Written by

Kristen Cramer

May 14, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Average Adderall cost

Adderall costs $220 to $1,200 per month for the brand-name version or $15 to $70 per month for the generic version without insurance, or as low as $0 to $60 per month with insurance. Adderall prices vary significantly depending on your insurance plan, the formulation, whether you choose brand-name or generic Adderall, and the dosage.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication that combines two central nervous system stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The drug works by increasing levels of certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine and dopamine, which play important roles in attention, alertness, and wakefulness.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Adderall in 1996. The medication is available in two main formulations:

• Immediate-release (IR): Typically lasts 4 to 6 hours per dose

• Extended-release (XR): Designed to last 8 to 12 hours with a single dose

What is Adderall used for?

Doctors prescribe Adderall to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy, a sleep disorder.

In individuals with ADHD, Adderall can help improve focus, increase attention span, and reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The medication can help patients feel calmer, more focused, and better able to concentrate on tasks.

For patients with narcolepsy, Adderall helps treat excessive daytime sleepiness and prevent sudden attacks of sleep.

What affects Adderall prices?

The following factors affect how much you'll pay for Adderall:

• Insurance coverage: Having health insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Adderall. Many insurance plans cover a portion of the cost, though coverage varies widely between plans. Many plans have quantity limits or require prior authorization from your healthcare provider.

• Brand vs. generic: Generic versions of Adderall cost much less than brand-name versions. The active ingredients are the same, making generics a cost-effective alternative for many patients.

• Immediate vs. Extended release: Extended-release formulations (Adderall XR) often cost more than immediate-release versions (Adderall IR). However, since XR formulations last longer (up to 12 hours compared to 4 to 6 hours for IR), patients may need fewer doses per day, potentially offsetting some of the price difference.

• Dosage: Adderall is available in strengths ranging from 5mg to 30mg, and the prescribed strength affects the overall cost. Higher dosages generally cost more than lower dosages.

• Discount coupons: Pharmacy discount programs like GoodRx, RxSaver, and SingleCare can help reduce costs, especially for those without insurance. However, these discount coupons replace your insurance, meaning the amount you pay at the pharmacy does not contribute to your annual deductible or out-of-pocket maximums.

Adderall FAQs

How long does Adderall last?

Immediate-release (IR) Adderall lasts 4 to 6 hours, often requiring multiple doses throughout the day for full coverage. Extended-release (XR) Adderall is designed to last much longer, with effects lasting 8 to 12 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.

Both formulations begin working within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication. For Adderall IR, peak effects usually occur 2 to 3 hours after taking the tablet, while Adderall XR reaches peak effects 4 to 7 hours after use.

How long does Adderall stay in your system?

Adderall has a half-life of approximately 9 to 14 hours, meaning it takes that long for your body to eliminate half of the drug. It takes about 2 to 3 days for Adderall to completely leave your system. However, detection times vary by test type:

• Urine tests can detect Adderall for 1 to 5 days after the last dose.

• Blood tests can detect Adderall for up to 46 hours.

• Saliva tests can detect Adderall for 24 to 48 hours.

• Hair tests can detect Adderall use for up to 90 days.

Several factors affect detection times, including dosage, frequency of use, body composition, metabolic rate, kidney and liver function, and urine pH levels.

Is Adderall addictive?

Adderall may be habit-forming and has a high potential for abuse when used in ways other than its intended purpose.

Consistent use can lead to tolerance, meaning patients may eventually need higher doses to achieve the same effects. Abrupt discontinuation after regular use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, increased appetite, and sleep disturbances.

Can you overdose on Adderall?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Adderall, especially when taken in doses higher than prescribed or in ways not intended (such as crushing and snorting). Adderall overdose can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

Signs of Adderall overdose may include high blood pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat, hyperthermia (high body temperature), agitation, hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, heart attack, stroke, or death.

Is Adderall a controlled substance?

Yes, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This classification indicates that while Adderall has accepted medical uses, it also has a high potential for abuse.

Due to this classification, there are strict regulations regarding Adderall prescriptions. In many places, pharmacies cannot provide the medication without a new prescription from a doctor each month, and there may be limits on the quantity doctors can prescribe at one time.

Is Adderall bad for you?

When taken as prescribed under proper medical supervision, Adderall is generally considered safe and effective for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. However, like all medications, there are potential risks and side effects:

• Common side effects include as insomnia, headache, decreased appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and nervousness.

• More serious side effects can include heart problems, mental health issues like mania, and circulation problems.

Using Adderall without a prescription or taking it in ways other than prescribed can be dangerous and increases the risk of serious side effects and addiction.

Does Adderall help with anxiety or depression?

Adderall is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety or depression. However, in some cases, patients may use Adderall off-label as an adjunctive treatment for treatment-resistant depression, under the close supervision of a healthcare provider.

For individuals with ADHD who also experience anxiety or depression as secondary conditions, treating the ADHD with Adderall may help improve these symptoms by addressing the underlying attention and focus issues. However, this varies by individual, and in some cases, stimulants like Adderall could potentially worsen anxiety symptoms.