What is the generic pill for Adderall?: Understanding Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine

October 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Since its FDA approval in 1996 for ADHD and narcolepsy, Adderall has become a widely prescribed medication, with a generic version, amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, now commonly available as a more affordable alternative. This cost-effective option offers the same active ingredients and therapeutic effects as the brand-name drug.

Quick Summary

The generic form of Adderall is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. While offering the same therapeutic benefits, generic versions are significantly cheaper, though differences in inactive ingredients and manufacturers can exist. Both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) forms are available by prescription for treating ADHD and narcolepsy.

Key Points

Generic Name: The generic pill for Adderall is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, a combination of mixed amphetamine salts.
Active Ingredients: The generic and brand-name versions contain the exact same active ingredients, guaranteeing the same therapeutic function.
Cost Savings: Generic amphetamine-dextroamphetamine is considerably more affordable than brand-name Adderall, helping reduce patient costs.
Inactive Ingredients Vary: Generic versions may have different inactive ingredients, such as fillers and dyes, which can cause slightly different patient experiences.
Multiple Manufacturers: The generic is produced by several companies, and patients may receive products from different manufacturers between pharmacy fills.
FDA Bioequivalence: All generic versions are required to meet the FDA's bioequivalence standards, ensuring they perform comparably to the brand-name drug.
Available Forms: Both immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (XR) capsules are available in the generic formulation.

What is the Generic Pill for Adderall?

The generic pill for Adderall is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine salts, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant combining four amphetamine salts. It is prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Generic versions are bioequivalent to the brand-name drug, containing the same active ingredients and offering comparable clinical effects and safety.

How does amphetamine-dextroamphetamine work?

Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine increases brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters crucial for attention and impulse control. This helps reduce ADHD symptoms and improve wakefulness in narcolepsy. It is a controlled substance requiring a prescription.

Generic vs. Brand-Name: Key Differences

While active ingredients are identical, generics and brand-name Adderall differ in cost, appearance, inactive ingredients, and manufacturer(s). Generics are significantly cheaper, and their appearance can vary due to different inactive ingredients. Multiple companies produce the generic, while Teva Pharmaceuticals makes brand-name Adderall. If you notice changes after switching manufacturers, discuss it with your healthcare provider.

Forms and Administration

Both generic and brand-name amphetamine-dextroamphetamine come in immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (XR) capsules. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate form and dosage.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, stomach issues, anxiety, and nervousness. Serious side effects like heart problems, psychiatric issues, and a risk of misuse are less common but possible. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a potential for abuse.

Comparison of Adderall vs. Generic Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine


Feature	Brand-Name Adderall	Generic Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine
Active Ingredients	Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts	Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts
FDA Bioequivalence	Original drug, sets the standard	Must be bioequivalent to the original
Inactive Ingredients	Consistent, proprietary formula	Can vary between different manufacturers
Cost	Significantly more expensive	Substantially less expensive
Manufacturer(s)	Teva Pharmaceuticals	Multiple generic manufacturers (e.g., Teva, Prasco, Mallinckrodt)
Appearance	Consistent coloration and markings	Can vary in color, shape, and markings based on manufacturer

Conclusion

The generic pill for Adderall is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, a safe and effective treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy that is more affordable than the brand name. While the active ingredients are the same, differences in inactive ingredients and manufacturers can lead to variations in patient experience. It is crucial to discuss any concerns or changes with your healthcare provider. For more information, refer to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance on generic drugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The chemical name for Adderall is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine mixed salts. It contains a combination of four different amphetamine salts.

Yes, generic Adderall is considered just as effective as the brand name. The FDA requires all generic drugs to demonstrate bioequivalence, meaning they deliver the same amount of the active ingredient into the bloodstream in a similar timeframe.

Some people report perceived differences in effectiveness or side effects, which may be influenced by psychological factors or slight variations in inactive ingredients between generic versions. Since the brand-name product has a consistent inactive ingredient profile, some patients prefer it.

The main differences are cost, appearance, and inactive ingredients. Generic versions are much cheaper and may look different, while the active ingredients and therapeutic effects are the same.

Generic Adderall is significantly cheaper. For example, a 60-tablet supply of brand-name Adderall can cost over $800 without insurance, while the generic can be less than $30 with a discount card.

Yes, a switch is typically straightforward. Both medications have identical effects on the central nervous system. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes.

Yes, there are multiple generic manufacturers, including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Prasco, Mallinckrodt, and Sun Pharmaceuticals. Because each company uses different inactive ingredients, patient experiences may vary.

Common side effects include decreased appetite, insomnia (trouble sleeping), dry mouth, headaches, stomach pain, nervousness, and weight loss.