medicationControlledSchedule II (US)Prescription only (US)Mixed amphetamine salts (e.g., Adderall) are FDA-approved for ADHD and narcolepsy and are federally controlled as Schedule II in the United States because of abuse and dependence potential
Amphetamine SaltsBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Also known as: Adderall
Amphetamine salts are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is typically taken in the morning. The reported plasma half-life is about 10 hours, which shapes dosing frequency.
Researched by DoseRoutine R&D TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSELast updated
Evidence: Strong — 0 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Evidence strengthStrong · 4/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
0 human randomized trials and regulatory approval on file.
Plasma half-life
10–13 h
Typical timing
morning
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- Extended-release mixed amphetamine salts have been studied and labeled across roughly 10–30 mg/day in adult ADHD, as summarized in the cited pharmacotherapy reviews[1][2][3]
Reported for Amphetamine Salts in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Amphetamine Salts entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Pharmacologic treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysisElliott J, Johnston A, Husereau D, Kelly SE, Eagles C, Charach A · PLoS One · 2020 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 33085721
- [2]Stimulant therapy in the management of ADHD: mixed amphetamine salts (extended release)Faraone SV · Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy · 2007 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 17714065
- [3]Alternative pharmacological strategies for adult ADHD treatment: a systematic reviewBuoli M, Serati M, Cahn W · Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics · 2016 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 26693882
How to track Amphetamine Salts doses
Tracking Amphetamine Salts well takes four fields and a habit. Here is what to record so the log is still useful in three months.
- 1
Add the dose and unit
Log Amphetamine Salts with its dose in mg so totals stay comparable over time — including days when you split the dose or skip it.
- 2
Set the time of day and food rule
Typical timing is morning. Reminders fire at that time and can export to your calendar.
- 3
Check it against the rest of the stack
Run Amphetamine Salts through the interaction checker against everything else in the routine — supplements, peptides, hormones and prescriptions — before it becomes a daily habit.
- 4
Log adherence, not intentions
Mark each dose taken, skipped or delayed as it happens. Weeks of honest logs are what make an adherence rate or a trend line meaningful; retrospective guessing is not.
- 5
Review against outcomes
With a reported half-life around 10 h, effects and timing shifts show up over days rather than instantly. Review Amphetamine Salts alongside your logged metrics and any relevant blood work every few weeks before changing the dose.
What to log each time
- Dose in mg
- Time of day
- Taken / skipped / delayed
- Any side effects or notable changes
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Amphetamine Salts dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Amphetamine Salts?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Amphetamine salts are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which can improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD, and help manage excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. The medication is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, which affects how quickly and for how long the effects are felt. Given its controlled status, amphetamine salts are prescribed and monitored by a licensed clinician. (FDA label, DrugBank)
What does the research say about Amphetamine Salts?
Tap a section to expand.
Amphetamine salts exert their therapeutic effects primarily by influencing specific neurotransmitter systems in the brain. The primary mechanism involves increasing the extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and striatum, brain regions crucial for attention, impulse control, and executive function. This increase is achieved through several actions: amphetamine salts promote the release of these neurotransmitters from vesicles into the synaptic cleft, inhibit their reuptake back into the presynaptic neuron, and also inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme responsible for metabolizing these neurotransmitters. By enhancing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine, amphetamine salts can improve signal transmission in neural circuits associated with attention, wakefulness, and behavioral regulation. (DrugBank, NIH)
Source for this section: Sources for How does Amphetamine Salts work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Amphetamine salts are indicated and used for the management of two primary conditions:
* **Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):** In individuals diagnosed with ADHD, amphetamine salts can help reduce core symptoms. These include improvements in sustained attention, executive function, impulse control, and the reduction of hyperactivity. This allows individuals to better focus on tasks, organize their thoughts, and manage their behavior, leading to enhanced academic performance, social interactions, and occupational functioning. (Mayo Clinic, FDA label)
* **Narcolepsy:** For individuals suffering from narcolepsy, a chronic neurological condition characterized by overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep, amphetamine salts help to promote wakefulness and reduce the incidence of sleep attacks. This allows individuals to maintain alertness and function more effectively during daily activities. (MedlinePlus, FDA label)
It is important to note that while amphetamine salts can effectively manage symptoms, they are not a cure for either ADHD or narcolepsy. Treatment often involves a comprehensive approach that may include medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. (Mayo Clinic)
Extensive clinical research supports the efficacy of amphetamine salts for both ADHD and narcolepsy. Numerous randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing core symptoms of ADHD across various age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. Studies have consistently shown improvements in attention, reduced hyperactivity, and diminished impulsivity compared to placebo. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews, such as those published through the Cochrane Library, have affirmed the robust evidence base for stimulant medications, including amphetamine salts, in the short-term and medium-term management of ADHD symptoms. For narcolepsy, clinical trials have also confirmed the ability of amphetamine salts to significantly improve wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. The FDA's approval of amphetamine salts for these indications is based on this strong body of scientific evidence demonstrating both efficacy and a favorable risk-benefit profile when used appropriately under medical supervision. (Cochrane Library, FDA label)
Common side effects associated with amphetamine salts can include:
* Nervousness or anxiety
* Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
* Loss of appetite and weight loss
* Dry mouth
* Headache
* Stomach ache or nausea
* Dizziness
* Increased heart rate and blood pressure
More serious, but less common, side effects may include:
* Serious cardiovascular events: sudden death in patients with pre-existing heart conditions, stroke, and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
* New or worsening psychiatric symptoms: psychosis, mania, aggression.
