Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER) alternatives: What can I take instead of Adderall XR?

Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER) doesn't work for everyone. Mydayis, Vyvanse, Adzenys XR, Dyanavel XR, and Xelstrym are some Adderall XR alternatives. Get the full list here.

By Stephanie Melby, Pharm.D. | Sep. 8, 2023

Adderall XR (extended-release) is a brand-name prescription medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also available as a generic medicine called amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER. Adderall XR contains a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts and only needs to be taken once a day as it usually lasts between eight and 12 hours. Adderall XR is a central nervous system stimulant (CNS) that increases the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. The increase in these brain chemicals leads to an improvement in focus and a reduction in impulsive behavior. Stimulant drugs can be beneficial for treating ADHD, as people often experience inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness symptoms. This medication is also available in an immediate-release form called Adderall, which can treat daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. Adderall XR is available as capsules that can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on applesauce.

While an effective treatment of ADHD for some people, Adderall XR may not be the best and safest treatment for everyone managing ADHD. Stimulants like Adderall have a boxed warning for abuse potential and cardiovascular events such as strokes, heart attacks, and heart rate disorders. Misuse of Adderall XR can increase the risk of overdose and other complications. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a history of drug abuse may need a different treatment plan.

Some people prefer short-acting stimulants over long-acting ones, while others prefer certain stimulant formulations like dissolvable tablets or oral liquids. Psychotherapies may be preferred for some people over medication or used in combination with medication treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness meditation can help people treat self-management like time management or organization, and social or emotional self-regulation is important for maintaining mental health.

What can I take in place of Adderall XR?

Other options are available for treating ADHD that do not improve with Adderall XR. These alternative prescription medications include different types of stimulants and non-stimulants. The non-stimulant alternatives include norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and antidepressant medicines. These options may be more suitable for certain individuals due to their different uses, side effect profiles, dosages, and costs.

Compare Adderall XR (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER) alternatives
Drug name	Uses	Dosage	Savings options
Adderall XR (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)	ADHD	Take 10 to 20 mg by mouth once daily	Adderall XR coupons
Adzenys XR (amphetamine)	ADHD	Take 12.5 mg by mouth once daily	Adzenys XR coupons
Aptensio XR (methylphenidate)	ADHD	Take 10 to 60 mg by mouth once daily	Aptensio XR coupons
Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate)	ADHD	Take 39.2 mg/7.8 mg to 52.3 mg/10.4 mg by mouth once daily	Azstarys coupons
Concerta (methylphenidate)	ADHD	Take 18 to 72 mg by mouth once daily	Concerta coupons
Daytrana (methylphenidate)	ADHD	Apply one patch (10 to 30 mg) to skin once daily for 9 hours, then remove for 15 hours	Daytrana coupons
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)	-ADHD –Narcolepsy	Take 5 to 60 mg by mouth once daily or in divided doses	Dexedrine coupons
Dyanavel XR (amphetamine)	ADHD	Take 2.5 to 20 mg by mouth once daily	Dyanavel XR coupons
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)	ADHD	Take 10 to 40 mg by mouth once daily	Focalin XR coupons
Jornay PM (methylphenidate)	ADHD	Take 20 to 100 mg by mouth once daily in the evening	Jornay PM coupons
Methylphenidate ER	ADHD	Take 20 to 60 mg by mouth once daily	Methylphenidate ER coupons
Mydayis (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)	ADHD	Take 12.5 to 50 mg by mouth once daily	Mydayis coupons
Quillivant ER (methylphenidate)	ADHD	Take 20 to 60 mg by mouth once daily	Quillivant ER coupons
Ritalin LA (methylphenidate)	ADHD	Take 20 to 40 mg by mouth once daily	Ritalin LA coupons
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)	-ADHD -Binge Eating Disorder	Take 30 to 70 mg by mouth once daily	Vyvanse coupons
Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)	ADHD	Apply one patch (9 to 18 mg) to the skin once daily for 9 hours, then remove for 15 hours	Xelstrym coupons

Other alternatives to Adderall XR

Other alternatives to treat ADHD include short- or immediate-acting stimulants that need to be taken more than once a day. For people seeking alternatives to stimulants, other prescription medications can be used for ADHD:

Stimulants:

Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine mixed salts)
Cotempla XR-ODT (methylphenidate)
Dextroamphetamine
Evekeo (amphetamine)
Evekeo ODT (amphetamine)
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Methylin (methylphenidate)
ProCentra (dextroamphetamine)
Relexxii (methylphenidate)
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine)

Non-stimulants:

Intuniv (guanfacine ER)
Kapvay (clonidine ER)
Pamelor (nortriptyline)
Qelbree (viloxazine)
Strattera (atomoxetine)
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion)
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)

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 a little longer throughout the day. This ADHD medication can last up to 16 hours compared to the eight to 12-hour duration of Adderall XR. Mydayis has similar common side effects as Adderall XR, including headache, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, decreased appetite, weight loss, and anxiety. Mydayis may be a suitable alternative for people who have had success with amphetamine and dextroamphetamine combinations for ADHD but need their medication to last longer throughout the day. Mydayis is available as a capsule taken once a day and can be sprinkled on applesauce for those who have difficulty swallowing medication whole.

2. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is a brand-name stimulant medication that contains lisdexamfetamine. Along with treating ADHD, Vyvanse can treat binge eating disorder. The ingredient in Vyvanse, lisdexamfetamine, is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine. A prodrug breaks down inside the body and converts into an active drug. This leads to possible advantages such as less risk of food and drug interactions and a lower potential for abuse or diversion. Common adverse effects of Vyvanse include decreased appetite, dry mouth, insomnia, agitation, and anxiety. This alternative lasts about 10 hours and has a similar duration of effect as Adderall XR. Vyvanse may be a great alternative for those who have not had enough improvements in ADHD symptoms with Adderall XR. Vyvanse is taken once a day and is available as capsules and chewable tablets.

3. Adzenys XR (amphetamine)

Adzenys XR is a brand-name stimulant medication that contains only amphetamine. Adzenys XR comprises just one of the two amphetamine salts in Adderall XR. Like Adderall XR, Adzenys XR lasts 8 to 12 hours daily. Adzenys XR may be an excellent alternative for young children and adolescents as it is an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that disintegrates on the tongue and has an orange flavor. The packaging can also be convenient as the tablets come in portable blister packs for those on the go. Adzenys XR shares similar common side effects as Adderall XR and is taken once a day.

4. Dyanavel XR (amphetamine)

Dyanavel XR is a stimulant medication made only of amphetamine. Like Adzenys XR, Dyanavel XR comprises just one of the two amphetamine salts in Adderall XR. Dyanavel XR can last even longer than Adderall XR during the day, lasting up to 13 hours. Dyanavel XR is a tablet that can be chewed or swallowed whole and a liquid suspension. This alternative may be well-suited for children or people who have difficulty swallowing. Adzenys is taken once a day and has similar adverse effects as Adderall XR.

5. Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)

Xelstrym is a brand-name stimulant medication containing only dextroamphetamine. Xelstrym comprises just one of the two amphetamine salts in Adderall XR. This alternative can last between 9 to 12 hours. The dosage form of Xelstrym is unique as it is a topical patch worn for 9 hours daily. The patch delivers the ADHD medicine through the skin and bypasses liver metabolism. People can apply the patch to various places on the body, such as the hip, upper arm, chest, upper back, or flank. Because of the application to the skin, Xelstrym has some unique side effects, including application site pain, irritation, and itching. This may be a suitable alternative for people who have trouble taking medicine by mouth or need to protect the liver from potential damage. Xelstrym is applied to the skin once a day.

Natural alternatives to Adderall XR

Natural Adderall alternatives include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and natural supplements to help manage ADHD symptoms and support brain health.

Psychotherapies may be preferred for certain people over medication or used in combination with prescription drugs. Some examples of psychotherapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness meditation, which can improve inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. A clinical study showed that people treated with both ADHD medication and CBT experienced a more significant reduction of ADHD symptoms than people treated with medication alone.

Lifestyle and diet modifications may significantly increase the risk of developing or aggravating ADHD symptoms. A clinical review demonstrated that altered levels of nutrients, such as vitamin D, iron, magnesium, zinc, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), have also been associated with the aggravation and progression of ADHD. A healthy diet with these nutrients can help with proper blood flow, improving brain function and cognitive performance. If dietary changes are not enough to increase the levels of these nutrients, dietary supplements may be recommended to improve cognitive function.

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, the prescribing doctor must know all medical conditions. Some alternatives should be used with caution or avoided with certain medical conditions.

2. Do not suddenly stop taking Adderall XR without medical advice

Only stop taking Adderall XR if the prescribing doctor has been consulted and decided stopping the medication is safe. If Adderall XR is stopped suddenly, there may be symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, fatigue, tiredness, agitation, and depression. It’s important for a therapy plan to be established before stopping Adderall XR suddenly. The Adderall XR dose should be gradually reduced rather than stopping abruptly whenever possible.

3. Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications with a healthcare provider

Before switching from Adderall XR to an alternative, the prescribing doctor must review a patient’s medication list, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) meds. Some alternatives have dangerous drug interactions that must be avoided.

4. Continue cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) if part of the treatment plan

It’s crucial for people treating ADHD to continue to follow their therapy treatment plan after a medication change. CBT can help provide strategies and skills for coping with the main symptoms of ADHD, like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Therapy can also help manage ADHD-related impairment in social, work, and educational settings.