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Studies show that Adderall works to help improve attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms, including lack of attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and more.
Looking to find out more about an Adderall prescription online? Find an ADHD specialist on Klarity Health to talk about your ADHD symptoms and a possible Adderall prescriptions in as little as 24 hours.*
*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Find an ADHD provider on Klarity Health. Choose from top-rated licensed providers for an initial online consultation, ongoing support, and unlimited messaging.
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Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) was U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat ADHD in 1996. Today, it’s one of the most prescribed medications to treat ADHD. It’s a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that affects brain signals to relieve ADHD symptoms. People who take it typically find they more easily pay attention, control behavioral issues, organize tasks, and listen.
Adderall comes in a standard-release form that lasts 4 to 6 hours and an extended-release form (Adderall XR) that works for up to 12 hours. Brand-name Adderall XR and generic Adderall and Adderall XR are available as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine/dextroamphetamine.
Learn more about Adderall vs Adderall XR.
Adderall helps with ADHD symptoms by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing the amount of 2 neurotransmitters in the brain — dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages between brain cells to help them communicate.
When you have too little dopamine and norepinephrine, your brain can be overstimulated, which leads to ADHD symptoms. CNS stimulants reduce stimulation and allow for a “normal” state of stimulation, which helps control memory, mood, impulsivity, concentration, and more.
Learn more about how stimulants calm ADHD symptoms.
Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis can talk to a licensed healthcare provider about taking Adderall. If the provider thinks Adderall is right for their ADHd symptoms, the provider can prescribe it or an Adderall alternative if needed.
Adderall was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat ADHD in 1996. It’s also approved to treat narcolepsy, an autoimmune sleep disorder.
Taking Adderall starts with getting a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider who determines Adderall is a medically necessary for your ADHD treatment.
Providers who can prescribe medications include physician assistants (PAs), medical doctors including psychiatrists (MDs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).
Find a board-certified, licensed provider for an online appointment to discuss a tailored ADHD treatment plan that may include medication, such as Adderall, on Klarity Health.
Once you have a prescription, your provider can send it to any online or local pharmacy or you can take or send it to a pharmacy yourself.
Learn more about getting an Adderall prescription online.
Adderall is a pill you take by mouth. If you take the generic standard-release Adderall, you’ll take 1 or 2 doses a day 4 to 6 hours apart. If you take extended-release Adderall XR, you’ll take 1 dose in the morning.
Brand-name and generic Adderall XR comes in 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-milligram capsules.
Generic Adderall standard-release, amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, comes in 5-, 7.5-, 10-, 12.5-, 15-, 20-, and 30-milligram tablets.
The most common side effects of standard-release Adderall are stomachache, reduced appetite, fast heartbeat, and nervousness.
Adderall XR has a few more common side effects for adults that include dry mouth, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, headache, weight loss, nausea, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, fast heartbeat, diarrhea, weakness, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
All forms of Adderall are Schedule II controlled substances because they can lead to dependency. They have an FDA boxed warning for the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Before and while taking Adderall, talk to your provider about your health history and any history of substance abuse. If you have negative side effects while taking Adderall, you’re encouraged to report them to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Learn more about all side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications of Adderall and Adderall XR.
Brand-name Adderall XR costs roughly $760 for 100 capsules — a bit more than a 3-month supply.
You’ll pay much less for generic Adderall XR which costs $52 for 100 capsules. You’ll pay about the same for standard-release generic Adderall if you take 2 a day. It costs $25 to $36 for 100 tablets.
Costs are per drugs.com and reflect its discount without insurance coverage.
Adderall is one of the most common ADHD medications. It’s also one of several available CNS stimulants for treating ADHD. Other stimulants include Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine).
There are non-stimulants like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) too that may be better if you don’t respond well or may become addicted to a stimulant.
The active ingredients in Adderall XR are available in Mydaysis and individually as amphetamine sulfate or dextroamphetamine in other meds.
Ritalin, Vyvanse, atomoxetine, Qelbree, and Mydasis as well as generic versions when available are all FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. All have side effects that may include, but aren’t limited to, insomnia, decreased appetite, nausea, and irritability. Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Mydasis can also increase heart rate and are controlled substances and can lead to abuse, misuse, and dependence.
The best way to find out about how Adderall compares to other ADHD medications and which may work best for you is to talk to your healthcare provider.
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Testimonials from real patients who received care from providers on Klarity Health.
Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique online ADHD treatment needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)
Your journey to reduced ADHD symptoms starts with an initial consultation. Your provider will work with you to recommend the right program for you and that may or may not include prescription medication and/or therapy.
Your initial ADHD consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and are reaching your goals. You stay on track with ongoing support from your provider(s) and medication refills if needed.
If you have questions or need assistance, the friendly Klarity Health Patient Support team is there to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support throughout treatment.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances, like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Mydasis, may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.