Key takeaways
Adderall XR is an extended-release stimulant medication used to treat ADHD.
Adderall XR alternatives include other stimulants, such as Mydayis, Vyvanse, Adzenys XR-ODT, Dyanavel XR, Xelstrym, and methylphenidate.
Nonstimulant medications may also be used as alternatives to Adderall XR.
Non-medication approaches, such as CBT, lifestyle changes, and diet modifications, may also help manage ADHD symptoms.
Adderall XR (extended-release) extended-release prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also available as a generic medicine called amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER. Adderall XR is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that helps reduce or relieve ADHD symptoms. If Adderall XR is not effective enough or causes bothersome side effects, several Adderall XR alternatives are available, including other stimulant and nonstimulant medications.
Save up to 80% on Adderall XR with SingleCare
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RELATED: ADHD financial assistance & resources
What can I take instead of Adderall XR?
If ADHD symptoms do not improve enough with Adderall XR, other prescription options include stimulant and nonstimulant medications. Nonstimulant alternatives include norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, antidepressant medicines, and other medications used to manage ADHD. These options have different side effect profiles, dosages, and costs, which may make some more suitable than others.
RELATED: How much is Adderall XR without insurance?
Compare Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER) alternatives |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Adderall XR
(amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) |
$339 for 30, 30 mg extended-release capsules | $220 for 30, 30 mg extended-release capsules of brand-name Adderall XR at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Generic Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER) | $247 for 30, 30 mg extended-release capsules | $26 for 30, 30 mg extended-release capsules of generic Adderall XR at Walgreens | See latest prices |
| Mydayis
(amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) |
$470 for 30, 50 mg extended-release capsules | $123 for 30, 50 mg extended-release capsules of generic Mydayis at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Vyvanse
(lisdexamfetamine) |
$554 for 30, 30 mg capsules | $63 for 30, 30 mg capsules of generic Vyvanse at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Adzenys XR
(amphetamine) |
$774 for 30, 18.8 mg extended-release tablets | $196 for 30 extended-release tablets of generic Adzenys XR at CVS Pharmacy | See latest prices |
| Dyanavel XR
(amphetamine) |
$611 for 30, 20 mg extended-release tablets | $441 for 30, 20 mg extended-release tablets of brand-name Dyanavel XR at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) | $741 for 30 patches | $482 for 30 patches of brand-name Xelstrym at Kroger | See latest prices |
Top 5 Adderall XR alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to Adderall XR.
1. Mydayis (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine)
Mydayis is a stimulant medication with the same active ingredient combination as Adderall XR: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Mydayis works similarly to Adderall XR but is designed to last longer throughout the day. Its effects can last up to 16 hours, compared with the eight- to 12-hour duration of Adderall XR. Common side effects of Mydayis include dry mouth, insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, increased heart rate, and anxiety.
Mydayis may be a suitable alternative for people who respond well to amphetamine and dextroamphetamine medications but need symptom control to last longer throughout the day. Mydayis is taken once daily as a capsule. For people who have difficulty swallowing capsules, the capsule can be opened and the contents sprinkled on applesauce.
RELATED: Mydayis vs. Adderall: Which ADHD medication is right for you?
2. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Vyvanse is a brand-name stimulant medication that contains lisdexamfetamine. Along with treating ADHD, Vyvanse can treat binge eating disorder in adults. The active ingredient in Vyvanse, lisdexamfetamine, is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, meaning it is converted into its active form in the body. Common side effects of Vyvanse include decreased appetite, dry mouth, insomnia, agitation, and anxiety.
Vyvanse is also a long-acting stimulant. Clinical studies have demonstrated effects for up to 14 hours in adults. It may be considered when Adderall XR does not provide adequate symptom control or causes troublesome side effects. Like Adderall XR, Vyvanse is taken once daily. It is available as capsules and chewable tablets.
RELATED: Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse: use, side effects, and costs
3. Adzenys XR (amphetamine)
Adzenys XR is a brand-name extended-release stimulant medication containing amphetamine. Like Adderall XR, Adzenys XR lasts 8 to 12 hours daily.
