The 10mg dosage of Adderall is a common prescription. Learn more about this dosage’s effects, duration, uses and potential risks.

Adderall is a prescription drug that works as a central nervous system stimulant. It is commonly used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy, but some people misuse it for its pleasurable effects and a variety of other reasons. Adderall comes as an immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) product, and it’s offered in varying doses.

The 10mg pill is a common dosage. The following provides an overview of Adderall 10mg, including its side effects and potential risks.

Article at a Glance:

  • Adderall is commonly used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and misused for pleasurable effects.
  • The 10mg dosage is available as immediate-release and extended-release.
  • Adderall IR 10mg is a round blue pill, while Adderall XR 10 mg is a blue capsule with one clear side.
  • Common side effects of Adderall 10mg are anxiety, nervousness, headache, and nausea.
  • Stopping Adderall 10mp suddenly can result in withdrawal symptoms.

Adderall 10mg XR & IR

Adderall 10mg is available as both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations. Doctors will usually start patients at a low dose, such as 5mg or 10mg, that can be taken throughout the day. Adderall XR only needs to be taken once per day. Some doctors prefer Adderall IR because there are more flexible dosing options that go up incrementally, allowing them to better tailor a patient’s dose.

What Does 10mg Adderall Look Like?

Adderall IR 10mg is a blue, round pill printed with AD on one side and 10 on the other. An Adderall XR 10mg pill would look like a blue capsule with one clear side. It would be printed with Adderall XR 10 mg.

How Long Does 10mg Adderall Last?

For most, the effects of 10mg Adderall IR will usually last around 4 to 6 hours. For 10mg Adderall XR, a dose will last from 10 to 12 hours. This will depend on a person’s individual characteristics like weight, overall health, and genetics. The individual’s response to the drug and tolerance level will also play a factor.

Adderall XR is usually going to last longer than Adderall IR. With Adderall IR, in general, the effects usually occur more quickly and do not last as long. It is difficult to calculate the exact duration of Adderall’s effects, as not everyone who takes Adderall is going to have the same response.

Drug tolerance can also affect the duration of effects. It’s relatively easy to develop a tolerance to Adderall, which means a person may feel limited effects after taking the drug for a period of time. The first time someone takes Adderall, they might feel strong effects. These effects may decline over time, so even though someone is still taking the same dose, the duration could be shorter.

What Are Common Adderall 10mg Side Effects?

It is possible for people to experience side effects when taking Adderall 10mg, and they may be similar side effects at any other dose. Some of the potential side effects can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • A rise in blood pressure or changes in heart rate in some people

Usually, the side effects of Adderall 10 mg won’t be as severe for most people because this is considered a relatively low dose. However, a person shouldn’t assume this will be the case without speaking to their physician. A person may also react differently to the drug, which is why it’s important only to use it when prescribed.

How About Adderall 10mg Side Effects When Stopping?

There’s also the potential for withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when someone is coming off the effects of the drug, including feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability. For most people, these symptoms are somewhat reduced with extended-release versions of the drug. Additionally, Adderall can cause a high in people who have a low tolerance or are not prescribed the drug for conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall misuse or addiction, The Recovery Village is here to help. We encourage you to learn more about our treatment programs that can work well for your needs.

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Editor – Jonathan Strum
Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more
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Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS, CACP
Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more
Sources

RxList. “Adderall.” May 13, 2020. Accessed June 17, 2020.

Food and Drug Administration. “Adderall (CII).” March 2007. Accessed June 17, 2020.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.