* Growth suppression in children.
* Peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon.
* Seizures.
Patients experiencing any severe or persistent side effects should seek immediate medical attention. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Amphetamine salts carry several important warnings due to their potential for serious side effects and abuse potential:
* **Cardiovascular Risk:** Stimulants have been associated with sudden death in children and adolescents with pre-existing structural heart abnormalities or other serious heart problems. Adults may experience sudden death, stroke, and myocardial infarction. Patients should undergo a thorough cardiovascular evaluation, including a careful history and physical exam, to assess for cardiac disease. Blood pressure and heart rate should be monitored regularly. (FDA label, MedlinePlus)
* **Psychiatric Adverse Events:** Pre-existing psychiatric conditions can be exacerbated. New or worsening psychotic or manic symptoms can occur, especially in children and adolescents. Patients with a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder should exercise extreme caution. (FDA label)
* **Abuse and Dependence:** Amphetamine salts have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Prolonged use can lead to psychological dependence. Careful monitoring is necessary while prescribing. Misuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and severe withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. (FDA label, Drug Enforcement Administration)
* **Growth Suppression:** There is evidence that stimulants can cause a modest reduction in growth rate in children. Growth should be monitored during treatment.
* **Seizures:** Stimulants may lower the seizure threshold. Patients with a history of seizures or abnormal EEG without a history of seizures should be used with caution.
* **Serotonin Syndrome:** Potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome can occur when amphetamine salts are co-administered with other serotonergic drugs. (FDA label)
* **Peripheral Vasculopathy:** Stimulants are associated with peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud's phenomenon, which can manifest as numbness, coolness, or pain in the extremities.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Amphetamine salts are contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions due to the risk of serious adverse effects. These contraindications include:
* **Advanced arteriosclerosis:** Due to the risk of exacerbating cardiovascular disease.
* **Symptomatic cardiovascular disease:** Including structural heart defects, cardiomyopathy, serious heart rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery disease, or other cardiac problems that could potentially worsen with stimulant use.
* **Moderate to severe hypertension:** Stimulants can increase blood pressure.
* **Hyperthyroidism:** Due to increased metabolic rate and potential for exacerbated cardiovascular effects.
* **Glaucoma:** May exacerbate angle-closure glaucoma.
* **Hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reactions to sympathomimetic amines:** Previous allergic reactions to similar medications.
* **Agitated states or severe anxiety:** May worsen agitation.
* **History of drug abuse:** Due to the high potential for misuse, abuse, and dependence.
* **During or within 14 days following the administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):** Concurrent use can lead to a hypertensive crisis, a potentially fatal reaction. (FDA label, DrugBank)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Amphetamine salts should not be mixed with several classes of medications due to potential for serious and sometimes life-threatening interactions:
* **Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):** Concurrent use or use within 14 days of MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, linezolid, methylene blue) is absolutely contraindicated. This combination can lead to a hypertensive crisis, characterized by a sudden and dangerous rise in blood pressure, potentially causing stroke, heart attack, or death. (FDA label)
* **Serotonergic Drugs:** Co-administration with other medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs], tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, triptans, St. John's Wort) may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition involving changes in mental status, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular abnormalities. (FDA label)
* **Adrenergic Blockers (e.g., guanethidine):** Amphetamine salts may antagonize the hypotensive effects of adrenergic blockers.
