ADHD
16 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: May 10, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
For many people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the traditional approach of in-person doctor visits for an Adderall prescription may not be possible or desirable. Sitting in a waiting room is something you may want to avoid if you have ADHD. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering how to get prescribed Adderall for ADHD online.
In the guide, we explore the process of how to get prescribed Adderall online. You’ll learn about how to find a reputable online provider, insurance coverage in different states, how Adderall works, and where to find Adderall during a shortage.
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a prescription medication U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD). It’s one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. It’s also a Schedule II controlled substance because it has a high risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Before COVID-19, it wasn’t possible for healthcare providers to prescribe controlled substances online. But during COVID, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made it temporarily legal for prescribers to do so. The DEA has since issued 3 extensions to the the Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications. Currently, the prescription of controlled substances, such as Adderall online, is possible through the end of 2025.
That means you can get a prescription for Adderall online until then. Here’s how.
Whether you go into a provider’s office or prefer online appointments, you need a prescription from a healthcare professional to get Adderall. The provider also needs to determine that Adderall is medically necessary to treat your ADHD symptoms. So, the first step to getting a prescription online is choosing a telehealth provider.
While many psychiatrists are available online, only those in the state you live in can give you a prescription for medications. Adderall is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA, making it illegal for healthcare providers to prescribe to patients outside the state where they practice.
The telemedicine providers on Klarity Health live and practice throughout the U.S. All providers on Klarity Health have extensive experience evaluating patients for ADHD and prescribing Adderall online to help relieve its symptoms when appropriate.
Finding a telemedicine provider doesn’t immediately let you get Adderall online. Because Adderall is a controlled substance, to get an Adderall prescription, you must meet with a provider who determines that Adderall is medically necssary for you. The advantage of telemedicine is that you never have to leave the comfort of your home.
During a virtual appointment with your online provider, you’ll discuss your ADHD symptoms. This lets them make a diagnosis and determine if Adderall is the right prescription for your treatment goals.
If your online provider agrees that an Adderall prescription is a medically necessary part of your ADHD treatment plan, they’ll send your prescription to your pharmacy of choice. Your Adderall prescription will arrive right on your doorstep or at your local pharmacy, depending on the delivery options of your pharmacy.
Once you receive your prescription and begin taking it, you’ll have follow-up virtual appointments with your online provider to assess how it’s working for your ADHD symptoms. It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions for taking and adjusting your dosage.
You don’t need insurance to get prescribed Adderall. However, you need a prescription to get Adderall, so you need to meet with a healthcare provider — online or in person — to get a prescription.
Typically, the price per tablet for brand-name Adderall is about $11.40, meaning a month’s supply can cost as much as $341 — twice that if you’re taking 40 milligrams and use a 10-milligram and 30-milligram tablet. If you aren’t using insurance, there are ways to lower the price of your medication. The first is to ask your healthcare provider about the generic version — amphetamine-dextroamphetamine — which costs between $15 and $30 for a month’s supply.
To lower the cost further, look into discounted prescription programs and pharmacy savings cards offered by your preferred pharmacy or services like SingleCare, WellRx, NeedyMeds, GoodRx, and others. You may be eligible for discounted medications based on your income or other circumstances.
A common approach to obtaining Adderall without insurance is to see a provider online through telehealth services. Many telemedicine platforms, like Klarity Health, offer competitive pricing on provider visits, making it an accessible and cost-effective option to get a prescription for the medication you need without insurance.
Before seeking an ADHD prescription, it’s important to understand what Adderall and other similar medications treat and their potential side effects. Adderall is an amphetamine and a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, a medication that triggers the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
Dopamine helps with behavior control and the ability to complete tasks. Norepinephrine provides energy and alertness, which contributes to increased focus and memory. This effect on the brain can improve attention span, impulse control, focus, memory, and more.
But as with any type of medication, there are certain potential side effects to know. Below are some of the common side effects of taking Adderall tablets.
