If you’re looking at treatment options for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may want to learn more about Adderall. It’s a prescription drug used to treat ADHD in adults and some children. It’s also prescribed to treat narcolepsy.

Adderall and Adderall XR both contain the same active ingredients. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Adderall is a drug you swallow. Adderall is released into your body over time in an extended-release capsule. This is also taken by mouth.

The cost of Adderall and Adderall XR is discussed in this article. You can read about the cost of these drugs and how to save money on prescriptions.

Note: For more details on Adderall, see this in-depth article.

The price you pay for Adderall can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use. To find out how much you’ll pay for Adderall, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Adderall. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss the drug in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the drug is covered. If Adderall requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Ask your insurance company if Adderall requires prior authorization.

There are answers to some frequently asked questions.

How much will my Adderall prescription cost without insurance?

“Adderall’s price can vary based on a number of factors, including the pharmacy you use.”

You can learn more about the cost of Adderall without insurance by talking to your doctor or pharmacist. You can find more information about lowering your prescription costs in the section titled “Can I get help paying for Adderall?”

Is the price of higher doses of Adderall or Adderall XR, such as the 30-mg and 25-mg strengths, more expensive than lower doses?

“Maybe. The price you pay for Adderall can be different, as can the amount you don’t pay for insurance. Your price is based on a few factors, including the pharmacy you use and your insurance coverage.”

Talk to your doctor, insurance provider, or pharmacy about the cost of Adderall.

Adderall is available as the generic drug combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered just as safe and effective as the original drug and usually costs less.

Talk to your doctor, pharmacy, or insurance provider to find out how Adderall and generic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine compare. They can give more information, such as the cost of Adderall.

If you have been prescribed Adderall and you are interested in using the generic version, you should talk to your doctor. You will need to check with your insurance provider to see if it will cover one drug or the other.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

“Years of research and testing are needed to make sure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. The drugs can be expensive if they are tested. The manufacturer of a drug can sell it for 20 years. Generic versions can be created by other drugmakers after that. The market can lead to lower prices for generics. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, so they don’t need to be studied again. This can lead to lower costs.”

If you take Adderall long term, you may be able to lower your cost by using a mail-order pharmacy. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help understanding your insurance, check out these websites.

You can find information on insurance, drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards on these sites.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

If you still have questions about the cost of Adderall, you can talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to give you a better idea of what you will pay. If you have health insurance, you need to talk to your insurance provider to find out the actual cost of Adderall.

You can ask your doctor or insurance provider questions.

  • “What are my options if I can’t afford Adderall?”
  • How much does Adderall cost compared to other drugs that could treat my condition?
  • Will my cost be affected by my Adderall dose?
  • How do costs for Adderall and Adderall XR compare?

For advice on managing your condition, sign up for Healthline’s ADHD newsletter.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.