* **Alkalinizing Agents:** Medications that alkalinize the urine (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, acetazolamide) can increase the reabsorption of amphetamine salts in the renal tubules, thereby prolonging their half-life and increasing their effects and potential toxicity.
* **Acidifying Agents:** Medications that acidify the urine (e.g., ammonium chloride, ascorbic acid high dose) can increase the excretion of amphetamine salts, potentially decreasing their effectiveness. (DrugBank)
* **Alcohol:** Concomitant use can mask the effects of alcohol or amphetamine salts, potentially leading to overconsumption of alcohol or increased stimulant effects. (MedlinePlus)
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Amphetamine salts are typically taken in the morning to align with the need for wakefulness and improved focus during daytime hours. Due to its half-life of approximately 10 hours and stimulant effects, taking it late in the day can lead to insomnia. Immediate-release formulations are often taken once or twice daily, while extended-release versions are usually taken once daily in the morning to provide sustained effects throughout the day. The specific timing and dosing schedule are user-directed and must be set by a licensed clinician, taking into account individual response, the formulation used, and the goal of treatment (e.g., managing ADHD symptoms during school/work hours versus maintaining wakefulness in narcolepsy). Amphetamine salts can be taken with or without food, though some individuals may find taking it with food helps reduce stomach upset. (FDA label)
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Amphetamine Salts?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
What interacts with Amphetamine Salts?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any supplement + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source pending | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist. |
| Any vitamin + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).Source pending | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider. |
| Phenelzine | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.Source pending | Do not combine. |
| Tranylcypromine | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.Source pending | Do not combine. |
| Selegiline | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | MAOI blocks catecholamine breakdown; combining with sympathomimetics can trigger hypertensive crisis.Source pending | Do not combine. |
| Caffeine | Caution | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | Additive cardiovascular stimulation (heart rate, blood pressure).Source pending | Limit caffeine when using prescription stimulants; monitor blood pressure. |
| Yohimbine HCl | Avoid | Compound pairConfidence: theoretical | Yohimbine + stimulants sharply increases sympathetic tone and can trigger arrhythmia.Source pending | Do not combine. |
Frequently asked questions about Amphetamine Salts
Amphetamine Salts is a medication. It is also known as Adderall. What follows is drawn from peer-reviewed literature indexed on PubMed, FDA label text where a label exists, and NIH reference records.
Amphetamine Salts is commonly discussed in the context of the goals discussed on its profile page. Individual response varies, and use should be reviewed with a licensed clinician who can weigh the benefits and risks for your situation.
For Amphetamine Salts, it is typically taken in the morning and its approximate half-life is 10 hours, which influences dosing frequency. Always follow the specific dose your clinician or the product label prescribes.
Amphetamine Salts carries potential side effects and drug interactions, documented in NIH, Mayo Clinic, and FDA label sources. Amphetamine Salts is classified as a controlled substance in some jurisdictions, so legal status and prescribing rules apply. Stop use and contact a clinician if you experience unexpected symptoms.
Amphetamine Salts is a medication, and interactions are possible with prescriptions, hormones, peptides and other supplements in the same routine. Because Amphetamine Salts is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. With a reported plasma half-life near 10 hours, separating doses can change the picture as much as removing one. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Amphetamine Salts with no sign-up.
Combining a medication like Amphetamine Salts with TRT is usually a question of labs rather than a blanket yes or no: the ester, injection interval and any aromatase inhibitor all change the answer. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Each peptide class carries its own profile against Amphetamine Salts: a healing peptide raises different questions than a GLP-1 agonist or a growth-hormone secretagogue. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
With a plasma half-life near 10 hours, once-daily dosing is the usual pattern for Amphetamine Salts. It is typically taken in the morning. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
With a plasma half-life near 10 hours, a single missed dose of Amphetamine Salts usually has a smaller effect on overall exposure than an irregular pattern of missed doses does. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Amphetamine Salts the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 44149306(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/44149306
Verify at
Publisher search links for Amphetamine Salts. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- MedlinePlus(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Amphetamine Salts?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Amphetamine salts are a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is typically taken in the morning. The reported plasma half-life is about 10 hours, which shapes dosing frequency.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/amphetamine-salts
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Amphetamine Salts — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/amphetamine-salts
What compounds are similar to Amphetamine Salts?
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.