Adderall (generic name: Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, and Amphetamine Sulfate) has been in the news lately due its ongoing, nationwide shortage. Here are some things you may be surprised to learn about Adderall:
Generic Name: Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, and Amphetamine Sulfate
Brand Name(s): Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis
Pronunciation: DEX troe am FET a meen, am FET a meen
About this drug:
Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (uncontrollable desire for sleep or sudden attacks of deep sleep).
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Adderall can cause xerostomia, so you may want to consider prescribing a fluoride supplement if the patient has a high rate of caries and schedule more frequent dental exams.
Adderall can also cause bruxism, so you may want to consider evaluating the patient for a nightguard.
Adderall can also cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Epinephrine can increase blood pressure and increase risk of tachycardia or arrhythmias in patients taking Adderall.
Adderall can have serious drug interactions with commonly prescribed NSAIDs, steroids, narcotics, and more, so make sure to check for potential interactions before prescribing using a tool like Rx Check.
Adderall can also have serious adverse effects that dentists should be aware of, such as serotonin syndrome, tachycardia, and severe lightheadedness and dizziness.
Fun facts:
According to IQVIA, the number of Adderall prescriptions has increased by 16% from 35.5 million prescriptions in 2019 to 41.2 million in 2021.
Over 6 million children in the U.S. are diagnosed with ADHD.
The number of patients aged 22-44 years old taking Adderall increased by 15.1% from 2020 to 2021.
There are more adults receiving prescription Adderall than there are with a formal ADHD diagnosis, highlighting the rise of direct-to-consumer, self-pay services.
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