Adzenys vs Adderall - Similarities

Are you comparing ADHD medications, Adzenys vs Adderall?  Both of these medications are a form of amphetamine, a well-known treatment for people with ADHD.

Adzenys and Adderall are FDA-approved stimulant treatments for ADHD in adults and children.  Both Adderall and Adzenys manage symptoms all day with extended-release technology. 

However, many individuals wonder about potential side effects and safety risks, especially given that both medications are controlled substances with a high potential for abuse.

Adenzys XR-ODT has been FDA-approved as bioequivalent to Adderall XR. Essentially, the same amount of medicine is released into the body around the same time frame. If you plan on switching ADHD medications, your provider will choose an Adzenys Adderall equivalent dose.

This extended-release ADHD medication comparison guide will look at Adzenys vs Adderall in more detail. Then you can decide which medication best fits your lifestyle and daily routine, making your treatment feel more personalized and manageable.

Adzenys vs Adderall - Key Differences That Matter to You

When comparing Adzenys vs Adderall, there are some differences between the two to consider. Adzenys and Adderall differ in active ingredients, pill forms, and release mechanisms. Some differences may be more significant to certain individuals.

Adzenys: The Dissolving Tablet Option

Adzenys is unique as an orally disintegrating ADHD medication. "Orally disintegrating" is just a fancy way of saying that it easily dissolves in your mouth. So you can place the tablet on your tongue, and it will dissolve easily without water or swallowing. 

Adzenys comes in an orange flavor, enhancing the taste. It's a convenient method of taking ADHD medication, especially if you're constantly on the go, and you want ADHD medication without swallowing pills.

Adzenys contains both extended-release and immediate-release particles, providing all-day symptom relief. Effects tend to last between 10 and 12 hours.

Adzenys comes in blister packs with five cards, each containing six tablets. A plastic travel case is also provided for storage, as the medication can dissolve. 

Some people choose Adzenys over Adderall because of the convenient and discreet method of taking it. 

Adderall: Traditional Pill Formats

Adderall is available in two formulations: immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. Immediate-release tablets are designed to start working in the body right away. Effects last 4 to 6 hours, and many individuals take it multiple times a day for all-day symptom relief.

Adderall extended-release capsules have both extended-release and immediate-release beads, which allow for effects to start a little later, usually around an hour or an hour and a half. Effects will last between 8 and 12 hours, offering all-day symptom relief with a once-a-day pill.

Immediate-release tablets are uncoated and start to be absorbed right away. Because they last 4 to 6 hours, you can take them two to three times daily, giving you more control over managing your symptoms and fitting medication into your schedule.

Adderall XR comes in a capsule that should be taken once daily for 8 to 12 hours of relief. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can open the capsule and mix the contents with soft food like yogurt or applesauce, but do not chew it.

Adderall, especially the IR version, offers more flexibility than Adzenys and is often preferred for better control over symptom relief timing.

How Long Each Medication Works

We'll compare Adzenys XR-ODT vs Adderall in terms of how long each medication works. Both Adderall and Adzenys are available in extended-release formulations, offering all-day coverage, though they differ in some ways.

Adzenys Duration and Timing

Adzenys XR-ODT works for up to 12 hours. This allows for once-a-day dosing to manage ADHD symptoms. Effects typically start around 45–60 minutes and can last up to 12 hours. 

Individual experiences may vary depending on metabolism or other unique factors. Because the medication can last up to 12 hours and starts to take effect after about 45 minutes, it's a good idea to take the dose a little earlier than you need symptom improvement, and schedule it within a 12-hour window that works best for you. 

Adderall Duration and Timing

Adderall XR also works up to 12 hours. Immediate-release Adderall lasts about 4–6 hours, so for longer relief, most people need more than one dose.

Adderall XR provides once-a-day symptom improvement that starts to take effect within about an hour. Take stimulant medication as early as possible while considering your schedule to avoid insomnia. If you wake up at 5 a.m. but don't need it until you reach work at 9 a.m., taking your dose at 8 a.m. is a good option. If that disrupts your sleep, consider taking it earlier. 

Adderall XR takes a bit longer to start working than Adzenys, so some people may prefer the more gradual effects over the faster onset that can occur with Adzenys. 

If you need to take your medicine on the go, Adzenys has a quicker onset of 45 minutes. It really boils down to what works best for you, whether Adzenys vs Adderall is the best medication for your ADHD.

Comparing Side Effects and How You Might Feel

Side effects are a major factor in people's decision-making when choosing which medications work best. Both Adzenys and Adderall share the same active ingredients, amphetamine salts, and therefore share common side effect profiles. 

The only differences usually concern how the specific medicine is delivered into the body. While both medications are known to share side effects, each individual may respond differently to them. So you could experience more side effects with one than the other. Remember, most side effects tend to ease up as your body gets used to the medication. 

