Best Adderall alternatives for ADHD and narcolepsy

In this article:

• What can I take instead of Adderall?
• Top 5 Adderall alternatives
• Over-the-counter ADHD treatments
• Natural alternatives to Adderall
• How to switch to an Adderall alternative
• Choosing the right path for ADHD treatment

In this article

• What can I take instead of Adderall?
• Top 5 Adderall alternatives
• Over-the-counter ADHD treatments
• Natural alternatives to Adderall
• How to switch to an Adderall alternative
• Choosing the right path for ADHD treatment

Adderall is a prescription drug FDA-approved to reduce the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to improve excessive daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy. Adderall contains amphetamines, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant classified as a controlled substance because of its abuse risk. While it can be an effective treatment, Adderall may not be the best option for everyone due to various reasons such as side effects, dependence, cost, or the risk of abuse. If you are interested in changing to an Adderall alternative, you can consult your healthcare provider for more information about other stimulants or non-stimulant treatments.

RELATED: Vyvanse vs. Ritalin

What can I take instead of Adderall?

If you are looking for an Adderall alternative, other types of medications are available. The table below compares Adderall and Adderall XR with common alternatives. All the drugs listed are FDA-approved prescription medications. One of these options may be more suitable for certain individuals due to different side effect profiles, dosing schedules, or availability. 

For narcolepsy, Adderall and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are not favored treatments unless other wakefulness-promoting drugs like Provigil (modafinil), Nuvigil (armodafinil), Sunosi (solriamfetol), or Wakix (pitolisant) aren’t working well or if cost is an issue.

RELATED: Narcolepsy treatments and medications 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 11/18/2025. 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.

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Adderall 20 mg (60 Tablets)

23666 - Hampton, VA

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Top 5 Adderall alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Adderall.

1. Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Ritalin contains the ingredient methylphenidate. It is classified as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), a CNS stimulant. Methylphenidate can be purchased as a lower-cost generic drug in other dosage forms, including liquids and extended-release formulations. Ritalin is generally dosed two to three times daily; however, it is also available in long-acting forms that can be dosed once daily. Ritalin is approved to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older, but only the immediate-release version is approved to treat narcolepsy. 

Common side effects of Ritalin include fast heart rate, palpitations, headache, trouble sleeping, anxiety, excess sweating, decreased appetite, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and nausea. Like Adderall, Ritalin has a black box warning about the potential for abuse and dependence, so individuals with a history of substance use disorder may not be appropriate candidates for Ritalin. Like amphetamines, methylphenidate is a Schedule II federally-controlled substance. 

RELATED: Ritalin vs. Adderall

2. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine, which can also be purchased as a lower-cost generic drug. Vyvanse is an amphetamine that treats ADHD in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It can also be used to treat moderate to severe binge eating disorder in adults. Doses are taken once daily as either an oral capsule or chewable tablet. 

Common Vyvanse side effects include appetite loss, anxiety, insomnia, fast heart rate, weight loss, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Like Adderall and Ritalin, Vyvanse contains a black box warning about abuse and dependence. 

RELATED: Vyvanse vs. Adderall

3. Atomoxetine

Formerly known as brand-name Strattera, atomoxetine is not a CNS stimulant like Adderall or methylphenidate. It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a type of drug that can be used as an antidepressant as well as an ADHD treatment. Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat symptoms of ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. It is an oral capsule that is taken once or twice daily. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that help increase focus and attention.

Though not a stimulant, atomoxetine can have some of the same side effects as stimulants, including fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, and sleeplessness. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and dry mouth. Atomoxetine does not have a potential for abuse, but it does have a black box warning about the potential for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. 

RELATED: Strattera vs. Adderall

4. Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release)

Intuniv contains extended-release guanfacine, which is not a CNS stimulant like Adderall or methylphenidate. Instead, it is a centrally-acting alpha-2 agonist similar to the blood pressure medication clonidine and the muscle relaxant tizanidine. The FDA has approved Intuniv to treat ADHD alone or in combination with a stimulant in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old. Intuniv and its generic version are tablets taken once daily.

Common side effects of Intuniv include low blood pressure, sleepiness, fatigue, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, slow heart rate, and dry mouth. 

5. Clonidine extended-release

Clonidine is a central alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist that treats high blood pressure. Taken by mouth twice daily, the extended-release formulation, originally called Kapvay, is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children 6 to 17 years of age. It can be used alone or with a CNS stimulant. 

Common clonidine side effects include sleepiness, low blood pressure, fatigue, nightmares, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, constipation, and decreased appetite.

Over-the-counter ADHD treatments

A 2014 study concluded that there is little evidence to support using vitamins or supplements for ADHD. However, some patients with ADHD may also have low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Although low levels of these vitamins and minerals do not cause ADHD, it may be helpful to test levels of vitamin D, zinc, iron, and magnesium. If there is a deficiency, the healthcare professional may recommend a supplement in combination with all other treatments being employed for ADHD. 

Natural alternatives to Adderall

The recommended non-drug therapy for ADHD is behavior therapy. This helps children and adults manage their behaviors, limit distractions, regulate their emotional reactions, recognize negative thoughts, and learn practical strategies to minimize the impact of ADHD symptoms. However, the type of behavior therapy will depend on the patient’s age:

• For young children, parents should be trained in behavior management before any drugs are prescribed.
• For children and teens, parents should be trained in behavior management, and children should receive behavioral therapy alongside medical treatments.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended for adults.

Some individuals find other measures helpful at improving cognitive function, such as:

• A healthy diet, exercise, and meditation have the potential to improve brain function and mental health. 
• Avoiding caffeine and getting enough sleep can also help. 
• Finding ways to stay focused at work or school can be helpful to patients with ADHD. 

For people with narcolepsy, non-pharmaceutical interventions can improve daytime sleepiness:

• Regular sleep schedules
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or distractions before bedtime
• Short naps throughout the day
• Relaxation exercises
• Regular physical exercise
• Eating a healthy diet

How to switch to an Adderall alternative

When considering a switch to an Adderall alternative:

1. Check your prescription drug formulary, or have your healthcare provider check your formulary, to see which Adderall alternatives are covered. 
2. Consult your healthcare provider to determine which medication is best for you, considering your medical and family history, medical conditions, and medications you take.
3. Speak to your healthcare provider about the best way to start the new medication. For example, should you stop Adderall and start the new medicine the next day, or does your healthcare provider want you to taper off the Adderall first? 
4. Once the new prescription is sent to the pharmacy, review dosing instructions and potential side effects with the pharmacist. 
5. When you get home, carefully read the prescription label and any patient information leaflets and/or medication guides you receive. If there is anything that concerns you or that you do not understand, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for medical advice. 

Choosing the right path for ADHD treatment

ADHD treatment is not just about drugs. It involves behavior, psychology, the family, and the environment. Inattention and impulsivity can be managed by changing any or all of these inputs. Choosing the right medication involves balancing medication effectiveness with side effects in consultation with a doctor. But the right treatment also includes managing one’s own behaviors as a patient or, in the case of a child, managing the child’s behaviors as well as one’s learned behaviors as a parent. All people with ADHD benefit from training relating to time management skills and impulse control. The environment and schedule can be organized to minimize distractions. Behavioral interventions can be negotiated with schools to better enable a child’s focus or attention. The reality is that ADHD involves a total commitment, not just drugs.

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 11/17/2025. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our Adderall coupon page for the latest Adderall prices near you.