Adzenys XR may be an option for children aged 6 and older, adolescents, and adults, particularly for people who have difficulty swallowing pills. It is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that dissolves on the tongue and has an orange flavor. Adzenys XR-ODT has side effects similar to those of other amphetamine stimulants.
4. Dyanavel XR (amphetamine)
Dyanavel XR is an extended-release amphetamine stimulant used to treat ADHD in people aged 6 and older. Its effects can last up to 13 hours based on a clinical study in children with ADHD.
Dyanavel XR is available as an extended-release tablet that can be chewed or swallowed whole and as an oral suspension. These dosage forms may make it an option for children or other people who have difficulty swallowing capsules or tablets whole. Dyanavel XR is taken once daily in the morning and has side effects similar to those of other amphetamine stimulants.
5. Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)
Xelstrym is a brand-name stimulant medication containing dextroamphetamine. Unlike oral ADHD medications, Xelstrym is a transdermal patch that delivers the medication through the skin and bypasses first-pass liver metabolism. The patch should be applied two hours before an effect is needed and removed within nine hours.
Xelstrym can be applied to the hip, upper arm, chest, upper back, or flank. Because it is applied to the skin, it can cause application-site reactions such as pain, irritation, or itching. Clinical studies evaluated its effects for up to 12 hours after application. Xelstrym may be an option for people who have difficulty taking ADHD medication by mouth.
Natural alternatives to Adderall XR
Natural Adderall alternatives may include non-medication approaches such as psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and diet modifications. These approaches may be used alone or alongside medication as part of an ADHD treatment plan.
Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help manage ADHD symptoms. A clinical study of adults with ADHD found that those who received CBT along with ADHD medication experienced greater reductions in ADHD symptoms than those who continued medication and treatment as usual alone.
Dietary patterns and nutrient levels may also be associated with ADHD symptoms. A clinical review found associations between ADHD and altered levels of nutrients, including vitamin D, iron, zinc, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). A healthy diet rich in these nutrients may improve ADHD symptoms. People considering supplements should discuss them with a healthcare provider.
RELATED: Everything to eat (and avoid) if you have ADHD
How to switch to an Adderall XR alternative
1. Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider
Before switching from Adderall XR to an alternative, discuss all medical conditions with the prescribing healthcare provider. Some alternatives may need to be used with caution or avoided in people with certain health conditions.
2. Do not suddenly stop taking Adderall XR without medical advice
Talk to the prescribing healthcare provider before stopping Adderall XR. After prolonged use, abruptly stopping Adderall XR or significantly reducing the dose can cause withdrawal symptoms, including increased appetite, sleep problems, fatigue, depression, unpleasant dreams, and agitation. A healthcare provider can advise how to stop Adderall XR and transition to another treatment safely.
3. Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications with a healthcare provider
Before switching to an Adderall XR alternative, review all prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and supplements with the prescribing healthcare provider. Some alternatives can interact with other medications and may require additional monitoring or changes to the treatment plan.
4. Continue cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) if part of the treatment plan
If CBT is part of the ADHD treatment plan, continue it as directed after a medication change. CBT can provide strategies for managing ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as well as difficulties in social, work, and educational settings.
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Oct. 8, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- Mydayis extended-release capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2026)
- Adderall XR: long-acting stimulant for single daily dosing, Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics (2014)
- Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), a prodrug stimulant for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2010)
- Vyvanse lisdexamfetamine dimesylate capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2026)
- Adzenys XR-ODT amphetamine orally disintegrating tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2026)
- Adzenys XR-ODT, Aytu Biopharma (2026)
- Dyanavel XR amphetamine extended-release suspension/tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2026)
- Xelstrym extended-release dextroamphetamine patch prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2025)
- Transdermal medications, StatPearls (2024)
- Cognitive–behavioural therapy in medication-treated adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and co-morbid psychopathology: a randomized controlled trial using multi-level analysis, Psychological Medicine (2015)
- Eating patterns and dietary interventions in ADHD: a narrative review, Nutrients (2022)
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