Adderall generic availability, cost, and dosage

In this article:

• Is there a generic for Adderall?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Adderall?
• Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) at a glance
• How much is generic Adderall?
• Is Adderall covered by insurance?
• Generic alternatives to Adderall
• What\'s the best generic Adderall?

In this article

• Is there a generic for Adderall?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Adderall?
• Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) at a glance
• How much is generic Adderall?
• Is Adderall covered by insurance?
• Generic alternatives to Adderall
• What\'s the best generic Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which work by increasing certain chemicals in the brain to manage focus, attention, and impulse control. Because it’s a popular brand-name drug, it often goes through shortages. Fortunately, a generic version does exist and may be helpful for those who are looking for a more accessible option.

Is there a generic for Adderall?

Yes, a generic version of Adderall is available in the United States. The generic name for Adderall is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, and it was first approved in 2002. After it launched, it quickly took over part of the market, with the use of brand-name Adderall dropping.

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What are the differences between brand-name and generic Adderall?

Brand-name and generic versions of Adderall contain the same exact ingredients and are considered bioequivalent. In other words, they have the same effectiveness and safety. That’s because generic manufacturers need to perform studies that prove that the generic version is released into the bloodstream at the same rate as the brand-name drug. 

Still, generic manufacturers use their own formulations of the brand-name medication. Therefore, generic versions may differ from brand-name drugs in the following ways:

• Inactive ingredients, such as fillers, dyes, and binders
• The color and shape of the tablet or capsule
• The markings or engravings on the tablet or capsule

Although generic versions may look different from the brand-name version, they should still work the same. They’re also taken at the same exact dosage as the brand-name. However, some people may respond differently to generic versions of Adderall due to their inactive ingredients.

How much is generic Adderall?

The cost of generic Adderall will depend on various factors, including the strength of the tablets or capsules, your prescribed dosage, and the pharmacy you visit, since prices vary at different pharmacies. In general, however, generic Adderall is much cheaper than brand-name Adderall. 

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

Is Adderall covered by insurance?

Generic Adderall is covered by most commercial insurance plans. It’s also often covered by Medicare and Medicaid plans. However, the brand-name version isn’t usually a preferred drug that’s covered by insurance. If brand-name Adderall is medically necessary, health insurance plans may require prior authorization or step therapy processes. 

ADHD Financial Assistance & Resources

Generic alternatives to Adderall

If generic Adderall isn’t available, or it’s not working well or causing side effects, other generic alternatives to Adderall can be used. Common generic stimulant medications that may be prescribed in place of Adderall include:

• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Concerta (methylphenidate ER)
• Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) 
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Non-stimulant options are also available. While they might not be as effective as stimulants, they come with less risk of abuse and potentially fewer serious side effects. Non-stimulants that can be used to treat ADHD include:

• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
• Tenex (guanfacine)
• Kapvay (clonidine ER)
• Catapres (clonidine)

In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe off-label options such as certain antidepressants like bupropion and desipramine for ADHD symptoms. They may be recommended when stimulants aren’t tolerated.

What’s the best generic Adderall? 

There’s no single best generic Adderall. All approved generics need to meet FDA standards for bioequivalence, which means they need to work the same as the brand-name drug. However, some people still report differences based on the manufacturer, probably due to the inactive ingredients they use, such as fillers or dyes. 

Manufacturers of generic Adderall may include the following:

• Elite Pharmaceuticals
• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Mallinckrodt (MK)
• Lannett Company
• Sandoz
• Rhodes Pharmaceuticals
• Aurobindo Pharma
• Prasco 
• Epic Pharma

If you search online, the reviews on these manufacturers are mixed. However, these reports are highly individual, and what works best for one person may not work the same for another.

Some patients may find that generics from certain manufacturers provide more beneficial effects than others. Others might notice more negative side effects or reduced effectiveness. 

Bottom line

If you experience changes after a refill, such as altered focus, mood, or side effects, it may be because your pharmacy has switched manufacturers. You can ask your pharmacist which manufacturer they carry, request a specific one if available, or have your healthcare provider write a note on your prescription for a specific manufacturer of the drug.