Hello. I have been on adderall xr 5mg. I have now been prescribed adderall xr 20mg. I just took one today. I do not feel any different. I feel drowsy. How long does it take for the effects to kick in?
How long does it take for an Adderall xr 20mg take to kick in?
Question posted by kdavis682o on 23 April 2014
Last updated on 5 October 2019 by Tina9
6 Answers
Tina9
5 Oct 2019
Quicker if you take on an empty stomach
DocJohnJohm
11 Feb 2018
Of course it varies but I've had patients who respond to 15mg IR whereas 10mgXR is non therapuric. Also absobtion rates vary. If you have not taken it regularly it will actually take longer to get the desired affect. I do not like the XR because I don't want this drug in their system constantly. Breaks also need to be taken. Lets face it we are dealing with an amphetamine. Either way it can tax your system.
I suggest my patients take their last dose before 2 pm and if need be run around the block 6 hours later. It can be hard on your heart so folks please be careful.
intothepretend
12 Feb 2018
Oh thank you for the information.
I am on the XR. So IR is another type that works better usually? It's funny you mention Walgreens, because due to insurance I recently had to switch from Walgreens to CVS. And on my bottle from CVS, I was starting to feel better. I figured it was just coincidence or something. But when you mentioned that, it really did coincide with the new bottle from CVS. What is with this medication from Walgreens? Any idea?
Would you be able to explain the difference between IR and XR?
intothepretend
14 Nov 2017
All I can say is, you`re not alone. 4th day at my increased 20mg dosage, I also feel nothing. I`ve been wondering if I have something else wrong with me. It worked right away your for my brother. He's been taking it since high school, now 30. I was diagnosed at 36.
DocJohnJohm
11 Feb 2018
Are you on XR? I have found through my patients that 10mg XR equals about 5-10 mg IR. I have also done a survey of pharmacies and too many of my patients with problems use Walgreens. I'm just saying my data proves this. I do not prescribe XR anymore. I do not want this drug in my patients system all the time. Take your last dose of IR no later than 2 pm. I tell my patients to skip days because this is an amphetamine and no matter what it is a strain on your heart. Good luck my friend.
kdavis682o
24 April 2014
Hello. Thank you for responding! Thats what I meant. :) it just made me drowsy and I was just a little too worried it might be just a high dose. I start nursing school this fall. I want to be prepared. :)
kaw06
24 April 2014
It may make you a little drowsy at first, mine did, you'll adjust, it just means its doing its job and your body is getting used to it.
Colie25
1 Sep 2017
Hi I am 25 years old and recently found out that I have ADHD I just started my medicine yesterday I am on adderall xr 10 mg today is day two of taking it and the first day I felt really sleepy and I actually went to sleep and I took it at 9:45 am and I couldn't sleep last night either I was awake idk if it's supposed to do this but today im a little sleepy still ???
kaw06
24 April 2014
It depends on your metabolism, probablY within a half An hour or so.
kaismama
23 April 2014
What do you mean kick in? Its to give you better concentration and focus, not a bunch of energy.
Natsp8payne
8 Oct 2014
kick in means the same thing as take effect!! I was wondering how long it took
to "kick in" also. My daughter has just been prescribed adderall, and I wondered how long?
Stanbrock
15 March 2015
This is true, however, I am on Adderall 20mg xr and all it does it makes me sleepy. It is not helping with concentration, focusing or my attention span, whatsoever. I've been told to ask for the Adderall IR, because it works much better than the xr. One pharmacist told me that 20mg was a very small dose, while another said that it is a very high dose. The dosages goes from 5mgs. to 30mgs. Bottom line is (1) Everyone's body chemistry is different (2) Every doctor and every pharmacist is going to tell you something different. This is why they refer to their profession as "practicing medicine". They are practicing on us. I would suggest give it some time, but if you still notice no change in a positive manner, ask for a different prescription. Headaches are my main complaint w/ Adderall and I'm hoping they will dissipate soon. I'm going to lose my job, my friends and my life if I don't find something to help control my attention/concentration span.
I'm in Human Resources as the employee relations manager, therefore, my job is to listen to employees with various issues all day and to help resolve those issues for them. How can I do this when I'm thinking about what I'm having for dinner, what I'm going to wear tomorrow, how my boyfriend is today, how I'd much rather be at the beach, etc. I need help and answers and FAST!
Jakebest21
13 Dec 2016
I'm prescribed 20mg XR in the mornings and 10mg XR in the afternoons. I'm usually still really tired in the mornings so I drink half a 5 hour energy with the 20mg XR. I found that too much caffeine made me jittery but not taking it at all would make me too tired to pay attention in class despite the Adderall
Related topics
Further information
- Adderall XR uses and safety info
- Adderall XR prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Adderall XR (detailed)
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