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When, if ever, do you consider increasing Adderall above the FDA-approved maximum daily dose of 40 mg for adult patients?

For those who never exceed labeled dosing, what factors most strongly inform that decision? How do you respond when patients report that they’ve only experienced benefit from higher doses of Adderall in the past? If you do consider higher doses in select cases, what clinical rationale guides that decision? What is the maximum Adderall dose you would consider prescribing? What monitoring strategies (e.g., vitals, EKGs) do you use when exceeding FDA-labeled doses?
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When, if ever, do you consider prescribing Adderall above FDA-approved dosing for ADHD in adults?

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5 Answers
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Psychiatry · Stamford Hospital
Answered on

I titrate the dose based on the patient's needs, functioning, and tolerances.

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Psychiatry · UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior
Answered on

I do go up to 60 mg of amphetamine salts if patients are tolerating it well, there's no treatment complicating behaviors like cannabis use, no other major comorbid conditions that may be contributing to symptoms (e.g., OSA), and there is a noticeable improvement in symptoms with dose increases.

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Psychiatry · Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Answered on

Amphetamine is metabolized by CYP2D6, and a common genetic variation in the CYP2D6 gene is present among people who are extensive metabolizers. These individuals have higher than typical CYP2D6 liver enzyme activity. Depending on the clinical picture, it may be useful to order genetic testing to det...

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Psychiatry · Siu Psychiatry
Answered on

I typically do not exceed dosages higher than FDA-recommended, particularly for adults, because of the risk of misuse. For adults telling me that only higher dosages have worked before, I still do not go above and rather suggest other approaches.

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Psychiatry · Emory University School of Medicine
Answered on

I do not exceed the FDA-approved maximum daily dose. In my experience, any benefits from the higher doses are countered by the increasing side effects. If the patient insists that only higher doses work for them, I generally discuss switching to another stimulant such as Vyvanse.

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