A question from a reader: Dr. Mike, I take Adderall XR for adult ADHD. I recently lost my health insurance and the drug is very expensive. Are there any other drugs I can take?
I'm sorry to hear that you lost your health insurance. Unfortunately, that has been happening to many people who are losing jobs because of the economy.
Stimulants for the Treatment of ADHD
There are a number of medications available to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The medications that are most commonly used to treat ADHD are stimulants, such as the brand name drugs:
- Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
- Concerta (methylphenidate)
- Daytrana (methylphenidate)
- Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
- Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
- Metadate CD (methylphenidate)
- Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
These medications come in several forms, including short-acting (lasting about four hours) and long-acting (lasting for 12 to 24 hours).
Save Money with Generic Medications
All of the brand name drugs are expensive. The recent retail cost of these medications ranged from $175.00 for a 90-day supply of a short-acting stimulant to over $450.00 for a 90-day supply of the long-acting stimulants. Your medication, Adderall XR, was the most expensive at $495.00 for a 90-day supply!
Except for Vyvanse, all of the other stimulants have an available generic version that is less expensive than the brand name. For example:
A 90-day supply of dexmethylphenidate, the generic version of Focalin costs about $55.00.
A 90-day supply of short-acting dextroamphetamine, the generic version of Dexedrine costs $48.00, and the long-acting form (dextroamphetamine-CR) is available for $180.00.
A 90-day supply of short-acting methylphenidate, the generic version of Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate CD, and Ritalin, costs $66.00, and the long-acting form (methylphenidate-CR) is available for $108.00.
A 90-day supply of short-acting mixed salts amphetamine, the generic version of your medication Adderall, costs $120.00.
All of these generic medication options can save you a considerable amount of money — upwards of $1,500 a year. However, if you switch from a long-acting brand name drug to a short-acting generic version of the drug, you may have to take your medication several times each day and be more closely monitored by your doctor.
Talk to Your Doctor
It is important that you let your doctor know that you are having difficulty paying for your medication. You can then discuss using generic or less expensive medication options. Your doctor will help choose the medication that is best for your condition at the lowest cost.
I hope this information helps and you find an inexpensive medication that helps you manage your condition.
