Comprehensive medication guide to Adderall IR including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$30 copay for generic Amphetamine Salts IR; Tier 1–2 on most plans, quantity limits may apply.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$30–$80 retail for generic; as low as $15–$45 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
35/100
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Adderall IR (Immediate-Release) is a prescription CNS stimulant containing a mixture of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine salts (75% Dextroamphetamine and 25% Levoamphetamine). It is FDA-approved to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy.
The immediate-release formulation typically lasts 4–6 hours per dose, making it suitable for patients who need flexible dosing throughout the day. It is one of the most widely prescribed stimulant medications in the United States.
Adderall IR works by in the central nervous system. These neurotransmitters play key roles in attention, focus, and impulse control.
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By raising Dopamine and Norepinephrine levels in the brain, Adderall IR helps improve concentration, reduce hyperactivity, and control impulsive behaviors in patients with ADHD. For patients with Narcolepsy, it promotes wakefulness and reduces excessive daytime sleepiness.
Effects typically begin within 30–60 minutes of taking a dose and last approximately 4–6 hours.
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg
20 mg
30 mg
Adderall IR has a findability score of 35 out of 100, meaning it remains one of the harder medications to locate at your local pharmacy. The FDA first declared an official Adderall shortage in October 2022 due to manufacturing delays at Teva, and supply constraints have persisted into 2026.
The DEA increased production quotas for d-Amphetamine by 25% in October 2025 (from 21.2 million to 26.5 million grams) and finalized additional 2026 quota increases of 14.3% for d,l-Amphetamine. While the situation is slowly improving, spot shortages continue at individual pharmacies, particularly for certain strengths like 20 mg and 30 mg tablets.
If your pharmacy is out of stock, try using Medfinder to check availability at nearby pharmacies in real time.
Because Adderall IR is a Schedule II controlled substance, it requires a prescription from a licensed prescriber with DEA registration. The following types of doctors commonly prescribe it:
Telehealth prescribing of Adderall IR is available in many states, though some states have enacted restrictions on stimulant prescribing via telemedicine. Check your state's regulations.
Yes. Adderall IR is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA, the highest classification for medications with accepted medical use. This means:
The FDA boxed warning states that CNS stimulants including Adderall have a high potential for abuse and dependence, and patients should be assessed for risk before prescribing.
Most side effects are dose-related and may improve as your body adjusts. Common side effects include:
Serious side effects (seek medical attention immediately):
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Ritalin (Methylphenidate IR)
A different stimulant class, shorter acting, and often tried as a first alternative
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
A prodrug of Dextroamphetamine with longer duration and lower abuse potential
Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine IR)
Pure Dextroamphetamine, similar mechanism but single isomer
Adderall XR (Extended-Release)
Same active ingredients but lasts 10–12 hours with once-daily dosing
Strattera (Atomoxetine)
A non-stimulant SNRI option for ADHD with no abuse potential and not a controlled substance
Mydayis (Triple-Bead Mixed Amphetamine Salts)
Extended-release lasting up to 16 hours
Prefer Adderall IR? We can find it.
MAO Inhibitors
moderateContraindicated . Do not take Adderall within 14 days of using an MAOI (risk of hypertensive crisis)
SSRIs and SNRIs
moderate(e.g., Sertraline, Venlafaxine) — Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined
CYP2D6 Inhibitors
moderate(e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine) — May increase Amphetamine levels
Antacids and Alkalinizing Agents
moderateIncrease Adderall absorption, potentially causing stronger effects
Vitamin C and Acidifying Agents
moderateDecrease Adderall absorption and reduce effectiveness
Blood Pressure Medications
moderateAdderall may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensives
Tricyclic Antidepressants
moderateAmphetamines may enhance their cardiovascular effects
Adderall IR remains one of the most effective and widely prescribed medications for ADHD, but the ongoing shortage that began in October 2022 continues to make it difficult to find at many pharmacies. With a findability score of just 35/100, patients often need to call multiple pharmacies or try different strengths to get their prescriptions filled.
The good news: the DEA has significantly increased production quotas for 2025 and 2026, and supply is gradually improving. Generic Amphetamine Salts IR is affordable with discount coupons ($15–$45/month) and is covered by most insurance plans.
If you're struggling to find Adderall IR in stock, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies near you that have it available — saving you hours of phone calls. Talk to your doctor about alternative strengths or formulations if your specific dose is consistently unavailable.
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