Dextroamphetamine Dosing

When treating narcolepsy with dextroamphetamine, dosing guidelines generally call for a starting dose of 10 mg daily for people 12 years old or older. For treating ADHD, the starting dose of dextroamphetamine for children 6 years old and older is usually 5 mg once or twice a day (or 5 to 10 mg once a day). In most cases, the dextroamphetamine dosing guidelines do not call for a daily dose of more than 40 mg.

 

An Overview of Dextroamphetamine Dosing

The dose of dextroamphetamine sulfate (Dexedrine®) prescribed by your healthcare provider will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The condition being treated (ADHD or narcolepsy)
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Dextroamphetamine Dosing for ADHD

Refer to the following table for the dextroamphetamine dosing for children and teenagers with ADHD:
 
Age Starting Dextroamphetamine Dosage
Maximum Dextroamphetamine Dosage
3 to 5 years old 2.5 mg once daily (tablet only) 40 mg total daily (rarely, dosage may need to be higher)
6 years and older 5 mg once or twice daily (tablets), or 5 to 10 mg once daily (extended release capsules) 40 mg total daily (rarely, dosage may need to be higher)
 
Generally, the lower dosage of dextroamphetamine should be tried first. The dosage should be increased slowly and only if necessary.
 
(Dextroamphetamine Dosing Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;