Amphetamine XR works by increasing the levels of two key brain chemicals — dopamine and norepinephrine — that help regulate attention, focus, and impulse control.

What Amphetamine XR Does in Your Body

To understand how Amphetamine XR works, it helps to know a little about what's happening in the brain of someone with ADHD.

People with ADHD often have lower-than-typical levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in certain areas of the brain — particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for attention, decision-making, and impulse control. When these chemical messengers (called neurotransmitters) are in short supply, the brain has a harder time staying focused and filtering out distractions.

Amphetamine XR addresses this in three main ways:

1. It increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine — Amphetamine tells nerve cells to push more of these neurotransmitters out into the space between neurons (called the synaptic cleft).
2. It blocks reuptake — Normally, the brain recycles neurotransmitters by pulling them back into the nerve cell. Amphetamine slows this process down, keeping dopamine and norepinephrine active for longer.
3. It inhibits monoamine oxidase (MAO) — MAO is an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters. By partially blocking MAO, amphetamine helps these chemicals last even longer.

The combined effect is a significant boost in dopamine and norepinephrine activity, which helps the brain focus, stay on task, and control impulses. Think of it like turning up the volume on a signal that was too quiet.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Amphetamine XR starts working relatively quickly. Most patients begin to feel effects within 30 to 60 minutes after taking their dose. The "XR" (extended-release) design means the medication is released in two phases:

• An initial dose is released right away to get things started.
• A second dose is released gradually over the next several hours.

This two-phase design is what allows you to take just one dose in the morning and get coverage throughout the school or work day.

How Long Does It Last?

Depending on the formulation, Amphetamine XR provides symptom control for approximately 10 to 12 hours. This varies from person to person based on factors like metabolism, body weight, and the specific formulation used.

• Dyanavel XR (oral suspension) — Designed for all-day coverage with once-daily dosing.
• Adzenys XR-ODT (orally disintegrating tablet) — Similar extended-release profile with once-daily dosing.

If you find the medication wears off too early or lasts too long, talk to your doctor. They can adjust the timing or consider a different formulation. For some patients who need longer coverage (up to 16 hours), alternatives like Mydayis may be worth discussing.

What Makes Amphetamine XR Different from Other ADHD Medications?

There are several ADHD stimulants on the market. Here's how Amphetamine XR compares:

Amphetamine XR vs. Adderall XR

Amphetamine XR contains amphetamine alone, while Adderall XR contains a mixture of four amphetamine salts (including dextroamphetamine). Both are extended-release stimulants, but they use different release mechanisms. Adderall XR comes as a capsule with beads, while Amphetamine XR is available as a liquid (Dyanavel XR) or a tablet that dissolves on the tongue (Adzenys XR-ODT) — making it a good option for people who can't swallow capsules.

Amphetamine XR vs. Vyvanse

Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) is a prodrug — meaning it's inactive until your body converts it into dextroamphetamine. This built-in activation step gives Vyvanse a smoother onset and may lower abuse potential. Amphetamine XR uses a different extended-release technology but targets the same neurotransmitters.

Amphetamine XR vs. Concerta (Methylphenidate ER)

Concerta uses methylphenidate, which is a completely different stimulant class. Methylphenidate primarily blocks dopamine reuptake, while amphetamine also increases dopamine release. Some people respond better to one class than the other, so if Amphetamine XR isn't working well for you, your doctor might try a methylphenidate-based medication instead.

Stimulants vs. Non-Stimulants

Non-stimulant ADHD medications like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) work differently — they primarily affect norepinephrine without the dopamine boost. They tend to have a slower onset (weeks instead of hours) but don't carry the same abuse potential. They're sometimes used when stimulants aren't tolerated or aren't appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Amphetamine XR works by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine — two brain chemicals essential for focus and attention. Its extended-release design provides all-day coverage with a single morning dose, and its unique formulations (liquid and dissolving tablet) offer options for patients who struggle with traditional pills.

If you're taking Amphetamine XR, it's also important to understand its potential side effects and drug interactions. And if you're having trouble filling your prescription, use Medfinder to find it in stock near you.