What Is Adderall IR?

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.

How Does Adderall IR Work?

Adderall IR works by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in the central nervous system. These neurotransmitters play key roles in attention, focus, and impulse control.

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.

What Doses Are Available for Adderall IR?

Adderall IR (Immediate-Release) tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg

The typical dose range is 5 mg to 40 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses taken 4–6 hours apart. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and adjust based on response and tolerability.

How Hard Is It to Find Adderall IR in Stock?

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.

Who Can Prescribe Adderall IR?

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:

• Psychiatrists — Most common prescribers for ADHD in adults
• Primary Care / Family Medicine Physicians — Often manage ADHD in both children and adults
• Pediatricians — Prescribe for children and adolescents with ADHD
• Neurologists — May prescribe for Narcolepsy or complex ADHD cases
• Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants — Can prescribe in most states with appropriate authority

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.

Is Adderall IR a Controlled Substance?

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:

• It has a high potential for abuse and dependence
• Prescriptions cannot be called in to a pharmacy in most states — they require a written or electronic prescription
• No automatic refills — you need a new prescription each month
• Most states limit prescriptions to a 30-day supply
• The DEA sets annual production quotas limiting how much can be manufactured

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.

Common Side Effects of Adderall IR

Most side effects are dose-related and may improve as your body adjusts. Common side effects include:

• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Insomnia — especially if taken too late in the day
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Headache
• Stomach pain and nausea
• Irritability
• Dizziness

Serious side effects (seek medical attention immediately):

• Cardiovascular events (chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting)
• Psychosis or mania symptoms
• Peripheral vasculopathy (Raynaud's phenomenon — numbness or color changes in fingers/toes)
• Seizures

Alternative Medications to Adderall IR

If you can't find Adderall IR in stock or it's not the right fit, here are some alternatives to discuss with your doctor:

• 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

Drug Interactions with Adderall IR

Adderall IR has several important drug interactions to be aware of:

• MAO Inhibitors — Contraindicated. Do not take Adderall within 14 days of using an MAOI (risk of hypertensive crisis)
• SSRIs and SNRIs (e.g., Sertraline, Venlafaxine) — Risk of Serotonin Syndrome when combined
• CYP2D6 Inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine) — May increase Amphetamine levels
• Antacids and Alkalinizing Agents — Increase Adderall absorption, potentially causing stronger effects
• Vitamin C and Acidifying Agents — Decrease Adderall absorption and reduce effectiveness
• Blood Pressure Medications — Adderall may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensives
• Tricyclic Antidepressants — Amphetamines may enhance their cardiovascular effects

Food interactions: Acidic foods and drinks (orange juice, Vitamin C supplements) can reduce absorption. Caffeine may amplify stimulant side effects like jitteriness and increased heart rate.

Final Thoughts on Adderall IR

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.