What Does Adderall Look Like?

Adderall is a prescription drug that acts as a central nervous system stimulant.[1] Doctors prescribe it to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works to lessen symptoms of impulsivity and improve focus.

While Adderall is highly beneficial for patients with ADHD, it is often abused by people without the condition. When you do not have the condition, it can lead to feelings of euphoria, increased energy, insomnia, and heightened focus. Some people might describe the Adderall high as similar to cocaine or even methamphetamine.

Adderall abuse is most common among young adults, as 18 to 25-year-olds make up 60% of non-medical misuse in the United States.[2]

Unfortunately, people who abuse Adderall might begin buying it off of the street. Sometimes, this means they are purchasing counterfeit pills that may contain other substances like methamphetamine. Knowing what prescription Adderall looks like can help prevent you from consuming counterfeit Adderall pills.

The appearance of legitimate Adderall pills can vary based on the dosage and whether it is immediate or extended-release.

In this article, you will learn:

• How to identify Adderall pills
• What each dosage and form of Adderall looks like
• Whether it is possible to spot fake Adderall pills solely based on appearance

Identifying Adderall: Understanding What Each Pill Looks Like

There are two main types of Adderall: immediate-release and extended-release (Adderall XR). Immediate-release Adderall causes full effects at once, while your body gradually absorbs extended release throughout the day. Both types of Adderall come in a range of dosages.

Each form and dose of Adderall looks different. Knowing how every Adderall pill looks can help you determine whether the drug you are taking is from a doctor or pharmacist.

Immediate-Release Adderall Pills

The types of immediate-release Adderall pills include:

• 5 mg – Typically, this is the starting dose for children and is used either once or twice daily. These are white oval-shaped pills that have “AD” engraved on one side and a “5” printed on the other.

• 7.5 mg – People often take 7.5 mg of Adderall twice daily. This dosage of Adderall is blue and oval-shaped with an “AD” engraved on one side and a “7.5” printed on the other.

• 10 mg – 10mg Adderall is suited for both children and adults as either a starting dose or an increase depending on their needs. These pills are blue and circle-shaped with an “AD” engraved on one side and a “10” printed on the other.

• 12.5 mg – This dose of Adderall is the most common starting dose for adults. It is a circular-shaped peach color pill that has “AD” printed on one side and “12.5” on the other.

• 15 mg – 15 mg Adderall is usually taken by individuals who need to increase their dose. It might be taken once or twice daily. This pill is oval-shaped and orange with an “AD” printed on one side and a “15” on the other.

• 20 mg – 20 mg Adderall is taken either once or twice daily. If taken twice daily, it is the maximum dose of Adderall available. This pill is orange and circle-shaped with an “AD” engraved on one side and a “20” printed on the other.

Extended-Release Adderall Pills

Extended-release Adderall pills are only taken once each day and in the morning, as side effects of this drug can include sleeplessness. They often look different from the immediate-release pills because to create a time-released medication, it has to have small balls of the substance inside of the capsule.

Extended-release Adderall pills include:

• 5 mg – This capsule is blue and clear in color. On the opaque side, you will see the words “Adderall XR”. On the clear side, a “5” will be printed to indicate the dosage.

• 10 mg – 10 mg capsules are the same color as 5 mg capsules. The only difference is you will see a “10” printed on the clear side of the pill.

• 15 mg – These capsules have one transparent blue half and the other half will be an opaque white color. “Adderall XR” will be printed on the white side while a “15” will be printed on the blue side.

• 20 mg – Both halves of the 20 mg capsules are opaque and orange. One half will have “Adderall XR” printed on it while the other side says “20”.

• 25 mg – These capsules have one orange and white side and both halves of the pill are opaque. The white part will have “Adderall XR” printed on it while the other side will say “25”.

• 30 mg – 30 mg capsules will have one clear side and one side that is opaque and orange. The orange side will say “Adderall XR” while the clear half says “30” to indicate the dosage.

Can You Spot Fake Adderall Pills?

Adderall has a high potential for abuse, which means it is sold on the street. If you are not taking it for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, you probably are not receiving it by prescription. Unfortunately, this means you are buying the pills from drug dealers.

It is challenging to tell whether illicit Adderall pills are legitimate or not. They could be coming from someone who is selling their prescription, however, it is more likely that they are being pressed in illegal drug labs. In other words, there is no way to tell what the “Adderall” pills contain.

Fake Adderall pills often have methamphetamine in them, as it is cheap and causes similar effects. You might notice increased energy, insomnia, racing heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Meth can also cause adverse effects like paranoia, psychosis, and even violent behavior.

Unfortunately, the only way to be sure that your pills do not contain impurities is to test them using drug testing strips. Many illicit drug manufacturing labs have become very good at mimicking the appearance of real Adderall pills. In other words, you should avoid abusing Adderall that you buy on the street.

Find Help for Adderall Abuse and Addiction

If you frequently abuse Adderall, you probably have a substance use disorder. While they can be difficult to overcome, drug rehab programs like the Mandala Healing Center are here to help. We offer medical detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning to increase your chances at long-term sobriety.

Contact us today for more information on our Adderall addiction treatment center.

References:

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Adderall Label
2. John Hopkins University: Adderall abuse on the rise among young adults, Johns Hopkins study suggests