The most common side effects of Adderall XR (extended-release) capsules in adults include:
Learn more about Adderall vs Adderall XR.
Even though the DEA extended the ability to get prescriptions online through 2025, it’s important to stay up-to-date with changes to make sure your provider can continue to renew your Adderall prescription. Different states have different policies on prescribing stimulants online. Schedule an online appointment with a licensed provider on Klarity Health in your state to discuss your best options. Note too that not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe controlled substances.
Adderall is a widely prescribed medication composed of amphetamine salts that’s U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to manage ADHD and narcolepsy. Under the United States Controlled Substances Act, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance. This classification is based on its recognized medical uses but also its high potential for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
The criteria for classification under the Controlled Substances Act include factors such as the drug’s potential for abuse, the evidence of its medical benefits, and the likelihood of physical or psychological dependence. Adderall, as a Schedule II substance, is considered to have a high potential for abuse or physical dependence. It’s also recognized as having legitimate medical uses when prescribed and administered under proper medical supervision.
Adderall can only be obtained with a valid prescription, and its use is closely monitored to prevent misuse and abuse. Understanding the risks associated with Adderall, such as potential side effects and the importance of responsible use, is important if you rely on it for treatment.
When it comes to telehealth, each provider charges different prices. Providers may charge as much as $500 for an initial appointment others as little as $100. Other providers charge less. This cost plus follow-up appointments shouldn’t prevent you from getting reliable ADHD care.
Talking about ADHD with your doctor or healthcare provider is the only way to get Adderall online. However, discussing your ADHD can be difficult or abstract. It’s best to be clear, specific, and detailed when talking with your telemedicine provider, so they can make an accurate diagnosis and determine whether an Adderall prescription can help you.
Below we describe how best to explain your ADHD to a doctor so they can prescribe Adderall for your ADHD online (if indicated).
Whether you suffer from ADHD or another condition, talk about what you’re going through with your therapist so they can help you in the best way possible. It helps to write down your symptoms before your virtual appointment, so you can accurately describe your condition and don’t inadvertently leave anything out.
Several ADHD symptoms in adults occur. Accurately presenting the symptoms that you struggle with can help your provider determine whether prescribing Adderall online to you will help resolve these symptoms or if a different medication is better suited to your needs.
For help describing your ADHD symptoms, try this ADHD symptoms checklist and share your results with your doctor or provider. Or take this free online ADHD test and share your result with your doctor. Either can give you common talking points to use.
Your doctor will ask you a number of questions to provide an accurate diagnosis. It’s important that you answer these questions as accurately as possible so your clinician can understand what you’re going through.
Providing this kind of detail can help your doctor or provider better understand how your ADHD hinders your daily routine and if Adderall might help.
Your full medical history will help your provider determine whether Adderall or another ADHD medication is right for you. Present any of your other health conditions, whether it’s a heart condition, mental health disorder, substance use disorder, or previous ADHD diagnosis. And tell your provider about any and all medications and supplements you take.
Health conditions and medication can conflict with taking Adderall for your ADHD, which is why it’s important to discuss your full medical history.
There’s an Adderall shortage in the U.S. If you’re having problems finding Adderall to help treat your ADHD symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about a different CNS stimulant or non-stimulant for ADHD.
Luckily for people with ADHD who can’t find Adderall, other ADHD medications have similar modes of action in the brain.
Medications that work similarly to Adderall and are used to treat ADHD symptoms include:
If you want to know more about these Adderall alternatives, book an appointment with an ADHD-trained medical provider on Klarity Health today.
The providers on Klarity Health offer professional diagnoses and can prescribe the medication that best works for you if any. Klarity Health also offers free around-the-clock text messaging with your provider, who will monitor both your symptoms and side effects. And if Adderall isn’t the answer (or is unavailable), they can change your medication to a safe and effective Adderall alternative.
*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 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.
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