Can you open Adderall XR capsules?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Can you open Adderall XR capsules?
Yes, you can open Adderall XR capsules and use them with food. However, Adderall XR is the extended-release version of Adderall XR in which the drug is enclosed in beads, which are covered with an outer capsule to make the formulation palatable (1,2).
When you open the capsules, make sure you don’t damage the beads either by crushing or chewing them. Once you open the capsule, immediately add it to a liquid or semi-liquid food and consume it right away.
Leaving the opened capsules for so long can affect the stability, which once disturbed, can affect the therapeutic efficacy of your drug. As long as you follow the precautions and take the opened capsules right away, you’re good to go.
Potential risks associated with opening Adderall XR capsules
If you improperly open the capsule and damage the controlled-released beads, it can damage the modified mechanism of the drug release and affect your treatment. The potential risks associated with it include (1,2):
- Rapid and uneven absorption: When the capsule is opened and the beads are destroyed, the drug is absorbed more quickly and unpredictably, which may result in higher and uneven blood levels of the medication. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects and adverse reactions.
- Overdose potential: Rapid release of the entire dose at once can lead to an overdose, especially if the normal prescribed dose is higher than what the body can handle all at once. Since Adderall is a controlled substance, overdosing on it can lead to disturbing side effects (1).
- Reduced effectiveness: The intended extended-release profile of Adderall XR is lost this way, potentially leading to inadequate symptom control or therapeutic benefits.
- Uncontrolled drug interactions: The altered absorption pattern may affect how Adderall XR interacts with other medications or substances, leading to unexpected and harmful interactions.
- Irritation and taste: The contents of the capsule may be irritating to the mouth and throat, and the taste may be unpleasant when directly exposed.
Alternatives to opening Adderall XR capsules
If you have difficulty swallowing Adderall XR capsules, there are alternative ways to take the medication without opening them:
Swallowing with water or soft foods
Take the capsule whole with a full glass of water. If swallowing large capsules is challenging, you can try taking a sip of water before putting the capsule in your mouth to make it easier to swallow.
Some people find it easier to swallow capsules when they take them with a small amount of soft food, like applesauce. Check with your healthcare provider if it’s okay to take Adderall XR with food.
Alternate formulations
Speak to your healthcare provider about other formulations of Adderall or alternative medications that might be easier for you to take. They can suggest immediate-release versions of the medication or different stimulant options based on your needs (3).
Pill-swallowing aids
There are pill-swallowing aids available, such as pill crushers or pill gliders, that may help you swallow capsules more comfortably. These tools can make swallowing easier by breaking the capsule into smaller parts or using a gel-like coating to help it slide down.
Ask for smaller doses
If the prescribed dose is too large to swallow comfortably, talk to your doctor about the possibility of receiving a lower dosage in multiple pills.
Remember, it’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and never alter the medication’s prescribed form without their approval. Taking Adderall XR in a way other than intended can lead to unpredictable drug effects and potential risks.
Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any difficulties you have in taking medications, so they can provide suitable alternatives for you.
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References
1.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, US). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. ADDERALL XR® (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product) dextroamphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, amphetamine sulfate capsules, CII. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/021303s026lbl.pdf
2.-
LABEL: ADDERALL XR- dextroamphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine sulfate and amphetamine aspartate capsule, extended-release. DailyMed [Internet]. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/getFile.cfm?setid=35744538-1704-4ee0-954d-52710cf3456d&type=pdf
3.-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, US) Adderall® CII (Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate and Amphetamine Sulfate Tablets). Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/011522s043lbl.pdf
