I was wondering if anyone knows the answer as to whether or not the generic Adderall ER has the same reaction as well as the same ingredients? I know that there is a difference in generic brands of Adderall ER even though doctors, as well as pharmacists, say that there isn't! Please let me know if you have tried the actual brand name of Adderall as well as the generic. Thanks,
Is there a difference in generic Adderall ER and the brand name Adderall?
Question posted by thejudy69 on 15 Aug 2017
Last updated on 23 February 2025 (9 weeks ago) by mfpdfibro
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
5 Answers
mfpdfibro
23 Feb 2025
Yes, there are huge differences in the generic versions regardless of what your Dr. or Pharmacist tells you. I have been on Adderall for over 14 years and not until this past year have I had such drastic differences in which generic version I receive from my pharmacy. I know many will say it’s because of my tolerance level, but I can assure you that that has definitely been reset thanks to this specific issue. This past year has been a complete roller coaster of some months being fully functional, while several months in a row not, then functional again and then not AGAIN. I called the pharmacy and wrote down each manufacturer filled each month of last year and tried to remember which months were good or bad to narrow it down specifically. My Psychiatrist then wrote the scripts to be filled by either 2 out of 4 that worked in the past.
Problem solved right? Wrong! Now even the manufacturers that worked last year don’t work this year. Tolerance? Not with this on again off again issue. It truly makes me feel like I’m acting crazy, but it’s crazy to be dysfunctional 30,60,90 days in a row, then functional for 30,60 then back. Something is very wrong and my research has shown that there actually is only 1 generic manufacturer that is as exact as brand name Adderall. It’s called Aytu BioPharma’s Adzenys XR ODT. I’m going to try to find a pharmacy that stocks it, see if my Psych will write for it. I’m so sick and tired of this and have NEVER had any issues with any generic prescriptions before. Wish me luck and also know that everyone is different, so you may not have such a serious problem as mine. Just know that your not alone on this issue.
javid82
1 March 2021
Okay I am going to put this in the simplest layman's terms I possible can: SHIRE Pharmaceuticals crated and makes Adderall and the capsules and tablets are 1/4+1/4+1/4+1/4 of the 4 different amphetamine family.
Adderall and Mydayis are trade names for a combination drug containing four salts of amphetamine. The mixture is composed of equal parts racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which produces a (3:1) ratio between dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, the two enantiomers of amphetamine. Both enantiomers are stimulants, but differ enough to give Adderall an effects profile distinct from those of racemic amphetamine or dextroamphetamine, which are marketed as Evekeo and Dexedrine/Zenzedi, respectively. Adderall is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is also used as an athletic performance enhancer, cognitive enhancer, appetite suppressant, and recreationally as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant.
It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of the phenethylamine class.
The Generics do not have to mix the amphetamine substances in the exact same ratio as Brand Name Adderall as long as their medication is show to me within 80-115% the same as the name brand. The problem with that is by using a different amount of Levoamphetamine over the Dextro-amphetamine it can cause serious negative side effects in patients. Some patients may not notice a difference but, almost 100% of all patients in ALL studies across the board without knowing which one they're being given stated the Brand Name was 10 times more effective and less adverse on their systems than all the generics it was tested beside in all the studies so far.
Justwanttobenormal
31 Aug 2017
Hi,
Yes there is a big difference! Ive been on genetic adderal for 4 years . ( cor ) they stopped making it two months ago. I thought the pharmecy gave me wrong prescription, pills were now orange. Called my pharmisist and he told me what happened. The orange 20 mg did nothing for me. The next month i decided to pay for real adderal.. What a huge difference! No jittery feeling. No bad crash . I tske 20 mgs x2 a day . I try to take it at least. Im sure everyone else can say same thing... we forget to take first dose or second or both meds but if i miss a dose its too late to take it. My ins. Covers a little bit but Im paying 370.00 for 60 pills a month. Well worth it to me. Its so much better.I Wasnt diagnosed till 52 years old only becsuse my mom and my two sons and my neices were diagnosed with i also have aunts and uncles and cousins that have it also Ive found out recently...
Stephen Treloar
31 Aug 2017
I have a family full of OCD, ADD, ADHD and sociopathic people. I wish they would all wake up and get help. Take what you believe works best for you (although I'm on Chucks legal requirement side). :-)
chuck1957
17 Aug 2017
Judy; AS FAR AS THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS IN BOTH THE GENERIC AND BRAND HAVE TO BE 100% EXACT and the few people that may notice a little difference it is what they call the inert ingredients or binders that can make some difference on some people but they are the same as the brand name and have to hold the same standards as the Fda applies to the brand name.
chuck1957
17 Aug 2017
Judy a good idea also is speak to the Pharmacist about this and see what they have heard.
babe n tippers mom
10 July 2024
maybe so but very doubtful. I have been taking generic Adderall for years, there is a massive difference between them. Ralph's latest one has opposite effect on me. the new one makes me sleepy and stupid.
some others are placebos. now that ralphs has changed who they carry I must start the whole search again. some pharmacies wont say who they carry unless they have a script to them from doctor..
having trouble beginning the search plus new brands out there,,, aaaargh
babe n tippers mom
10 July 2024
then maybe the FDA doesn't not check them.. massive difference and effect, massive,,
mfpdfibro
22 Feb 2025
I have been taking notes on which generic manufacturers I have been prescribed over the last year and I can honestly say that whatever they have been giving me is definitely not working not even a little. Like take them in the morning and fall asleep 2 hours later. It’s awful and is totally effecting my depression symptoms worse than usual. I don’t understand and definitely plan on doing more research on this. I mean there are at least 3 generic manufacturers that definitely don’t work at all and then you’re stuck for the next 30 days as though they handed you a box of raisins and said, “here this will help you”. Something is definitely wrong and I’m tired of being miserable and so overwhelmed that I get absolutely nothing done. Please keep in touch. Don’t know if we’re allowed to mention manufactures names, but so far no luck with Teva, Lanette & can’t remember if Rhodes worked or not. Or if they once did, but no longer do.
Stephen Treloar
17 Aug 2017
Legally the generic has to be identical but sometimes I wonder how identical? I have seen a few different brands of 'Adderall' and some contained different amphetamine salts in different ratios.
Sorry but I can't recommend one over the other due lack of experience.
Related topics
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), generic, brand, emergency room, reaction, ingredient
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.