DoseCompass / Medications / Adderall (IR)
Adderall (IR)
mixed amphetamine salts · Amphetamine class
The best-known ADHD medication: immediate-release mixed amphetamine salts, typically dosed once or twice daily. Cheap as a generic and maximally flexible — you place each 4–6 hour dose where your day needs it.
*Approximate U.S. cash price for a 30-day supply with a free discount card, mid-2026. Compare current prices on GoodRx.
Available strengths
5 mg · 7.5 mg · 10 mg · 12.5 mg · 15 mg · 20 mg · 30 mg
How long it lasts
Typical effective duration is 4–6 hours, though metabolism, sleep, and food timing move this meaningfully for individuals. See how it compares to every other product on the duration chart.
Approximate dose equivalents
Every marketed Adderall (IR) strength translated into five common alternatives (total-daily-dose basis). Cross-class figures (†) use the rough ~2:1 amphetamine↔methylphenidate heuristic and are the least precise.
| Adderall (IR) | Adderall XR | Vyvanse | Ritalin IR | Concerta | Focalin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | ≈ 5 | ≈ 12.5 | ≈ 7.5 † | ≈ 9 † | ≈ 3.8 † |
| 7.5 mg | ≈ 7.5 | ≈ 18.8 | ≈ 11.3 † | ≈ 13.6 † | ≈ 5.6 † |
| 10 mg | ≈ 10 | ≈ 25 | ≈ 15 † | ≈ 18.1 † | ≈ 7.5 † |
| 12.5 mg | ≈ 12.5 | ≈ 31.3 | ≈ 18.8 † | ≈ 22.6 † | ≈ 9.4 † |
| 15 mg | ≈ 15 | ≈ 37.5 | ≈ 22.5 † | ≈ 27.1 † | ≈ 11.3 † |
| 20 mg | ≈ 20 | ≈ 50 | ≈ 30 † | ≈ 36.1 † | ≈ 15 † |
| 30 mg | ≈ 30 | ≈ 75 | ≈ 45 † | ≈ 54.2 † | ≈ 22.5 † |
All values ≈ mg/day, from published cross-titration references and product labeling. For a custom dose or frequency, use the interactive converter.
Common questions
What strengths does Adderall (IR) come in?
Adderall (IR) (mixed amphetamine salts) is available in: 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 30 mg.
How long does Adderall (IR) last?
Typical effective duration is 4–6 hours, though individual metabolism varies.
Is there a generic Adderall?
Yes. With a free discount card, a typical 30-day supply runs about $14–35 without insurance.
What is Adderall (IR) equivalent to?
As a total-daily-dose approximation, Adderall (IR) 12.5 mg is ≈ 12.5 mg Adderall XR, ≈ 31.3 mg Vyvanse, ≈ 18.8 mg/day methylphenidate (Ritalin). These are discussion figures from published cross-titration references — cross-class conversions are rougher, and actual switches are titrated by your prescriber.