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Geneva, NY
A 28-year-old female asked:

Why can't i crush my (generic) adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) xr before i take it? i have problems swallowing pills; i tried the "applesauce " method.

2 doctor answers3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pamela Pappas
Psychiatry 44 years experience
XR formulation: The "xr" after the "adderall" means it's a special formulation that needs to be intact to gradually release the medicine you need -- rather than all at once. You're paying for your medicine to do this, and crushing it ends up giving you too much immediately & not enough later. If dissatisfied with what Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine) xr is doing for you, please discuss with your doctor. Other options exist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Louis Cady
Psychiatry 34 years experience
Crushing Adderall (dextroamphetamine and racemic amphetamine): You can't "crush Adderall xr" because you'd get a double dose of the medication up front. One possibility for you if you have trouble swallowing pills is the use of vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) which can be dissolved in water and taken that way. This is known as the "aliquot" technique, as is described in the package insert for the drug. I believe it is also a superior medication.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Alan Ali
Dr. Alan Ali commented
Psychiatry 34 years experience
General rule is not to crush Slow-release or Long-acting medications!
Jan 20, 2013
Last updated Apr 26, 2017

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