Key takeaways

Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA, indicating a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Due to its controlled status, Adderall prescriptions are closely monitored. Patients need an ID to obtain the medication, and refills cannot be ordered automatically.
Signs of Adderall abuse include finishing prescriptions too quickly, combining with other substances, and experiencing severe side effects.
Alternatives to Adderall include other stimulants like Ritalin and Concerta, as well as non-stimulant medications like Strattera and Intuniv.

In this article:

Is Adderall a controlled substance?
What does taking a controlled substance mean for me?
What can I take instead of Adderall?
Adderall alternatives

In this article

Is Adderall a controlled substance?
What does taking a controlled substance mean for me?
What can I take instead of Adderall?
Adderall alternatives

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may feel like they’re fighting a constant battle against distraction and impulsivity. Adderall can provide some much-needed help. Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS). It contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and works by increasing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Adderall is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of ADHD, as well as narcolepsy.

Although it might seem like a focus-improving, distraction-crushing powerhouse, Adderall has some restrictions and precautions.

Is Adderall a controlled substance?

Yes, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance—the same classification as cocaine, methamphetamine, and methadone. Drugs in this category have a high potential for substance abuse and can lead to psychological or physical dependence, regardless of their mental and behavioral health benefits.

However, Adderall is not a narcotic. Some people see “narcotic” as a synonym for “illegal drug,” but it technically refers to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes, usually used for pain relief. Certain narcotics, like OxyContin and Vicodin, are also Schedule II prescription drugs.

What does taking a controlled substance mean for me?

Adderall might fall under the same classification as drugs like cocaine, but that doesn’t mean the DEA will come after anyone with ADHD for taking it. Thanks to its medical uses, the drug is completely legal—but only when it’s prescribed and taken properly.

Possessing Adderall without a prescription or in a larger dose than prescribed can carry various criminal charges, depending on where you live. It’s also illegal to give Adderall to anyone else, even if they have their own prescription. So college students using it—or giving it to others—to pull all-nighters before exams could face serious consequences, including fines or multiple years behind bars.

So it’s important to keep Adderall in a safe place, like a locked medicine cabinet, away from children, pets, or people who might want to abuse it. Ideally, that place will be dry and at room temperature, which means 68° to 77°F, according to the FDA label. It is also important to dispose of any unwanted or expired Adderall appropriately. Do not simply throw in the trash where it can be acquired and misused by someone else accidentally or intentionally. Flushing is also not recommended as the drug could enter the water supply. Speak to your pharmacist about safe drug disposal options near you.

Adderall refill restrictions

“Because of its higher risk status, the government, your doctor, and your pharmacist will monitor the use of these medications more closely. Refills cannot be ordered, you will need an ID to get this medicine, and you will also need to see your doctor in person at least every 3–6 months,” says Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Some doctors will also require drug testing to make sure you are not using other drugs when you are prescribed a potentially addictive stimulant like Adderall.”

Prior to the adoption of electronic prescribing of schedule II controlled substances, patients would have to return to their prescriber to pick up a new prescription each time. In 2007, the DEA changed regulations to allow up to 90 days of a schedule II controlled substance to be written at a time. The federal law allows for the issuance of multiple prescriptions totaling up to 90 days of Adderall. In the case of multiple prescriptions being issued, the earliest fill date must be included for each separate order. Your state may have more stringent laws, and your insurance carrier may dictate how many they will cover per fill. It is important to be aware of all of these aspects and work with your prescriber.

Signs of Adderall abuse

Adderall has grown rampant on college campuses among busy students looking for some extra focus, energy, or ways to stay awake. Some people have even tried taking it for its weight loss benefits. But anyone using stimulant medication recreationally is playing a dangerous game. The abuse or misuse of Adderall can have serious consequences, including overdose and Adderall addiction.

“In my career in the addiction treatment field, a classic sign of Adderall abuse is running through your prescription sooner than you’re supposed to,” says Dr. Caroline Newton, MD, medical director of Mountainside Treatment Center. “This could look like a 30-day prescription finished in a week or two.”

