Can You Crush Adderall Tablets?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Adderall tablets can be crushed.
I have Adderall tablets that I find challenging to swallow. Can they be crushed?
Aug 03, 2022- Adderall tablets can be safely crushed and mixed with food or drink without affecting how the medication works. Do not crush Adderall XR capsules, as they are extended-release formulations that require different handling. If you're having trouble swallowing tablets, talk to your pharmacist about other options like liquid formulations of similar medications.
Answer
Hello and thanks for reaching out to us!
Yes, Adderall tablets can safely be crushed and administered on top of food or put in a drink for immediate consumption. Crushing the tablets will not alter how the drug works or how it is absorbed.
In fact, most generic Adderall tablets are scored, making them easier to split and crush. Some Adderall tablets are even scored twice (horizontally and vertically) so they can be split into quarters.
I do want to emphasize that this guidance only applies to Adderall tablets. Adderall is also available in an extended-release product, Adderall XR capsules. These cannot be crushed (but they can be opened). We wrote about opening Adderall XR capsules in another of our answers.
So, if you are having trouble swallowing Adderall tablets, crushing is perfectly fine and safe to do. Unfortunately, Adderall does not come in a liquid dosage form, so your options are to crush the tablets or switch to another stimulant that does come as a liquid (e.g. methylphenidate solution).
About Adderall
The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis) is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age). It is used to treat ADHD in adults and children 3 years of age and older.
Adderall is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Final Words
Thanks again for your question and reach back out anytime!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Generic Adderall
- A medication with the same active ingredients as brand-name Adderall but made by a different manufacturer and typically costs less.
- Extended-release
- A medication formulation designed to release the drug slowly over several hours rather than all at once.
- Dosage form
- The physical shape and type in which a medication is made available, such as tablets, capsules, or liquids.
- Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine
- The two active chemical ingredients combined together in Adderall that help treat ADHD symptoms.
- Central nervous system stimulants
- A class of medications that increase activity in the brain and spinal cord to improve focus and attention.
- Neurotransmitters
- Chemical messengers in the brain that carry signals between nerve cells to control various body functions and behaviors.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- A condition affecting the ability to focus, control impulses, and stay still or quiet compared to others the same age.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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