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Adderall XR generic availability, cost, and dosage

Generic Adderall XR has been available since 2012. Compare Adderall XR vs. generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER.
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Mar. 28, 2024
Rx pill bottle: Adderall XR generic availability, cost, and dosage

Key takeaways

  • Adderall XR, approved by the FDA in 2001 for ADHD, contains amphetamine salts in an extended-release form to improve focus and manage behavior.

  • Generic versions of Adderall XR, available since 2012, offer the same active ingredients and efficacy at a lower cost, making treatment more accessible.

  • Differences between brand-name and generic Adderall XR include appearance, inactive ingredients, and costs.

  • Off-label uses of Adderall XR include treatment-resistant depression, weight loss, and boosting cognitive functions despite potential risks and lack of FDA approval for these uses.

In this article:

Adderall XR is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication prescribed to manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It contains four amphetamine salts: dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and amphetamine (D, L)-aspartate monohydrate. It works by increasing natural substances within the brain, which may help improve the ability to focus, stay attentive, and manage behavior. 

Following its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001, Adderall XR has become a popular medication for managing symptoms of ADHD. Generic versions of Adderall XR have provided an alternative to the brand-name drug, offering the same benefits at a lower cost. These generics contain the same active ingredients designed to release the medication as their brand-name counterparts.

Read on to learn more about generic Adderall XR and the differences between the brand and generic versions. 

Is there a generic for Adderall XR?

Yes, a generic version of Adderall XR is available and was approved in 2012. It contains the same active ingredients of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and is designed to release the medication into the bloodstream gradually over time, just like the brand-name form. 

While Takeda Pharmaceuticals currently manufactures the brand name version, the generic version is produced by several pharmaceutical manufacturers, including Sun Pharmaceuticals, Impax Laboratories, and ANI Pharmaceuticals. 

Generic drugs typically become more accessible and may offer a cost-effective alternative to brand-name versions. The generic version of Adderall XR could be more available to patients than the brand-name Adderall XR. However, insurance coverage and local pharmacy inventory may influence its accessibility. 

RELATED: Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER) alternatives: What can I take instead of Adderall XR?

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Adderall XR?

Brand-name and generic Adderall XR are generally available in the same dosage forms, contain the same active ingredients, and are similarly effective in treating ADHD. They are both also taken as a daily dose. However, they may differ in varied ways.

Appearance

There may be a subtle visual difference between brand-name Adderall XR capsules. Brand-name Adderall XR capsules are typically blue or orange, with imprints identifying the capsule as Adderall XR and its specific strength. Generic capsules might come in different colors due to manufacturers using different dyes. They might also have the generic name or other letters imprinted on the capsule.

Inactive ingredients

Inactive ingredients in medications are the parts that do not directly affect how the medicine works but are necessary for other reasons, like keeping the medication together or giving the capsule its shape or texture. In the case of Adderall XR, both brand-name and generic versions may use different inactive ingredients, such as fillers or dyes. While these ingredients don’t change how well the medication treats ADHD, they can affect things like the color and size of the pill and, in rare cases, how a person’s body reacts to the medication if they’re sensitive to certain substances.

Cost differences

Generic Adderall XR is typically less expensive than the brand-name version, making it a more affordable option for many people. This price difference is due to generics not having to repeat the expensive clinical trials that brand-name drugs undergo to prove safety and effectiveness. As a result, the lower cost of generic medications can help improve access to treatment for ADHD without the burden of high expenses. 

Efficacy and perceived effectiveness

Even though generic and brand-name Adderall XR contain the same active ingredients and should work the same way in treating ADHD, some people may report feeling a difference in effectiveness. These perceptions may be influenced by expectations or slight variations in inactive ingredients. However, scientifically, both versions are held to the same standards by health authorities, and the effects of Adderall XR should provide similar benefits as its generic version in managing ADHD symptoms.

Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER)
Uses
Standard dosage
  • Adults: 20 mg once daily in the morning 
  • Children 6 to 17 years old: 10 mg once daily in the morning
  • Dosage may vary depending on age and kidney function
Common side effects
  • Loss of appetite
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Mood swings
  • Nervousness
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Anxiety
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
Contraindications
  • Avoid taking Adderall XR if you have a hypersensitivity to Adderall XR or any of its ingredients
  • Avoid taking Adderall XR while taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days following the last dose of a MAOI
  • Avoid taking Adderall XR if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Other considerations
  • If you have serious heart problems, such as heart defects, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, or severe high blood pressure, Adderall XR might not be safe for you.
  • Breastfeeding is not advised while taking Adderall XR as it passes into breast milk and may have adverse effects on a nursing newborn.
  • Regular check-ups should include monitoring your blood pressure and heart rate, especially if you have concerns about cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.
  • Before starting Adderall XR, your doctor should check for any risk factors that might lead to manic or psychotic episodes. If you experience new or worsening mental health symptoms, including mania or psychosis, it might be necessary to stop taking Adderall XR.
  • It’s important to monitor height and weight over time for those still growing. If growth is not as expected, a pause or change in medication might be considered.
  • Adderall XR can lower the threshold for seizures. If you experience a seizure while taking this medication, it may need to be discontinued.
  • Pay attention to changes in your fingers or toes, such as color changes or temperature sensitivity, which may indicate circulation problems like Raynaud’s phenomenon. This may require further evaluation and possibly referral to a specialist.
  • Serotonin syndrome can happen when Adderall XR is taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels, like certain antidepressants. Symptoms can include confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking Adderall XR and seek immediate medical attention.
  • Before starting Adderall XR, discuss any family history of tics or Tourette’s syndrome with your healthcare provider. The medication should be monitored closely for the emergence or worsening of tics or Tourette’s and discontinued if necessary.

