{"id":10052,"date":"2020-03-26T08:43:06","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T12:43:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=10052"},"modified":"2026-10-14T22:35:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T02:35:11","slug":"adderall-vs-adderall-xr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/adderall-vs-adderall-xr\/","title":{"rendered":"Adderall vs. Adderall XR: Differences, similarities, and which one is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you or your child has been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), your healthcare provider may recommend a stimulant medication to boost neurotransmitters that improve focus and alertness. Adderall<\/a> (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) is a popular prescription drug that is available in different forms. Depending on your condition, a healthcare provider may prescribe Adderall or Adderall XR. Both forms of Adderall contain the same active ingredients and work in much the same way. However, they have differences in formulation as well as how soon you experience their effects and how long those effects last.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\tSave up to 80% on Adderall with SingleCare\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\tDifferent pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAdderall 20 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAdderall XR 30 mg (30 Capsules)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Walgreens\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$24.70\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

What are the main differences between Adderall and Adderall XR?<\/h2>\n

The main difference between Adderall and Adderall XR<\/a> is that Adderall is an immediate-release drug and Adderall XR is an extended-release drug. This means that the active ingredients, a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine<\/a>, are released more slowly over time with Adderall XR and more quickly with regular Adderall.<\/p>\n

Sometimes called Adderall IR, immediate-release Adderall usually needs to be taken multiple times per day, whereas Adderall XR can be taken once daily. That’s because the effects of Adderall last for around four to six hours, while those of Adderall XR can last up to 12 hours. Some people may prefer the shorter-acting effects of regular Adderall, especially if they only want to manage symptoms during work or school.<\/p>\n

Another difference is that Adderall comes as an oral tablet while Adderall XR is an oral capsule. Adderall tablets can often be split or crushed and mixed with food. Adderall XR capsules are typically swallowed whole, but they can be opened, allowing a person to sprinkle and mix the beads with applesauce.<\/p>\n

Regular Adderall is available in more strengths than Adderall XR. Adderall is available in strengths of 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg, while Adderall XR is available in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Compare Adderall vs. Adderall XR key differences<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Difference\/Similarity<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall XR<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Active ingredients<\/b><\/td>\nAmphetamine and dextroamphetamine (mixed salts)<\/td>\nAmphetamine and dextroamphetamine (mixed salts)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Release type<\/b><\/td>\nImmediate-release<\/td>\nExtended-release<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form<\/b><\/td>\nTablet<\/td>\nCapsule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dosing frequency<\/b><\/td>\n1\u20133 times per day<\/td>\nOnce daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Duration of effect<\/b><\/td>\nAbout 4\u20136 hours<\/td>\nAbout 12 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FDA-approved uses<\/b><\/td>\nADHD, narcolepsy<\/td>\nADHD only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ages approved for<\/b><\/td>\nADHD: 3 years and older<\/p>\n

Narcolepsy: 6 years and older<\/td>\n

6 years and older<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by Adderall vs. Adderall XR<\/h2>\n

Both forms of Adderall are FDA approved to treat ADHD. However, immediate-release Adderall is also approved to treat narcolepsy<\/a> in people 6 years and older. This sleep disorder involves excessive daytime drowsiness and sudden sleep attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Compare Adderall vs. Adderall XR conditions treated<\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall XR<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Narcolepsy<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Adderall vs. Adderall XR<\/h2>\n

Adderall and Adderall XR have similar side effects: trouble sleeping, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, nervousness or anxiety, and nausea. The main differences are how quickly the side effects start and how long they last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Compare Adderall vs. Adderall XR side effects<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Side effect<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall XR<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Onset<\/b><\/td>\nFaster, more noticeable onset per dose<\/td>\nSlower, smoother onset<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Appetite suppression<\/b><\/td>\nCommon<\/td>\nCommon; may last longer throughout the day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Trouble sleeping<\/b><\/td>\nPossible, but most likely when doses are taken closer to bedtime<\/td>\nPossible, since effects can last longer into the evening<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
“Adderall crash” as the dose wears off<\/b><\/td>\nCan happen multiple times per day between doses<\/td>\nTypically only happens once per day as the dose wears off close to bedtime<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Increased heart rate\/blood pressure<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your healthcare provider to learn more. Source: DailyMed (<\/i>Adderall<\/i><\/a>), DailyMed (<\/i>Adderall XR<\/i><\/a>)\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Compared to other ADHD medications like Ritalin (methylphenidate), amphetamines have a greater chance of decreasing appetite<\/a>. Other side effects may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, agitation, dizziness, and headache.<\/p>\n

Adderall and Adderall XR can also increase heart rate and blood pressure. These side effects may be more serious for those with preexisting heart or blood pressure problems.<\/p>\n

Both Adderall and Adderall XR also have a boxed warning on their labels for abuse, misuse, and addiction. Both are Schedule II controlled substances. Therefore, it\u2019s important to only take these medications as prescribed.<\/p>\n

Switching between Adderall and Adderall XR<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s possible and relatively straightforward to switch between Adderall and Adderall XR. However, the switch should always be made by a healthcare provider, never on your own. Although prescription products contain the same active ingredients, you’ll still need a new prescription.<\/p>\n

Switching from immediate-release Adderall to Adderall XR is usually a direct conversion. In other words, people who take multiple doses of immediate-release Adderall can take the same total daily dose of Adderall XR taken once in the morning.<\/p>\n

Still, a healthcare provider may want to personalize the dosage. They may prescribe the lowest effective dose and gradually increase it over time, depending on how you feel. If you\u2019re being switched to regular Adderall from Adderall XR, there\u2019s no set conversion. However, the total dose will likely be split across the day.<\/p>\n

Insurance coverage and cost<\/h2>\n

Adderall costs about $916 for 60, 20 mg immediate-release tablets without insurance<\/a> or discounts. Adderall XR costs about $339 for 30, 30 mg capsules. A SingleCare prescription discount card<\/a> may help you save on the retail cost of your prescription medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Compare Adderall vs. Adderall XR insurance coverage and cost<\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Coverage\/cost<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall<\/b><\/td>\nAdderall XR<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, although prior authorization may be required, and quantity limits are common for stimulants<\/td>\nYes, although prior authorization may be required, and quantity limits are common for stimulants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Generic available?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, amphetamine-dextroamphetamine<\/td>\nYes, amphetamine-dextroamphetamine ER<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare?<\/b><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retail price without insurance<\/b><\/td>\n$916 for 60, 20 mg immediate-release tablets<\/td>\n$339 for 30, 30 mg capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$27 for 60, 20 mg immediate-release tablets at Kroger or Harris Teeter<\/td>\n$26 for 30, 30 mg capsules at Walgreens<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How to save<\/b><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The cost of brand-name and generic Adderall and Adderall XR varies by pharmacy and location. It\u2019s common for insurance plans to require prior authorization<\/a> for stimulants due to controlled-substance<\/a> regulations, which can delay coverage. A SingleCare coupon for Adderall or Adderall XR can help lower the out-of-pocket costs of your medication at the pharmacy counter, which can be helpful if you have to take on the total costs while waiting for insurance to approve coverage.<\/p>\n

Which is better: Adderall or Adderall XR?<\/h2>\n

Adderall and Adderall XR contain the same active ingredients that can help treat symptoms of ADHD. Because ADHD treatment is personalized to your specific symptoms and response, either form of Adderall may work for you. That said, extended-release Adderall has some benefits that immediate-release Adderall doesn’t.<\/p>\n

For example, Adderall XR may be better for people who:<\/p>\n