A common point of confusion for many patients is the visual difference between brand-name Adderall and its generic counterparts. Although the active ingredients—a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts—are identical and regulated by the FDA, the inactive ingredients, shape, color, and imprints can vary greatly. These visual cues are crucial for identifying your medication correctly and for spotting potentially counterfeit products.
Generic Adderall vs. Brand-Name: Key Differences
The fundamental difference between generic and brand-name medication is the non-medicinal ingredients. The inactive components can change the appearance without altering the therapeutic effect. For Adderall, this most notably affects the imprints on the tablets and capsules, as well as the specific shades and combinations of colors used.
Imprint Codes
- Brand-name Adderall IR (Immediate-Release): Often imprinted with "AD" on one side and the dosage on the other, such as "AD 10" for 10mg.
- Generic Adderall IR: The imprint varies by manufacturer. Teva Pharmaceuticals, a major producer, uses "dp" on its tablets instead of "AD." For example, a Teva-manufactured 10mg tablet is imprinted "dp 10". Other generic makers use different codes or their company logo.
- Brand-name Adderall XR (Extended-Release): Features the word "Adderall XR" and the dosage on the capsule.
- Generic Adderall XR: Imprints typically include the manufacturer's name or code and the dosage, like "SHIRE 381 10mg" for one generic version.
Colors and Shapes
While generic manufacturers often mimic the general color scheme of brand-name Adderall to indicate dosage, there can be subtle variations in shade. For example, a generic 30mg tablet might be a darker orange than the brand version. The overall shape (round, oval, or capsule) is generally consistent with the formulation (IR or XR), but minor differences in size or beveling may be present.
Generic Adderall IR Tablet Appearance by Manufacturer
The appearance of generic instant-release tablets depends on the company that produced them. Here are examples for common dosages manufactured by Teva/Barr Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz, based on imprint codes and visual characteristics:
- 5mg: A round, white tablet. Teva/Barr often imprints "dp 5." Sandoz may use different codes.
- 7.5mg: An oval, blue tablet. Teva/Barr typically imprints "dp 7.5." Other generic versions may be slightly different shades of blue.
- 10mg: A round, blue tablet. Teva/Barr usually imprints "dp 10." A different manufacturer might have an imprint like "e 502".
- 12.5mg: A round, peach-colored tablet. A Teva/Barr-produced version might have the imprint "dp 12.5".
- 15mg: An oval, orange tablet. Teva/Barr versions may have "dp 15".
- 20mg: A round, orange tablet. Teva/Barr imprints "dp 20," while a brand-name version has "AD 20".
- 30mg: A round or oval orange tablet, which may be a darker or lighter shade depending on the generic manufacturer. Teva imprints "dp 30.".
Generic Adderall XR Capsule Appearance
Generic extended-release capsules also vary by manufacturer. Like the brand-name version, they are designed to release medication slowly over time and often have a two-toned appearance, with one side opaque and the other transparent.
Here are some examples of what to expect:
- 5mg: Often a blue and clear capsule, showing the internal beads. Imprints will vary by manufacturer.
- 10mg: A blue capsule (may be two different shades of blue). A common generic imprint is "SHIRE 381" with the dosage.
- 15mg: Typically a blue and white capsule.
- 20mg: An orange capsule. Some generic versions may be slightly different shades of orange.
- 25mg: Often an orange and white capsule.
- 30mg: An orange and clear capsule, revealing the beads inside.
Comparison Table: Brand vs. Generic Adderall Appearance
| Feature | Brand-Name Adderall (IR) | Generic Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine (IR, e.g., Teva) |
|---|---|---|
| Imprint | "AD" + dosage (e.g., AD 10) | Varies by manufacturer (e.g., "dp" + dosage for Teva) |
| Color | Consistent per dosage (e.g., orange 20mg, blue 10mg) | Follows same color scheme but can have slight variations in shade |
| Shape | Round or oval, depending on dosage | Same general shape, but minor size/beveling differences can occur |
| Price | Typically higher | Often more affordable |
How to Ensure You Have the Right Medication
With visual variations being common, it's crucial to verify you have the correct prescription, especially if you have a new or refilled bottle. The National Drug Code (NDC), printed on the prescription bottle label and the manufacturer's packaging, is the best identifier. You can also use online pill identifier tools provided by reputable sources like the FDA or Drugs.com. These databases can match your medication by shape, color, and imprint code, eliminating confusion and reducing the risk of taking incorrect medication.
Conclusion
Knowing what a generic Adderall looks like is key for medication safety. While the active ingredients are the same as the brand-name version, differences in color, shape, and imprint are normal and should not cause alarm, provided the prescription came from a legitimate pharmacy. It is vital to pay close attention to these identifiers, especially the manufacturer's specific imprint code, to confirm you have the correct medication and to protect yourself from counterfeit products. Always consult your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your medication's appearance.
Visit Drugs.com's Pill Identifier to confirm your pill's identity by searching for its specific markings.
