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Key takeaways
Adderall XR is a stimulant medication prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and as a brand-name drug, it can carry a hefty price tag.
Generic extended-release amphetamine-dextroamphetamine is an equivalent drug available at a lower price, which is particularly helpful for those without insurance or if insurance does not cover brand-name Adderall XR.
Alternative stimulant and nonstimulant drugs could substitute for Adderall XR if the price is more acceptable and the prescribing healthcare provider approves.
Adderall XR is a brand-name prescription drug prescribed to children and adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall XR is a member of the stimulant drug class and is known as an amphetamine salt combination.
Without insurance, the drug can cost over $340 for 30, 30 mg capsules. Fortunately, it can be purchased as generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended-release (ER) for far less, particularly with a SingleCare discount.
How much does Adderall XR cost without insurance?
Uninsured patients should expect to pay an average of $340 for a 30-day supply of 30 mg Adderall XR capsules or $11 per day, though prices will vary by pharmacy and the dosage prescribed. Since ADHD treatment is long-term, uninsured patients or their caregivers can expect to pay more than $4,000 per year for Adderall XR.
People with health insurance coverage can expect to pay less, but copay costs vary based on an individual’s insurance plan, formulary, and the strength of the dosage prescribed.
You can save money by switching to a generic version of Adderall XR or an immediate-release (IR) Adderall. Generic Adderall XR is still pricey compared to other common generics. Immediate-release Adderall IR is less expensive than Adderall XR and its generic version, but it will require more doses to be given each day.
RELATED: How much does Adderall cost without insurance?
Adderall XR is FDA-approved to treat ADHD. The first-line treatment of ADHD is stimulants, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin. It is normal for patients with ADHD to switch from one stimulant to another over several years of treatment, possibly due to side effects. These powerful stimulants tend to have side effects that involve the nervous system, including dizziness, headaches, and anxiety. Loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, and an increase in blood pressure are other possible side effects that may occur. Fortunately, there are effective non-stimulant ADHD treatments. The most widely prescribed one is atomoxetine, which is a generic drug.
Another reason to switch to an Adderall alternative is cost, especially without insurance. It makes sense to ask the prescribing healthcare provider about less expensive treatment alternatives when insurance is lacking. Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter substitutes for ADHD prescription medications.
How much does generic Adderall XR cost?
The generic version of Adderall XR, amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER, comes in capsule form too. Costing about 25% less than the brand-name form, the generic drug retails for $250 for 30, 30 mg capsules. With the price still substantial, people often look beyond the generic for more economical alternatives..
Compare Adderall XR prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Adderall XR (extended-release amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) | $340 per 30, 30 mg capsules | $28 per 30, 30 mg capsules of generic extended-release amphetamine-dextroamphetamine | See updated prices |
| Generic Adderall XR (extended-release amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) | $250 per 30, 30 mg capsules | $28 per 30, 30 mg capsules of generic extended-release amphetamine-dextroamphetamine | See updated prices |
| Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) | $830 per 60, 20 mg tablets | $27 per 60, 20 mg tablets of generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine | See updated prices |
| Dexedrine (extended-release dextroamphetamine sulfate) | $280 per 10, 10 mg capsules | $30 per 30, 15 mg capsules of generic extended-release dextroamphetamine sulfate | See updated prices |
| Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine sulfate) | $600 per 60, 10 mg tablets | $31 per 60, 10 mg tablets of generic dextroamphetamine sulfate | See updated prices |
| Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) | $580 per 60, 10 mg tablets | $32 per 60, 10 mg tablets of generic amphetamine sulfate | See updated prices |
| Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) | $140 per 60, 20 mg tablets | $22 per 60, 20 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) | $62 per 30, 10 mg tablets | $19 per 30, 10 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Concerta (extended-release methylphenidate hydrochloride) | $640 per 30, 36 mg tablets | $36 per 30, 36 mg tablets | See updated prices |
| Focalin XR (extended-release dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) | $480 per 30, 30 mg tablets | $35 per 30, 10 mg tablets | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see the latest drug prices.
RELATED: Adderall XR alternatives: What can I take instead of Adderall XR?
