Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication that is primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1] While Adderall is effective in managing the symptoms of ADHD, the stimulant effects of this substance can become habit-forming and highly addictive. The abuse of this substance is most common among college-aged students, with 60% of non-medical use occurring among 18 to 25-year-olds.[2]
Adderall abuse can quickly lead to addiction, posing a health risk for anyone misusing this substance. One of the most dangerous aspects of Adderall addiction is the fact that without a prescription, individuals will turn to street drug dealers to obtain the substance. Adderall that is sold on the street is more likely to be counterfeit and may contain other illicit substances like fentanyl that can cause an accidental overdose.
Being able to identify what Adderall pills look like can prevent you from accidentally taking a pill that may contain dangerous adulterants like fentanyl.
How to Identify Adderall Pills
When you get Adderall from a pharmacy, your pills may come in a variety of different colors, shapes, and sizes. This is because there are tons of different pharmaceutical companies that create the medication for medical reasons, such as ADHD treatment.
When someone is abusing Adderall, they may refer to it using a street name. Common slang terms for Adderall include addies, study buddies, bennies, smart pills, and truck drivers. Being aware of these terms can help you determine whether your loved one is abusing the drug.
What Do Immediate-Release Adderall Pills Look Like?
Adderall comes in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Appearances and dosages for the immediate-release pills are as follows:
5 mg Adderall
The 5 mg Adderall pills are the lowest dosage available. If you receive this dosage of Adderall, your pills will be circular and white. One side will have an “AD” with a “5” printed on the other.
If the Adderall pill is generic, it will appear the same except for having “DP” printed instead of “AD”.
7.5 mg Adderall
The next type of Adderall pill is 7.5 mg in strength. These pills are typically oval-shaped and blue, with an “AD” on one side and a “7.5” printed on the other. Again, the generic form of this medication will look the same besides having a “DP” printed instead of an “AD”.
10 mg Adderall
The 10 mg Adderall pills are usually blue and circular with an “AD” printed on one side and a “10” on the other. Generic 10 mg pills will have a “DP” printed in place of the “AD”.
12.5 mg Adderall
The 12.5 mg Adderall pills are peach-colored and circular. Like the other pills, the name-brand version of this medication will have an “AD” on one side and a “12.5” on the other. Generic forms of the medication will have “DP” printed on one side and “12.5” on the other.
15 mg Adderall
The 15 mg Adderall pills are oval-shaped. You will notice that they are a light pinkish or orange color. The name-brand variation of this pill will have an “AD” on one side and a “15” on the other.
Generic formulations are the same size in shape, but will have “DP” printed rather than “AD”.
20 mg Adderall
The 20 mg pills are the same color as the 15 mg Adderall pills but instead of being oval-shaped, they are circular and round. Like the other forms of Adderall, name-brand versions will have an “AD” on one side and a “20” on the other to indicate dosage. Generic versions will have a “DP” instead of “AD” on one side of the pill.
30 mg Adderall
The strongest Adderall pills available are 30 mg. This makes them the most sought-after type of Adderall, as people suffering from addiction seek the most potent form of a drug. This also means these pills are manufactured illicitly more often than others, meaning you should be extremely careful receiving these anywhere other than a pharmacy.
With that being said, 30 mg Adderall is a circle-shaped, light orange pill with an “AD” printed on one side and a “30” on the other. The generic version of these pills is a darker orange with a “DP” on one side and a “30” on the other.
What Does Extended-Release (XR) Adderall Look Like?
Extended-release versions of Adderall work by slowly releasing the medication throughout the day.[3] These pills are usually capsules rather than tablets, sometimes appearing clear with colored beads on the inside.
There are many different dosage options when it comes to extended-release Adderall. The lowest dosage is a blue and clear 5 mg capsule. The 10 mg pills are blue, while the 15 mg pills are both blue and white.
Higher doses of XR Adderall include 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg. The 20 mg and 30 mg capsules are orange, while the 25 mg capsule is orange and white.
Extended-release Adderall capsules are transparent on one side and opaque on the other. On the name-brand extended-release capsules, the translucent side will have the word “ADDERALL” printed on it. On the opaque side, the dosage will be marked.
Whether you are buying extended-release or immediate-release Adderall, the best way to determine if they are fake is whether they have the correct words written on the pills. Immediate-release pills should either have an “AD” or a “DP” on one side with the dosage on the other. The extended-release capsules typically have the word Adderall written on them.
Find Treatment for Adderall Abuse and Addiction in New Jersey
If you or a loved one suffer from an Adderall addiction, you should seek assistance from a drug and alcohol rehab center today. Prescription stimulant abuse can be just as dangerous and life-threatening as illicit drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine and it can leave lasting impacts on your life.
Here at Moving Mountains Recovery, we have a team of professionals who are passionate about helping people recover from addiction. Our goal is to help clients overcome their addiction and assist them in building a new life where they no longer have the desire to turn to drugs. Our team is ready to answer any questions about Adderall abuse and addiction and help get you or your loved one on the path of sobriety today. Please call us today!
References:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Label for Adderall: Adderall® CII, Retrieved Feb 2023 from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/011522s043lbl.pdf
- Johns Hopkins University: Adderall abuse on the rise among young adults, Johns Hopkins study suggests, Retrieved Feb 2023 from https://hub.jhu.edu/2016/02/16/adderall-abuse-rising-young-adults/
- Psychiatry Online: Novel Formulations of ADHD Medications: Stimulant Selection and Management, Retrieved Feb 2023 from https://focus.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.20200032