Using multiple substances can also raise concern, she says. “For example, I would be concerned if I found out someone is combining benzodiazepines and opiates because this has a higher overdose risk.”

According to the American Addiction Centers, other signs of Adderall abuse include:

Talkativeness
Nausea or vomiting
Nervousness or anxiety
Dry mouth
A feeling of invincibility
Crushing or snorting Adderall
Significant time spent finding and using Adderall

Continued use can cause a person’s body to build up an Adderall tolerance, so they’ll need higher doses to achieve the same effect. Eventually, this can lead to addiction and withdrawal. Adderall withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, and sleep issues.

Important: If you’re experiencing Adderall addiction, contact an addiction treatment center detox clinic or call SAMHSA’s Addiction Helpline as soon as possible. If you notice a loved one exhibiting signs of drug abuse or a substance use disorder, talk with them and urge them to get medical help.

Per Dr. Newton, doctors who notice signs of abuse may “recommend a medically monitored detox, if needed, followed by clinical counseling and other support resources. Consistent therapy and building a support network can be important tools to managing triggers and incorporating healthy lifestyle changes.”

Lifestyle considerations

Like any medication, Adderall can work better or worse based on a person’s diet, habits, personal care, and sleep. “I often tell my patients about sleep, ‘If there’s no gas in the tank, you can’t push the gas pedal.’ Sleep is essential for anyone’s attention and focus, especially for people with ADHD. Not getting enough sleep (<7 hours consistently) has made stimulants stop working for my patients,” says Dr. Dimitriu. “Exercise helps too, as we all need physical activity, which can help before a period of study.”

What can I take instead of Adderall?

For many people with ADHD, Adderall’s restrictions are worth the mental health benefits. But people with a history of addiction or who are worried about the potential side effects of Adderall might want some alternatives. Fortunately, Adderall isn’t the only ADHD medication on the market.

Some of the most common are other prescription stimulant medications and, therefore, also controlled substances. These include Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, and Dexedrine, among others, and they might come with restrictions, but they’re also effective. The CDC says 70–80% of children who received stimulants for ADHD showed improved symptoms, and a 2018 meta-study found that stimulants worked better than a placebo.

However, “Stimulants can sometimes affect appetite, disrupt sleep, and might make someone more anxious and irritable,” Dr. Newton says. “This is why it’s important to monitor each client closely and prescribe mindfully to ensure the person is taking their medications safely.”

Fortunately, “a variety of non-stimulant medications exist which are helpful as well,” according to Dr. Dimitriu. “Strattera and Qelbree are two examples of norepinephrine boosting agents that can help and are not addictive.” Strattera (atomoxetine) was the first non-stimulant treatment the FDA approved for ADHD treatment. It’s a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, not a controlled substance; studies have also demonstrated its efficacy. Other options include Kapvay and Intuniv, alpha-2 agonists, which have also shown some promise in treating ADHD and are not controlled substances.

These non-stimulant approaches haven’t shown the same potential for abuse and addiction. However, they still have side effects and may interact with other prescription drugs. It’s important to discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider for medical advice on the best option for you.

Adderall alternatives
Drug name	Drug class	Controlled Substance?	Savings
Ritalin (Methylphenidate Hcl)	Central nervous system stimulant	Yes	SingleCare discounts
Concerta (Methylphenidate Hcl)	Central nervous system stimulant	Yes	SingleCare discounts
Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate Hcl)	Central nervous system stimulant	Yes	SingleCare discounts
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine Sulfate Er)	Central nervous system stimulant	Yes	SingleCare discounts
Strattera (Atomoxetine Hcl)	Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor	No	SingleCare discounts
Kapvay (Clonidine Hcl Er)	Alpha-2 agonist	No	SingleCare discounts
Intuniv (Guanfacine Hcl Er)	Alpha-2 agonist	No	SingleCare discounts