https://support.oslerfoundation.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY?pg=personal&px=1214439&fr_id=1251
https://support.oslerfoundation.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY?pg=personal&px=1214449&fr_id=1251
https://support.oslerfoundation.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY?pg=personal&px=1214456&fr_id=1251
https://support.oslerfoundation.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY?pg=personal&px=1214459&fr_id=1251
https://support.oslerfoundation.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY?pg=personal&px=1214480&fr_id=1251

What is Adderall?
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) was U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat ADHD in 1996. Today, it’s one of the most prescribed medications to treat ADHD. It’s a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that affects brain signals to relieve ADHD symptoms. People who take it typically find they more easily pay attention, control behavioral issues, organize tasks, and listen.

Adderall comes in a standard-release form that lasts 4 to 6 hours and an extended-release form (Adderall XR) that works for up to 12 hours. Brand-name Adderall XR and generic Adderall and Adderall XR are available as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine/dextroamphetamine.

Learn more about Adderall vs Adderall XR.

How does Adderall work for ADHD?
Adderall helps with ADHD symptoms by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing the amount of 2 neurotransmitters in the brain — dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells to help them communicate.

When you have too little dopamine and norepinephrine, your brain can be overstimulated, which leads to ADHD symptoms. CNS stimulants reduce stimulation and allow for a “normal” state of stimulation, which helps control memory, mood, impulsivity, concentration, and more.

Learn more about how stimulants calm ADHD symptoms.