Common Side Effects You Should Know About

Let's take a look at the common Adzenys vs Adderall side effects.

According to Drugs.com's user reviews, more people reported anxiety with Adderall XR than with Adzenys XR-OD. Drugs.com users reported insomnia more with Adzenys. Remember, these are some users' experiences, and you will have to see how each one works with your unique body chemistry before you know what, if any, side effects you will experience.

Some side effects common to both Adderall and Adzenys include:

• Decreased appetite
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Nervousness/Anxiety
• Nausea
• Mood changes
  

Most of these side effects are temporary and should go away or lessen over time as you continue taking the medication.

It's very important that you speak with your healthcare provider about any side effects you may be experiencing and keep an ongoing discussion during check-ins. Your provider can help you switch medications if the side effects become too bothersome or don't ease up.

Dosing Options and Strengths Available

Both Adzenys and Adderall come in various strengths and dosages, allowing individuals to tailor their medications to fit their unique schedules and lifestyles.

Doctors adjust doses based on your response to the medication. Finding the right dose may take a little bit of trial and error until you get it right, but eventually you will find the best dose for you. Let's discuss the dosage options for both Adzenys and Adderall.

Adzenys Strength Options

Adzenys XR-ODT is available in six strengths and is usually taken once a day in the morning. It's available in the following strengths:

• 3.1 mg
• 6.3 mg
• 9.4 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15.7 mg
• 18.8 mg

These doses come in unique strengths to enable more precise dosing. These Adzenys doses correspond to equivalent Adderall XR doses. Switching between one medication and another is easier than with other medications because they are bioequivalent ADHD medications. Ultimately, it is the clinician who will decide your initial dose or any dose changes.

Your provider wants to find you a dose that provides the most benefit with the fewest unwanted side effects, to identify the lowest effective dose.

Adderall Strength Options

Adderall XR is also available in six different strengths. Adderall XR is available in the following capsule strengths:

• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 25 mg
• 30 mg

Immediate-release Adderall tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg

With immediate-release, you can control your dosage schedule a bit more than with the Adderall XR version and Adzenys. Adderall IR kicks in fast and usually starts within 30 minutes. 

If you need immediate relief for work, school, or any other tasks, Adderall IR gives you more flexibility. Effects tend to wear off around 6 hours, too, so you and your provider can decide to have you take 2 to 3 doses for all-day symptom relief. Adderall IR is available in a wide range of strengths to enable more precise, fine-tuned titration and help you find the most effective dose for your needs.

With Adderall XR, you can have smooth, once-a-day effects that may be good for hectic schedules where you need all-day consistent symptom relief.

It's good to speak to your provider about dosing schedules and needs before you get started on an ADHD medication. 

Adzenys vs Adderall - Pricing & Insurance Coverage Differences

Let's go over the Adzenys vs Adderall cost and insurance coverage. Brand-name Adzenys can cost up to $700 per month without insurance, and no generic options are available. In comparison, brand-name Adderall XR costs around $300 per month, while generics can be as low as $20 to $30.

Insurance Formularies Affect Costs

Insurance coverage varies, and insurance formularies affect drug coverage. Insurance companies have a list of medications they prefer to cover, and typically they choose generics over brand-name. 

Some plans may prefer one drug over the other. Preferred drugs offer the lowest costs, and non-preferred drugs are often more expensive and have higher copays.

Insurance companies consider the availability of generic options and how long a drug has been on the market when deciding where to place it on formularies.

Prior Authorization is Usually Required for Stimulants

Often, a prior authorization is required before insurance companies will cover most ADHD medications. Specifically, they want your doctor to confirm that the medication is something you need for your specific diagnosis, especially if it's a brand-name medication.

Multiple generics help your costs

Generic medication availability can affect out-of-pocket costs. When there are more generic versions of a medication available, as in the case of Adderall, costs are typically lower for you thanks to the competition. However, Adzenys is most often available only as a brand-name product, which drives higher costs. 

If costs are a concern, you can obtain a copy of your insurance company's formulary. Then, you’ll know whether Adzenys vs Adderall XR is on the list. Then you can work with your doctor to decide which medication would be more cost-effective for you.

What to Do If Your Medication Isn't Covered

If you are prescribed Adderall or Adzenys and your insurance will not cover it, there are some other options you can take to help find a more affordable monthly cost.

Try Coupons, Discount Codes, or Patient Assist Programs

Some drug manufacturers offer coupons, and you can also check sites like GoodRx and SingleCare for discount codes. You can also check with various pharmacies to find the one that offers the cheapest generic. Some manufacturers offer savings programs or patient assistance; you can usually find this information on their websites.

You can always ask your doctor for an alternative medicine that would be cheaper for you monthly or that your insurance will cover.

Appeal Your Insurance Company's Decision

You can also appeal your insurance company's decision. This would involve a two-step appeal process where you would first try to appeal it internally through your insurer. 

