What Does Adderall Look Like?
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Richard Foster, LICDC-CSMarch 19, 2019
Adderall pills come in various shapes and colors. Knowing what Adderall looks like and what it’s used for can help prevent abuse and addiction.
Knowing what Adderall pills look like can be useful for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look at what Adderall is and how to identify these pills.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription drug used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. This drug is a central nervous system stimulant and a Schedule II substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse.
When people who have ADHD take Adderall, the drug can improve concentration, self-control, energy, and focus. When someone who does not have ADHD takes Adderall or abuses it, the drug can produce a high. Common side effects of an Adderall high include euphoria, increased energy, increased self-confidence, and better focus and concentration.
Adderall is commonly abused for the high the drug can elicit. However, there are many other reasons why someone may abuse Adderall. This drug is a strong appetite suppressant, making it attractive to people who want to lose weight. It can also help someone stay up later and focus longer, making it attractive to students.
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Regardless of the reasons it’s abused, this drug can have a number of adverse side effects when taken in any way other than what is prescribed. Side effects of this drug include upset stomach, insomnia, malnutrition, and high blood pressure and heart rate.
Types Of Adderall
There are two types of Adderall: Extended-release and instant release. Instant release Adderall works faster and lasts around four to six hours. Many people will redose in the afternoon with another instant release Adderall.
Extended-release Adderall is taken once in the morning and lasts all day. They can take longer to kick in, but will typically last up to 10 hours after taken.
Adderall Pills — What Do They Look Like?
What Adderall pills look like will depend on the type of the drug and the dosage, as well as whether it is the brand name or generic.
A few examples of what instant release Adderall looks like include:
- 5 mg instant release Adderall is often a white oval with AD imprinted on the pills
- 7.5 mg instant release Adderall is blue in an oval shape with AD 7.5 printed on the pills
- Adderall 10 mg is blue and round with AD 10 on the pills
- 20 mg Adderall is round and orange with AD 20 printed on the pills
Adderall extended release looks very different than instant release. Adderall XR comes in capsule form and can be either blue, white, or orange. Sometimes one end is clear so that tiny balls can be seen. If Adderall XR is the brand name pill, the word Adderall is typically printed on each capsule.
Getting Help For Adderall Abuse And Addiction
If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall abuse or addiction, it’s important to know that help is available. Getting treatment is the best way to get on the path to recovery from addiction.
Many people who are addicted to Adderall have found great success with a formal treatment program such as inpatient treatment. Formal treatment programs provide structure and intensive support to help patients overcome addiction and remain sober.
To learn more about what Adderall pills look like and treatment options available for Adderall abuse and addiction, contact our treatment specialists today.
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