Question about med dosage

[ijack]

For the last month I was taking two 10mg capsules of adderall xr a day (at the same time, in the am). Starting yesterday I'm taking one 20mg capsules of adderall xr (also in the am).
Would my body react to these differently? The (2) 10mg dose seemed perfect and I was sleeping great, but the (1) 20mg seems to last too long (my body won't sleep). Is there a reason for this? I assumed that my body would react the same way to both doses, but it isn't.

[emilyinchile]

Google says that the quantities of active ingredients are almost exactly the same (6.3 mg * 2 vs. 12.5 mg, so a whopping 0.1 mg difference): www.rxlist.com/adderall-xr-capsules-drug.htm

After only one day, I wouldn't assume that the change in capsules has anything to do with not being able to sleep, to be honest. The fact that you thought that makes me wonder if you're subconsciously preparing for this pill to be different and therefore causing yourself to feel more awake. Hope you sleep better tonight!

[Deleted]

I don't think that is why you couldn't sleep. It is the same dose, so taking it in the form of one pill vs two shouldn't make any difference.

[romigu]

I would think the half life of 20 and 10 are the same but since more is in your system with 20, it takes longer to clear your system.

[ijack]

So it's definitely effecting me differently. I actually had to stop taking it because I can't sleep. hannamaren or @spenjamins - any idea why?

[Deleted]

Jul 24, 2014 7:26:03 GMT -5 ijack said:

So it's definitely effecting me differently. I actually had to stop taking it because I can't sleep. hannamaren or @spenjamins - any idea why?

Note: arya (who chimed in already) is a doctor

[Deleted]

Are they different brands, types of capsules, something like that? That can be different.

[lya]

Are the capsules the same size? Do either of them have any extended release component? Can you check the inactive ingredients to see if they are the same? I could see there being a difference on the front end, on how quickly the meds get into your system. But I am not sure if that effect would be so pronounced. (I work in pharmaceutical manufacturing and so am familiar with pharma dosage forms, although I would take what a doctor or pharmacist says over me.)

[Deleted]

Jul 24, 2014 8:03:42 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

Are they different brands, types of capsules, something like that? That can be different.

Agree.  Sometimes, people notice differences when they change pills. Different side effects, efficacy.....did you try taking it earlier in the am?

[Deleted]

www.rxlist.com/adderall-xr-capsules-drug/clinical-pharmacology.htm
That is pretty interesting. It's possible the non-XR might work better for you, even if you have to take a "booster" at lunch?

[ijack]

Jul 24, 2014 9:24:24 GMT -5 @spenjamins said:

Jul 24, 2014 8:03:42 GMT -5 @kcpokergal said:

Are they different brands, types of capsules, something like that? That can be different.

Agree.  Sometimes, people notice differences when they change pills. Different side effects, efficacy.....did you try taking it earlier in the am?

I take them first thing when I get up, so there isn't any earlier I can take it. Not sure if they're different brands, I don't have the 10mg pills anymore. They're both xr capsules though.
I'm mainly bummed because I thought I had found the perfect dose with the 2 10mg, but the one 20mg pill is too much. And I know I can get a (2) x 10mg rx, it just means another trip to the doc.

[lya]

Since they are both xr formulations, this could make sense. Splitting the dosage into two capsules actually increases the dissolution rate in your body. Imagine taking one large ice cube and two smaller ice cubes (with the weight of the two smaller ones together equaling the weight of the large one). The two smaller ice cubes will melt faster. This is what could be happening with your capsules. Since the 20mg capsule takes longer to dissolve in your body, you are getting "dosed" over a longer period of time.