You'll need a letter from your provider stating why you need this specific medicine and why others are not a good fit for you. If they denied you again, you could request an independent third-party review. Your insurance company would have to follow the third party's decision. 

If all else fails, you can try to find a different insurance company that would provide you with better coverage, or check with non-profits that may help pay for your medication based on your income.

The Bottom Line: Which Medication is Right for You?

So, is Adzenys or Adderall better for you? There are certain factors that may make one medication more suitable than another. These concerns may be something you'd want to discuss with your provider, not absolute rules, as everyone is different.

Personal preferences matter to treatment success. You are more likely to take medication as prescribed and keep up with your appointments when you are taking a medication that works better for your lifestyle. So, let's look at when to choose Adzenys vs Adderall XR.

Adzenys May Be Better If You…

• Have trouble swallowing pills or capsules
• Prefer not to carry pill bottles around with you
• Want a discreet medication option
• Are currently taking Adderall XR and want to find an alternative format
• Have sensory preferences that make traditional pills more challenging
• Value the convenience of no-water-needed medication
  

Adderall May Be Better If You…

• Prefer traditional pill formats
• Need the flexibility of immediate-release dosing
• Want a medication that has a longer market history (tried and true)
• Has an insurance company that covers it more favorably
• Prefer the option to split your tablets Adderall IR)
• Are you comfortable with your current Adderall regimen

Making the Decision with Your Healthcare Provider

Ultimately, choosing between Adderall vs Adzenys is a decision you and your provider make together. 

Healthcare providers consider your symptoms, medical history, side effects, and lifestyle to help you choose the best medication. This is why it is so important to discuss important lifestyle details so that they know your preferences before they make a final decision. 

Often, the first ADHD medication that is tried is not the final answer. You may try two or three different medications before finding the one that really works best for you. It's all part of the treatment process, and your healthcare provider knows that you may need to switch a few times before you get the best fit.

Getting Started with ADHD Treatment

If you are looking to switch up your ADHD medication, ADHD Advisor can help you! We provide online medication management via telehealth with licensed clinicians in your state. Our licensed clinicians can prescribe either Adderall or Adzenys if they determine it necessary.

Our virtual care is easy and convenient. No longer do you have to wait around for months to see a medical professional about your ADHD symptoms. With ADHD Advisor, after you take our screen test, we can set you up with same-day appointments.

How ADHD Advisor Supports Your Medication Journey

ADHD Advisor offers monthly ADHD treatment via telehealth. You'll start with a virtual assessment, where a healthcare professional will gather your medical history and discuss your symptoms to determine a diagnosis. If diagnosed with ADHD, you'll receive a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, and coaching.

If you are prescribed ADHD medication, it will be sent to your pharmacy of choice digitally. We help you each month with follow-up appointments to discuss symptom improvements, side effects, or changing medications if needed. Your follow-up appointments can be scheduled right around your busy schedule, so you never have to worry about missing work for an appointment when you have the freedom to plan around your life.

The process is easy and convenient, using HIPAA-compliant technology to ensure your information is private. Same-day appointments are available for starting a new ADHD treatment plan. If you're interested, take our short screening test and schedule your appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Adzenys and Adderall?

Adzenys and Adderall are both stimulant medications with the active ingredient amphetamine. The difference between the two is that Adzenys dissolves in your mouth, while Adderall is a pill or capsule that is swallowed.

Which is better for ADHD: Adzenys or Adderall?

Both Adzenys and Adderall work well for ADHD symptoms. Neither is “better,” as they are essentially the same ingredient with different delivery systems. One person may prefer Adzenys because it dissolves quickly, while another might choose Adderall for greater control over their dosing schedule.

Is Adzenys the same as Adderall XR?

Adzenys is not the same as Adderall because Adzenys is a dissolving amphetamine ADHD medication, while Adderall is a traditional pill.

What are the side effects of Adzenys compared to Adderall?

The side effects of Adzenys compared to Adderall are pretty similar, as they both contain amphetamine.

How do the dosages of Adzenys and Adderall compare?

The dosages are not the same on a milligram-per-milligram basis. However, Adzenys is FDA-approved as bioequivalent to Adderall dosages.

Can Adzenys be substituted for Adderall?

Yes, a licensed clinician can substitute Adzenys for Adderall, as they are bioequivalent.

Does Adzenys last as long as Adderall XR?

Yes, on average, both medications can last up to 12 hours.

Is Adzenys stronger than Adderall?

No, Adzenys is not stronger than Adderall. It contains the same active ingredient, amphetamine. They have different delivery systems.

How does Adzenys XR-ODT compare to Adderall XR in terms of effectiveness?

Adzenys XR-ODT and Adderall XR are bioequivalent, so they are usually equally effective.

Can children take Adzenys instead of Adderall?

Adzenys may be easier for children to take as it dissolves in the mouth.