Understanding What Are the Four Types of Adderall: A Comprehensive Guide

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and dependence. For those prescribed this medication for ADHD or narcolepsy, understanding exactly what are the four types of Adderall is crucial for safe and effective use, especially when navigating its different formulations.

Quick Summary

Adderall contains a combination of four specific amphetamine salts and is available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations. Mydayis is another similar extended-release option, and each version has distinct dosing schedules and durations of action.

Key Points

The Four Salts: The "four types" of Adderall technically refers to the four specific amphetamine salts (dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate, and amphetamine sulfate) that compose its active ingredient.
Immediate-Release (IR): Adderall IR is a tablet with a fast onset and short duration (4-6 hours), often requiring multiple daily doses for continuous effect.
Extended-Release (XR): Adderall XR is a capsule with a dual-bead system that provides a once-daily dose lasting up to 12 hours, offering steady symptom control.
Mydayis: Mydayis is another extended-release capsule formulation containing the same four salts but engineered for an even longer duration of up to 16 hours, taken once daily.
Choice Factors: The best formulation depends on individual needs, schedule, and response to medication, with IR offering flexibility and XR/Mydayis providing convenience and prolonged effect.
Medical Guidance is Vital: Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for determining the most appropriate form and dosage, considering factors like age, potential side effects, and risk of dependence.

Adderall is a prescription central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used primarily to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Its therapeutic effect comes from a specific mixture of four amphetamine salts, resulting in a 3:1 ratio of dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine. This blend of salts is key to the question "What are the four types of Adderall?", referring to these active ingredients rather than different drug products. These salts are formulated into different medications with varying release mechanisms.

The four amphetamine salts in Adderall

The active ingredients that make up Adderall are four specific amphetamine salts. This combination, unique to Adderall, includes:

Dextroamphetamine saccharate
Dextroamphetamine sulfate
Amphetamine aspartate
Amphetamine sulfate

This blend of dextro- and levoamphetamine isomers contributes to Adderall's distinct pharmacological profile and therapeutic effects.

The primary formulations: IR and XR

A common misunderstanding of "What are the four types of Adderall?" relates to the formulations, not the salts. Adderall is primarily available as immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations, designed for different durations of action.

Adderall immediate-release (IR)

Adderall IR is an uncoated tablet providing a rapid but short-acting effect. It typically works within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 4 to 6 hours. Due to its shorter duration, it often requires multiple daily doses. It is approved for ADHD and narcolepsy in adults and children aged 3 and older.

Adderall extended-release (XR)

Adderall XR is a capsule with a dual-bead system for longer-lasting effects. It releases half the dose immediately and the other half about four hours later. This results in effects lasting up to 10 to 12 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. It's approved for ADHD in individuals aged 6 and older.

An alternative extended-release option: Mydayis

Mydayis also contains the same four amphetamine salts as Adderall but features a triple-bead delivery system for an even longer duration. Taken once daily, Mydayis can last up to 16 hours and is approved for ADHD in patients aged 13 and older.

Comparison of Adderall formulations and Mydayis


Feature	Adderall Immediate-Release (IR)	Adderall Extended-Release (XR)	Mydayis (Mixed Amphetamine Salts ER)
Active Ingredients	Four amphetamine salts	Four amphetamine salts	Four amphetamine salts
Release Mechanism	Immediate	Dual-bead delivery	Triple-bead delivery
Duration of Action	4 to 6 hours	Up to 12 hours	Up to 16 hours
Dosing Frequency	2 to 3 times daily	Once daily	Once daily
Starting Age (ADHD)	Age 3+	Age 6+	Age 13+
Approved For Narcolepsy	Yes	No, though sometimes used off-label	No
Available Strengths	Available in various strengths	Available in various strengths	Available in various strengths

Choosing the right formulation

Choosing the appropriate formulation involves considering individual needs, lifestyle, and how one responds to the medication. Adderall IR offers flexibility in timing and dosage, which can be useful for managing symptoms at specific times or for conditions like narcolepsy. Extended-release options like Adderall XR and Mydayis provide convenience with once-daily dosing and sustained symptom control, potentially avoiding the "crash" associated with shorter-acting formulas. Side effects such as heart issues, insomnia, and appetite loss are possible with all formulations, although their duration may vary with the release mechanism. A healthcare provider will evaluate these factors, along with age and medical history, to determine the best treatment.

Conclusion

The query "What are the four types of Adderall?" often refers to the four amphetamine salts that are its active ingredients, not distinct drug products. These salts form the basis of different formulations: immediate-release (IR), extended-release (XR), and the ultra-long-acting Mydayis. Each formulation has unique characteristics regarding duration of action, dosing, and approved uses. Selecting the correct option requires careful evaluation of individual needs and consultation with a healthcare professional.

For more detailed prescribing information and FDA-approved medication guides, you can visit a trusted resource like MedlinePlus.gov, which offers comprehensive information on prescription drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in their release mechanism and duration. Adderall IR is an immediate-release tablet that lasts for 4 to 6 hours, while Adderall XR is an extended-release capsule with a dual-bead system that provides effects for up to 12 hours.

Yes, Mydayis contains the same four amphetamine salts as Adderall. However, its extended-release formulation is designed to last longer—up to 16 hours—compared to Adderall XR's maximum of 12 hours.

For all-day symptom management with a single morning dose, Adderall XR or Mydayis would be the most suitable options due to their extended-release properties, which last for up to 12 and 16 hours, respectively.

Yes, Adderall IR is FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder causing excessive daytime sleepiness. Its rapid onset can be beneficial for managing sudden sleep attacks.

Generic versions are available for both Adderall IR and Adderall XR, but the longer-acting Mydayis may have fewer generic alternatives or a higher cost.

The four amphetamine salts—dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate, and amphetamine sulfate—create a unique 3:1 ratio of dextro- to levoamphetamine. This blend provides a specific therapeutic effect that distinguishes Adderall from other stimulant medications.

No. Different Adderall formulations have different dosing schedules, durations, and approved age ranges. You should never switch between formulations without consulting your doctor, who will adjust the dosage and monitor your progress.