Compare Adderall vs. Adderall XR: Uses, Side Effects, Cost

Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts combo) has been around long enough to have a few duplicates on the market, Adderall XR included. In general, after drugmakers debut a medication, they begin to develop newer, slightly tricked-up versions of that medication. (Drug pricing advocates call this process “evergreening” because it keeps the patents — and therefore the profits — evergreen.) For many drugs, this results in the debut of an “extended-release” medication. Extended-release medications may earn the suffix “XR” or “ER,” both indicating that the drug lasts for a prolonged period of time.

The FDA first approved Adderall (amphetamine salts combo) in 1999, with Adderall XR earning its approval in 2001. Both Adderall and Adderall XR have generic equivalents; the FDA approved amphetamine salts combo XR in 2016. 

What is the difference between Adderall XR and Adderall IR?

Adderall XR is an “extended-release” tablet while Adderall IR could be considered “immediate release.” The names mean what they indicate: XR uses a complex delivery system to get the drug’s active ingredients into your bloodstream slowly and steadily over a long (extended!) period of time. IR releases the active ingredient directly into the bloodstream. IR medications usually have a more potent effect for a shorter period of time. In the case of Adderall IR, patients take a 10mg tablet twice daily. Adderall XR is 50% IR medication and 50% XR medication, with the latter releasing four hours after the tablet is consumed. Patients usually take 20mg tablets once a day (in the morning) and enjoy the medication’s effects all day. 

How long does Adderall XR work?

Adderall XR lasts up to twelve hours and sometimes beyond, it will take about 30 minutes to an hour for it to start working.

Is Adderall XR or Vyvanse better?

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a slightly newer medication with a few more tricks up its sleeve. It lasts longer and ostensibly has fewer side effects; it is Adderall XR without the necessary extended-release mechanism. With that, of course, comes a price: Vyvanse is more expensive than Adderall, as it does not have a generic alternative. 

Is 10mg Adderall XR enough?

The traditional dosage of Adderall XR is 20mg. Talk to your doctor before lowering the dosage. 

What are the side effects of Adderall XR? 

The drug’s label lists the following side effects: 

• Loss of appetite

• Insomnia

• Abdominal pain

• Emotional lability

• Vomiting

• Nervousness

• Nausea

• Fever 

Which is cheaper: Adderall XR or Vyvanse? 

Adderall XR is much cheaper than Vyvanse, given that it has a generic alternative and has been on the market longer. The cheapest long-acting treatment is generic amphetamine salts combo XR, which is just $42.55 for thirty (roughly a month’s worth) tablets with the U.S. Discount Card. 

U.S. Discount Card price according to pharmacy prices near the zip code 10605. Average retail prices according to GoodRx and Drugs.com. 

Where is Adderall XR manufactured? 

Adderall XR sold in the U.S. is manufactured in Wayne County, PA.