Adderall Reference Node

In October 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that there has been a shortage of immediate-release (IR) amphetamine mixed salts, also known as Adderall.  

Teva, a company that manufactures amphetamine mixed salts, stated that they are experiencing a manufacturing delay.  Other manufacturers are still producing Adderall, but it is not enough to meet the demand.

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