Adderall alternatives: What can I take instead of Adderall?

In this article:

• What can I take in place of Adderall?
• Compare Adderall alternatives for ADHD
• Top 5 Adderall alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Adderall
• How to switch to an Adderall alternative

In this article

• What can I take in place of Adderall?
• Compare Adderall alternatives for ADHD
• Top 5 Adderall alternatives
• Natural alternatives to Adderall
• How to switch to an Adderall alternative

Adderall is a prescription drug used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and has a black box warning regarding the risk of abuse and dependence. While it can be an effective treatment, Adderall may not be the best option for everyone due to various reasons such as side effects or cost. If you are interested in changing to an Adderall alternative, you can consult your healthcare provider for more information about drugs such as Ritalin, Vyvanse, Strattera, Intuniv, and Kapvay.

What can I take in place of Adderall?

If you are looking for an Adderall alternative, other types of medications are available. The table below compares Adderall and Adderall XR with common alternatives. All the drugs listed are FDA-approved prescription medications. One of these options may be more suitable for certain individuals due to different side effect profiles, dosing schedules, or availability. This article will focus on Adderall alternatives for ADHD. Some common alternatives for Adderall or Adderall XR include:

• Concerta
• Focalin
• Focalin XR
• Intuniv 
• Kapvay 
• Metadate CD
• Quillivant XR
• Ritalin 
• Strattera
• Vyvanse

Other alternatives to Adderall for ADHD

• Adhansia XR 
• Adzenys ER 
• Adzenys XR-ODT 
• Aptensio XR 
• Azstarys 
• Cotempla XR-ODT 
• Daytrana 
• Dexedrine 
• Dyanavel XR 
• Evekeo 
• Evekeo ODT 
• Jornay PM 
• Metadate ER 
• Methylin 
• Mydayis 
• ProCentra 
• Qelbree 
• Quillichew ER 
• Ritalin LA 
• Wellbutrin 
• Xelstrym

RELATED: ADHD medication and children

Top 5 Adderall alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Adderall.

1. Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Ritalin contains the ingredient methylphenidate, which is a CNS stimulant like Adderall. Ritalin is available in brand and generic. Ritalin is generally dosed two to three times daily—however, it is also available in long-acting forms that can be dosed once daily. Ritalin is approved to treat ADHD in adults and children six years and older, and narcolepsy in adults. 

Common side effects of Ritalin include fast heart rate, palpitations, headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety, excess sweating, appetite and weight loss, dry mouth, stomach pain, and nausea. 

Like Adderall, Ritalin has a black box warning about the potential for abuse and dependence, so individuals with a history of substance use disorder may not be appropriate candidates for Ritalin. 

RELATED: Ritalin vs. Adderall

2. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse contains the ingredient lisdexamfetamine and is taken once daily. Vyvanse is a CNS stimulant like Adderall and Ritalin. Vyvanse is available in both brand name and generic. Vyvanse is available as an oral capsule and a chewable tablet. This medicine is approved to treat ADHD in adults and children six years and older. It can also be used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. 

Common Vyvanse side effects include appetite and weight loss, anxiety, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, irritability, and trouble sleeping. 

Like Adderall and Ritalin, Vyvanse contains a black box warning about abuse and dependence and may not be an appropriate choice for those with a history of substance use disorder. 

RELATED: Vyvanse vs. Adderall

3. Strattera (atomoxetine)

Strattera contains the ingredient atomoxetine and is available in both brand and generic. It is not a CNS stimulant like Adderall. It is classified as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Strattera is FDA-approved to treat symptoms of ADHD in adults and children six years and older. It is an oral capsule that is taken once or twice daily. 

Common side effects in adults include constipation, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, appetite loss, erectile dysfunction, and trouble urinating. Common side effects in children include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, low energy, sleepiness, and appetite loss. 

Strattera has a black box warning. Although atomoxetine is a type of antidepressant, it is not approved to treat depression—it is only approved to treat ADHD. However, any antidepressant can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This may be more common in children, adolescents, and young adults. Patients of any age who take Strattera should be monitored closely by their family and caregivers for changes in mood and behavior, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Any changes should be immediately reported to the healthcare professional. 

RELATED: Strattera vs. Adderall

4. Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release)

Intuniv contains the ingredient extended-release guanfacine. Intuniv is not a CNS stimulant like Adderall. Intuniv is classified as a central alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist and can be used to treat ADHD alone or in combination with a CNS stimulant medication. It can be used in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old. Intuniv is available in both brand and generic and is a tablet that is taken by mouth generally once a day. 

Common side effects of Intuniv include sleepiness, headache, low energy levels (fatigue), stomach pain, low blood pressure, irritability, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, appetite loss, slow heart rate, dry mouth, nightmares, rash, and bedwetting/nighttime loss of bladder control. 

5. Kapvay (clonidine extended-release)

Kapvay contains the ingredient extended-release clonidine. Like Intuniv, it is a central alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist. Kapvay is available in both brand and generic and is a tablet that is taken by mouth. Kapvay is FDA-approved to treat ADHD alone or with a CNS stimulant. It can be used in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years and is usually taken once or twice daily. 

Common Kapvay side effects include sleepiness, headache, low blood pressure, stomach pain, low energy levels, nightmares, nausea, stuffy nose, throat pain, irritability, trouble sleeping, constipation, emotional disturbance, dry mouth, slow heart rate, and dizziness.

Natural alternatives to Adderall

The treatment of ADHD is often a comprehensive approach. Medication is an important part of the treatment plan. There are also other aspects of a treatment plan, such as therapy. 

Some individuals find other measures helpful, such as:

• A healthy diet, exercise, and meditation have the potential to improve your brain functioning and mental performance. 
• Avoiding caffeine and getting enough sleep can also help. 
• Finding ways to stay focused at work or school can be helpful to patients with ADHD. 

These methods are not a substitute for medication but can complement it when it comes to improving cognitive health and overall cognitive performance. Talk to your healthcare professional about which natural methods may work for you in combination with your medications. 

Many patients ask about OTC Adderall alternatives. However, these products, often marketed as “smart drugs”, are not regulated by the FDA as rigorously as prescription drugs are. 

A 2014 study concluded that there is little evidence to support using vitamins or supplements for ADHD. However, some patients with ADHD may also have low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Although low levels of these vitamins and minerals do not cause ADHD, it may be helpful to test levels of vitamin D, zinc, iron, and magnesium. If there is a deficiency, the healthcare professional may recommend a supplement—in combination with all other treatments being employed for ADHD, including prescription medication. 

How to switch to an Adderall alternative

When considering a switch to an Adderall alternative:

1. Check your formulary, or have your healthcare provider check your formulary, to see which Adderall alternatives are covered. If price is a concern, you may want to look at options that are available in generic forms. At any time during the process, you can search the SingleCare website or mobile app for free coupons. SingleCare customers save up to 80% on prescription prices, and you can use SingleCare savings every time you fill your prescription at a local pharmacy.
2. Consult your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider is the only one who can determine which medication is best for you, considering your medical and family history, medical conditions, and medications you take that could interact with various ADHD medications.
3. Speak to your healthcare provider about the best way to start the new medication. For example, should you stop Adderall and start the new medicine the next day, or does your healthcare provider want you to taper off the Adderall first? These are questions you can discuss with your healthcare provider. 
4. Once the new prescription is sent to the pharmacy, speak with the pharmacist. Review dosing instructions and potential side effects. 
5. When you get home, carefully read the prescription label and any patient information leaflets and/or medication guides you receive. If there is anything that concerns you or that you do not understand, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for medical advice.