Cost Is an Adherence Problem

When a patient can't afford their medication, they don't take it. For patients prescribed Amphetamine for ADHD, cost-related nonadherence is a real and growing concern — especially in 2026, when the ongoing Amphetamine shortage has pushed some patients toward more expensive formulations or brand-name products simply because that's what's available.

As a prescriber, you're in a unique position to help. This guide covers what your patients are actually paying, the savings programs available, and how to integrate cost conversations into your clinical workflow.

What Patients Are Actually Paying

The cost of Amphetamine varies widely depending on formulation, insurance status, and pharmacy:

• Generic Amphetamine mixed salts IR (30 tablets): $13–$60 with a discount coupon; $80–$250 cash price without coupons
• Generic Amphetamine mixed salts XR (30 capsules): $17–$80 with a coupon; $100–$300 cash price
• Brand Adderall XR: $350–$450+ cash price
• Brand Mydayis: $350–$500+ cash price
• Brand Adzenys XR-ODT / Dyanavel XR: $300–$450+ cash price

Patients with commercial insurance typically pay $10–$50 for generic formulations on Tier 2. However, prior authorization requirements, step therapy mandates (often requiring a trial of Methylphenidate first), and formulary exclusions can create barriers even for insured patients.

Uninsured and underinsured patients face the steepest costs, and the shortage has made it harder to shop around for the best price since availability often dictates which pharmacy they use.

Manufacturer Savings Programs

Unlike many brand-name medications, generic Amphetamine mixed salts don't have manufacturer-sponsored savings cards. However, several brand-name formulations do:

Mydayis (Takeda)

Takeda offers a savings card for commercially insured patients. Eligible patients may pay as little as $30 per fill. The program typically excludes government-insured patients (Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare). Details at mydayis.com.

Adzenys XR-ODT (Neos Therapeutics)

Neos Therapeutics offers copay assistance for Adzenys XR-ODT. This can be useful for pediatric patients who need an orally disintegrating formulation. Check adzenys.com for current offers.

Dyanavel XR (Tris Pharma)

Tris Pharma has offered savings programs for Dyanavel XR, the extended-release liquid suspension. This formulation is sometimes easier to find during the shortage and may be appropriate for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.

For patients on generics (the majority), savings come primarily from third-party coupon programs rather than manufacturers.

Coupon and Discount Cards

Third-party discount programs can dramatically reduce the out-of-pocket cost for uninsured and underinsured patients — and sometimes even for insured patients whose copays are high. The most widely used programs include:

• GoodRx — Free coupons that can reduce generic Amphetamine mixed salts to as low as $13–$30 for a 30-day supply. Accepted at most chain pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
• SingleCare — Similar savings to GoodRx. Often has competitive pricing at different pharmacies.
• RxSaver — Price comparison tool with printable coupons.
• Optum Perks — Formerly SearchRx. Offers discounts at participating pharmacies.
• BuzzRx — Free discount card with no membership required.

These programs are free for patients to use and require no enrollment or income verification. You can recommend them directly or have your front desk staff keep printed information available.

Important note: Discount coupons cannot be combined with insurance. Patients should compare their insurance copay with the coupon price and use whichever is lower.

For a comprehensive patient-facing guide, direct your patients to our article on how to save money on Amphetamine.

Patient Assistance Programs

For patients who are uninsured or facing significant financial hardship, patient assistance programs (PAPs) may provide medication at no cost:

• Teva Cares Foundation — Provides select Teva-manufactured medications at no cost to qualifying patients. Since Teva is a major generic Amphetamine manufacturer, eligible patients may benefit. Income requirements apply.
• Takeda Patient Assistance — Provides brand Mydayis to qualifying uninsured patients.
• NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) — Database of patient assistance programs, discount drug cards, and other cost-saving resources.
• RxAssist (rxassist.org) — Comprehensive directory of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs.

These programs typically require documentation of income and insurance status. Processing times vary from days to several weeks, so early referral is important.

Generic Alternatives and Therapeutic Substitution

Prescribing generics is the single most impactful cost-saving strategy for most patients. Key considerations:

Generic Amphetamine Mixed Salts

Generic versions of Adderall IR and Adderall XR are manufactured by Teva, Sandoz, and other companies. They contain the same active ingredients and are FDA-rated as therapeutically equivalent to the brand. Generic IR can cost as little as $13 with a coupon — a fraction of brand pricing.

Formulation Flexibility

During the shortage, certain strengths and formulations may be unavailable. Consider whether a patient could use:

• Two lower-strength tablets to achieve the same total dose
• IR formulations if XR is unavailable (with appropriate dosing adjustments)
• A different manufacturer's generic if one is in stock

Therapeutic Alternatives

If Amphetamine is consistently unavailable or unaffordable, consider therapeutic substitution:

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — First-line alternative stimulant. Generic Methylphenidate is widely available and often cheaper.
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) — Prodrug of Dextroamphetamine. Now available as a generic (as of 2023), which has significantly reduced cost.
• Atomoxetine (Strattera) — Non-stimulant option. Generic available. Good for patients with substance abuse history or anxiety comorbidity.
• Viloxazine (Qelbree) — Newer non-stimulant option. Brand-only, so cost is higher.

For more detail, see our guide on alternatives to Amphetamine.

Building Cost Conversations Into Your Workflow

Many patients won't bring up cost concerns unless asked directly. Here are practical ways to integrate cost-awareness into your practice:

At the Point of Prescribing

• Default to generic — Always prescribe generic Amphetamine mixed salts unless there's a clinical reason for a specific brand.
• Use "dispense as written" sparingly — Only use DAW when medically necessary. Allowing generic substitution gives the pharmacist and patient more flexibility.
• Ask about insurance — "Do you have prescription drug coverage? Have you had any issues filling this medication?"
• Mention coupon programs proactively — "If your copay is more than $30, check GoodRx or SingleCare — you may get a better price."

At Follow-Up Visits

• Ask about adherence barriers — "Have you been able to fill and take your medication as prescribed? Any issues with cost or availability?"
• Monitor for cost-driven nonadherence — Patients who skip doses, split pills, or go without medication between refills may be doing so because of cost.
• Revisit the treatment plan — If a patient is stable on a brand-name medication but cost is a barrier, discuss whether a generic switch is appropriate.

Practice-Level Strategies

• Keep printed GoodRx/SingleCare information at your front desk
• Train your staff to help patients check coupon prices
• Use Medfinder for Providers to help patients locate pharmacies with Amphetamine in stock
• Maintain a list of local pharmacies that reliably stock controlled substances
• Consider partnerships with your patients' pharmacies to streamline controlled substance prescribing

Final Thoughts

Medication cost is a clinical issue, not just a financial one. When patients can't afford their Amphetamine, they stop taking it — and their ADHD symptoms return. By proactively discussing cost, recommending generics and coupon programs, and connecting patients with assistance programs, you can improve adherence and outcomes without adding significant time to your visits.

For additional provider resources on managing the Amphetamine shortage, read our guides on what providers need to know about the Amphetamine shortage and how to help patients find Amphetamine in stock. You can also sign up for Medfinder for Providers to access real-time availability data for your patients.