Adderall IR Can Be Expensive — But It Doesn't Have to Be

If you take Adderall IR for ADHD or narcolepsy, you know the medication works. But you may also know how quickly the costs can add up — especially if you're paying without insurance or have a high-deductible plan.

The good news: generic Adderall IR is one of the more affordable prescription stimulants, and there are several ways to bring your costs down even further. In this guide, we'll break down exactly what Adderall IR costs in 2026, walk through the best discount options, and explain patient assistance programs for those who qualify.

How Much Does Adderall IR Cost Without Insurance?

Costs vary depending on whether you're getting the brand-name or generic version, your dosage, and where you fill your prescription:

Brand-Name Adderall IR

• Retail cash price: $220 to $400+ per month for a 30-day supply
• Brand-name Adderall is rarely prescribed today since generics are widely available and much cheaper

Generic Amphetamine Salts IR

• Retail cash price (no discounts): $30 to $80 per month for a 30-day supply
• With discount coupons: As low as $15 to $40 per month
• Prices vary by pharmacy, dosage strength, and quantity

The generic version — labeled as "Amphetamine Salts" or "Mixed Amphetamine Salts" — contains the exact same active ingredients as brand-name Adderall IR. There is no clinical reason to pay for the brand name.

Prescription Discount Cards and Coupons

Discount cards are one of the easiest ways to lower your cost for generic Adderall IR. These are free to use, don't require insurance, and are accepted at most major pharmacies.

Top Discount Programs for Adderall IR

• GoodRx: One of the most widely used prescription discount platforms. Prices for generic Adderall IR typically range from $15 to $45 for a 30-day supply depending on dose and pharmacy. Visit goodrx.com/adderall to compare prices.
• SingleCare: Another popular option with competitive prices. Often shows prices in the $20 to $50 range for generic Amphetamine Salts IR. Check singlecare.com.
• RxSaver: Compares prices across pharmacies near you. May find lower prices at specific locations.
• Optum Perks: Offers coupons that can be used at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and thousands of other pharmacies.
• BuzzRx: Free discount card with no registration required.
• America's Pharmacy: Sometimes has the lowest prices for common generics.

Pro tip: Prices can vary by $20 or more between pharmacies for the same drug. Always compare prices at 2 to 3 pharmacies before filling your prescription. Walmart, Costco, and independent pharmacies often have the lowest prices.

How to Use a Discount Card

1. Search for your medication on the discount card website or app
2. Compare prices at pharmacies near you
3. Show the coupon or discount card to the pharmacist when you drop off your prescription
4. The pharmacist applies the discount at the register — no insurance needed

Important: You typically cannot use a discount card and insurance on the same prescription. If your insurance copay is higher than the discount card price, ask the pharmacist to run it through the discount card instead.

Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)

If you're uninsured or underinsured and struggling to afford your medication, patient assistance programs can help — sometimes providing your medication at no cost.

Teva Cares Foundation

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries — which manufactures both brand-name and generic Adderall — operates the Teva Cares Foundation Patient Assistance Program. This program provides certain Teva medications at no cost to patients who:

• Reside in the United States
• Are uninsured or underinsured
• Meet income eligibility requirements
• Have a valid prescription for a covered Teva medication

Apply at tevacares.org.

NeedyMeds

NeedyMeds is a nonprofit that aggregates information about patient assistance programs, discount drug cards, and other resources. Search for "Amphetamine Salts" or "Adderall" to find all available programs.

RxAssist

RxAssist is a comprehensive database of pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs. It can help you identify programs specifically for your medication.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs

At least 48 states operate their own pharmaceutical assistance programs for residents who meet income criteria. These vary by state but can provide significant savings. Check your state's health department website for details.

Other Ways to Save on Adderall IR

Always Request Generic

Make sure your prescription says "Amphetamine Salts" (generic) rather than "Adderall" (brand). If your prescriber writes for the brand, ask them to allow generic substitution. The generic version is clinically equivalent and costs a fraction of the price.

Compare Pharmacy Prices

Pharmacy pricing for the same generic medication can vary dramatically:

• Costco: Often has some of the lowest prices for generics — and you don't need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy
• Walmart: Competitive pricing on many generic stimulants
• Independent pharmacies: May offer lower prices and are sometimes willing to price-match
• Large chains (CVS, Walgreens): Tend to have higher retail prices but accept all discount cards

Ask About 90-Day Supplies

Some pharmacies and insurance plans offer discounts for 90-day supplies. Note that Schedule II controlled substances have specific refill rules, so a 90-day supply may require a new prescription each time. Check with your prescriber and pharmacy about what's allowed in your state.

Check Your Insurance Formulary

If you have insurance, verify that generic Amphetamine Salts IR is on your plan's formulary (list of covered drugs). Most commercial plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid cover generic Adderall IR with copays typically ranging from $0 to $60 per month. Some plans require prior authorization — your prescriber's office can handle this.

Consider Manufacturer Copay Assistance

While there isn't a traditional copay card for generic Adderall IR (since it's already affordable as a generic), patients prescribed brand-name versions of related medications (like Mydayis or formerly brand Adderall XR) may find manufacturer copay programs through the prescribing brand's website.

Final Thoughts

Adderall IR doesn't have to break the bank. Generic Amphetamine Salts IR is available for as little as $15 to $40 per month with discount coupons — and patient assistance programs can bring the cost to zero for those who qualify.

Here's a quick summary of your best options:

1. Use a free discount card (GoodRx, SingleCare, RxSaver) — saves most patients 40–70% off retail
2. Compare prices at 2–3 pharmacies — Costco and Walmart are often cheapest
3. Apply for patient assistance if you're uninsured (Teva Cares, NeedyMeds, RxAssist)
4. Always get generic — same medication, fraction of the cost

If you're also struggling to find Adderall IR in stock, check out our guide on how to find Adderall IR in stock near you, or use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability in your area.

For more information about the drug itself, read what is Adderall IR or Adderall IR side effects.