Save up to 80% on Adderall XR with SingleCare
Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.
Adderall XR costs by dose
The price of Adderall XR will vary depending on several factors. The price tag can be different from one pharmacy to another. Volume discounts may apply, meaning that purchasing more tablets at one time may lower the cost per tablet. Finally, the drug’s dose can affect the expense.
Compare Adderall XR prices by strength |
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|---|---|---|
| (per 30 capsules) | ||
| Strength | SingleCare price of brand-name Adderall XR | SingleCare price of generic Adderall XR |
| 5mg of Adderall XR | $220 | $24 |
| 10 mg of Adderall XR | $220 | $23 |
| 15 mg of Adderall XR | $220 | $24 |
| 20 mg of Adderall XR | $220 | $28 |
| 25 mg of Adderall XR | $220 | $26 |
| 30 mg of Adderall XR | $220 | $28 |
| See our lowest price for Adderall XR without insurance | ||
Is Adderall XR covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare prescription drug plans cover generic Adderall XR. Healthcare plans that do not cover brand-name Adderall XR may cover the generic version. Some health insurance plans may enforce step therapy, requiring patients to try cheaper alternatives before approving coverage of Adderall XR.
How to get Adderall XR covered by insurance
Because it is a brand-name drug with a cheaper generic alternative, getting an insurance company to cover Adderall XR may not be easy. The first step is talking to the healthcare provider about whether a diagnosis of ADHD has been made and if a prescription for Adderall XR is the right choice. If the medication is on the plan’s formulary, prescribers may still have to go through a prior authorization process with the insurance plan to get coverage, or patients may need to do step therapy. Ultimately, the drug still may not get covered.
How to get Adderall XR without insurance
As a brand-name drug, Adderall XR is not easy to pay for without the help of health insurance. Some pharmaceutical companies offer manufacturer coupons or patient assistance programs. There are, however, more ways to save money, starting with a SingleCare savings card.
1. Use a SingleCare discount card
SingleCare gives people access to incredible savings on thousands of prescription medications, including Adderall XR. Visit the Adderall XR discount coupon page and select an Adderall XR coupon based on either price or local pharmacy. The free coupon can be printed, emailed, or sent to a smartphone. Take your coupon and prescription to the chosen pharmacy to get an instant discount on Adderall XR without insurance.
Save on ADHD meds with SingleCare
2. Switch to generic Adderall XR
Generic Adderall XR can be readily substituted for its more expensive namesake, dropping the cash price to $250 for 30, 30 mg capsules compared to $340. With a SingleCare discount card, you could pay as little as $28 for 30, 30 mg capsules. Some pharmacies sell generic Adderall XR at a steep discount, so both switching to a generic and shopping for the best price could save $300 or more.
3. Switch to generic immediate-release Adderall
Generic Adderall has the same amphetamine mix as Adderall XR. They work the same way, but because they are in immediate-release format, they lose effectiveness faster. If you’re willing to take more than one dose a day, switching to generic immediate-release Adderall could reduce the price of your prescription to $130 per 60, 20 mg tablets or as little as $27 with a SingleCare savings card.
RELATED: Adderall XR dosage guide | Adderall dosage guide
4. Switch to other generic stimulants
Patients with ADHD can choose from a wide spectrum of amphetamines, methylphenidate, and other generic drugs. Some will be more effective than others at controlling the symptoms of ADHD, but most are less expensive than brand-name Adderall XR. Ask your prescribing healthcare professional for medical advice about balancing treatment objectives with affordability when considering other stimulants.
RELATED: List of stimulants
5. Compare pharmacy prices
Pharmacies do charge different prices for prescription medications. These price differences can be surprising, especially for brand-name medications like Adderall XR. Search singlecare.com to compare prices at different pharmacies near you before you buy. Filling a larger quantity at a time or enrolling in a mail-order program could also save you some money. However, mail-order pharmacies have some restrictions when it comes to controlled substances like Adderall.
- Treatment of adult ADHD: A clinical perspective, Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology (2017)
- Nonstimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis, CNS Drugs (2023)
- Does Medicaid cover Adderall XR?, Medicare.org (2019)