Converting from Concerta 36 mg to Adderall XR

Conversion Approach

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends starting Adderall XR at 10 mg once daily in the morning, then titrate by 5 mg weekly increments based on response, up to a maximum of 50 mg daily, as there is no established direct dose equivalency between methylphenidate and amphetamine salts 1
Discontinue Concerta abruptly without tapering when switching to Adderall XR, as no washout period is required between stimulant medications 2

The standard dosing algorithm for Adderall XR is to start at 10 mg once daily in the morning and increase by 5 mg weekly increments until optimal symptom control is achieved, with a maximum dose of 50 mg daily 1

Expect immediate therapeutic effects within hours of the first dose of Adderall XR, unlike non-stimulants which require several weeks for full benefit 2

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that methylphenidate and amphetamine salts are different medication classes with distinct mechanisms and pharmacokinetics, making direct dose equivalency between them impossible 3

Adderall XR shows markedly lower amphetamine concentrations when taken with high-fat meals, resulting in significantly reduced early drug exposure, highlighting the importance of consistent administration with or without food 3