{"id":55293,"date":"2022-11-14T14:55:11","date_gmt":"2022-11-14T19:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=55293"},"modified":"2025-11-18T13:24:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T18:24:47","slug":"adderall-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/adderall-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Adderall alternatives for ADHD and narcolepsy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adderall<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>narcolepsy<\/span><\/a>. 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, <\/span>cost<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Vyvanse vs. Ritalin<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

What can I take instead of Adderall?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are looking for an Adderall alternative, other types of medications are available. The table below compares Adderall and <\/span>Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For narcolepsy, Adderall and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are not favored treatments unless other wakefulness-promoting drugs like <\/span>Provigil<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>modafinil<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Nuvigil<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>armodafinil<\/span><\/a>), <\/span>Sunosi<\/span><\/a> (solriamfetol), or Wakix (pitolisant) aren\u2019t working well or if cost is an issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Narcolepsy treatments and medications<\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Adderall alternatives cost comparison<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nPrice without insurance<\/b><\/td>\nSingleCare price<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adderall<\/span><\/a> (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$848 per 60, 20 mg tablets of generic Adderall<\/span><\/td>\n$27 per 60, 20 mg tablets of generic Adderall at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adderall XR (amphetamine-<\/span><\/a>dextroamphetamine<\/span><\/a> ER)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$343 per 30, 30 mg extended-release capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$29 per 30, 30 mg extended-release capsules of generic Adderall XR at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ritalin<\/span><\/a> (methylphenidate HCl)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$136 per 60, 20 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$23 per 60, 20 mg tablets of generic Ritalin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>lisdexamfetamine<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$558 for 30, 30 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$56 for 30, 30 mg capsules of generic Vyvanse at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atomoxetine<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$459 for 30, 40 mg capsules\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$27 for 30, 40 mg capsules of generic atomoxetine at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Intuniv<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(<\/span>guanfacine extended-release<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n

$368 for 30, 1 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$12 for 30, 1 mg tablets of generic Intuniv at Walmart<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clonidine ER<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$171 for 30, 0.1 mg tablets\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n$18 for 30, 0.1 mg tablets of generic clonidine ER at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mydayis (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$471 per 30, 50 mg extended-release capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$145 per 30, 50 mg extended-release capsules of generic Mydayis at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Concerta<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>methylphenidate HCl ER (Osm)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

)<\/span><\/td>\n

$639 for 30, 36 mg tablets.<\/span><\/td>\n$36 per 30, 36 mg tablets of generic Concerta at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Methylphenidate HCl ER (CD)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$248 for 30, 20 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$46 for 30, 20 mg capsules of generic methylphenidate CD at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Focalin<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>dexmethylphenidate<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$63 per 30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n$19 per 30, 10 mg tablets of generic Focalin at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Focalin XR<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>dexmethylphenidate ER<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n$490 for 30, 35 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$36 for 30, 10 mg capsules of generic Focalin XR at CVS<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quillivant XR<\/span><\/a> (methylphenidate ER oral suspension)<\/span><\/td>\n$479 for 1, 120 mL of 25 mg\/5 mL bottle<\/span><\/td>\n$340 for 1, 120 mL of 25 mg\/5 mL bottle of brand-name Quillivant XR at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Qelbree<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

(viloxazine ER)<\/span><\/td>\n

$531 for 30, 200 mg capsules<\/span><\/td>\n$358 for 30, 200 mg capsules of brand-name Qelbree at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nSee latest prices<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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 \u201cSavings options\u201d to see the latest drug prices.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\t\t

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

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

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tAdderall 20 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\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
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\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<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Adderall prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Top 5 Adderall alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Adderall.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Ritalin (methylphenidate)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ritalin<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Ritalin vs. Adderall<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>binge eating disorder<\/span><\/a> in adults. Doses are <\/span>taken once daily<\/span><\/a> as either an oral capsule or chewable tablet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>Vyvanse side effects<\/span><\/a> include appetite loss, anxiety, insomnia, fast heart rate, weight loss, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Like Adderall and Ritalin, <\/span>Vyvanse<\/span><\/a> contains a black box warning about abuse and dependence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Vyvanse vs. Adderall<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Atomoxetine<\/span><\/h3>\n

Formerly known as brand-name Strattera, atomoxetine is not a CNS stimulant like Adderall or methylphenidate. It is a <\/span>selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor<\/span><\/a>, a type of drug that can be used as an <\/span>antidepressant<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>once or twice daily<\/span><\/a>. It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that help increase focus and attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Strattera vs. Adderall<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

4. Intuniv (guanfacine extended-release)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Intuniv<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Intuniv include low blood pressure, sleepiness, fatigue, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, slow heart rate, and dry mouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Clonidine extended-release<\/span><\/h3>\n

Clonidine is a central alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist that treats high blood pressure. Taken by mouth <\/span>twice daily<\/span><\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common clonidine side effects include sleepiness, low blood pressure, fatigue, nightmares, dizziness, dry mouth, irritability, constipation, and decreased appetite.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter ADHD treatments<\/span><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>2014 study<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural alternatives to Adderall<\/span><\/h2>\n

The <\/span>recommended non-drug therapy for ADHD<\/span><\/a> 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\u2019s age:<\/span><\/p>\n