 

RELATED: Adderall XR dosage, forms, and strengths

How much is generic Adderall XR?

The cost of generic Adderall XR can be significantly less than its brand-name counterpart. However, the average price per prescription without insurance can fluctuate depending on the dosage and quantity prescribed. 

The average retail price of a 30-day supply of 30 mg Adderall XR capsules is around $338, while the average retail price for the same supply of the generic version may be lower. However, local pharmacy chains, independent drugstores, and online pharmacies may offer different pricing for both the brand-name and generic versions of Adderall XR. Factors such as location, available pharmacy benefits, and even the time of year can impact the overall cost. In addition, negotiations between pharmacies and manufacturers might result in variable pricing.

Prescription discount cards and coupon programs, like those provided by SingleCare, may help provide savings on the retail cost. It’s worth noting that these discount cards may sometimes offer competitive prices compared to paying out-of-pocket, especially for people without insurance coverage.

Brand vs. generic Adderall XR prices
Brand-name Adderall XR Adderall XR generic (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER)
Average cost without insurance $339 for 30, 30 mg capsules of Adderall XR $215 for 30, 30 mg capsules, of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine
SingleCare’s lowest price $23 for 30, 30 mg capsules of Adderall XR $23 for 30, 30 mg capsules of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine
Free coupons Adderall XR coupons amphetamine-dextroamphetamine coupons

RELATED: How much is Adderall XR without insurance?

What are the off-label uses for Adderall XR?

In addition to ADHD, Adderall XR is sometimes used off-label for various purposes or other medical conditions. These applications include treatment-resistant depression, weight loss, and bipolar disorder, among others.

Treatment-resistant depression

Healthcare providers may sometimes consider Adderall XR for treatment-resistant depression. This kind of depression is known as treatment-resistant because standard medicines may not work well for some individuals. Adderall XR may help reduce ongoing depression symptoms like fatigue or excessive sleepiness. However, it’s typically used alongside traditional antidepressants or other prescription drugs rather than as a primary treatment.

Weight loss

While not approved for this purpose, Adderall XR is occasionally used to support weight loss. The medication may suppress appetite, leading to weight reduction in some patients. However, healthcare professionals and medical guidelines typically don’t recommend it for this purpose due to potential risks and the lack of long-term safety data regarding its effectiveness for weight loss.

Cognitive enhancement

Adderall XR is also used, though not officially approved, to improve focus in people who don’t have ADHD. Some people take it hoping it will help them concentrate better and perform well in school or at work. However, using it this way is debated because of moral questions and the health dangers that can come from taking stimulant medications without a prescription for improving mental abilities.

Treatment-resistant bipolar disorder

In some cases, Adderall XR is given to people with bipolar disorder who haven’t found relief with usual treatments. It can target specific symptoms, like a lack of energy or motivation. However, healthcare providers need to monitor this off-label use closely due to the risk of triggering mania or quick shifts in mood for those with bipolar disorder.

Narcolepsy

Adderall XR is sometimes used off-label to help people with narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes extreme daytime tiredness and sudden sleep attacks. Although the immediate-release version of Adderall is approved for narcolepsy, Adderall XR isn’t officially approved for this use. However, healthcare providers may prescribe it to improve alertness and reduce sleepiness in those with narcolepsy.

How to switch from Adderall XR to amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER

In many cases, healthcare providers will prescribe generic versions of medications to help reduce patient costs. However, consult a healthcare provider for medical advice if you or a loved one are taking the brand-name version and want to switch to the generic equivalent. The process generally includes the following:

  • Consultation with a healthcare provider: Before making any changes, you should discuss the switch with a doctor, as generic versions may contain different inactive ingredients that you may be sensitive to.
  • Maintain the medication schedule: You will likely be prescribed to take your first dose of amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER at the same time you would usually take Adderall XR to maintain the dosing schedule.
  • Monitor response: Brand-name and generic Adderall XR may carry possible side effects, including serious side effects like increased blood pressure or heart rate and drug abuse. Keep track of how you respond to the new medication and report any significant changes or side effects to your healthcare provider.
  • Prevent disruption: To prevent any lapse in treatment, ensure you have the new prescription before the current medication runs out.

Adderall XR, in any form, is a controlled substance that may have a high potential for dependence and misuse. Transitioning from Adderall XR to amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER is a process that should always be guided by a healthcare provider. The goal is to maintain the therapeutic benefits while monitoring for any changes that may occur following the switch.

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