Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 2/4/2004

Question
Hello, my name is Donald Trahan.  I am a 25 year old student diagnosed with ADHD.  I am presently seeing a psychiatrist to treat depression and ADHD.  My meds include paxil (25 mg) and Adderall XR (20 mg once daily).  The adderall xr is effective for approximately a 4-5 hour period.  I attend a technical college from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.  I can survive the school day with 20 mg, but the evening  assignments and reading are a frustrating affair.
My doctor has reported to me that a 20 mg dosage is the maximum amount that is prescribable.  Is this accurate?  I've read multiple articles to the contrary, but I am not a doctor.  Thank you for your time.  
                              Sincerely ,
                                   Donald

Answer
You are right,I feel your doctor might be wrong. An ADHD patient needs medicationn to carry him through his day and not just for the morning. The dose is determined by the response, some needing a small dose and some a very large dose. I cannot agree the 20mg is the max allowed. It might be the max he is prepared to prescribe for other reasons not known to me. Talk to your doctor or get another opinion.