Choosing an ADHD med can feel like standing in a foreign grocery store’s cereal aisle — too many options, unknown language, and no idea what’s best (or patience to guess). If you're comparing Mydayis vs Adderall, you’re probably trying to figure out which one will help you focus with the least amount of side effects. 

This guide breaks down daily life differences with evidence-backed information so you can talk to your doctor about it, feeling confident and informed.

What Are Mydayis and Adderall?

Both Mydayis and Adderall are FDA-approved ADHD stimulants with a mix of amphetamine salts. They each impact your dopamine and norepinephrine levels to manage symptoms. For example: 

• Dopamine: Helps you feel more motivated and rewarded by your actions. Tasks seem worth their effort and doable, versus something overwhelming or boring. 
  
  • In real life, this can look like wanting to start a project ahead of time, rather than last-minute. Tasks are more easily associated with their reward (finishing), instead of the negative (difficult to start). ‍
• Norepinephrine: Boosts areas responsible for attention and organization, allowing you to focus and switch tasks more easily. 
  
  • Makes it easier to work on what’s important instead of what’s easy.

Even though each medication has the same active ingredients, how they work, feel in your body, last, and shape your day can be very different. 

The Main Differences Between Mydayis and Adderall

While they’re both made up of amphetamines, the formulations and total dosage strengths vary. The ratios of amphetamines are the same (3:1 dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine), but how the medication is released is a big difference. 

Mydayis uses an extended-release (ER) form, with a triple-bead release formulation. One bead of medication is released immediately, and the other two are delayed to create a 16-hour-long effect. 

Adderall has both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR). The XR formulation uses a two-bead system, meaning two pulsed deliveries, lasting up to 12 hours. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how their differences look:

Which Medication Might Work Better for Your Lifestyle?

There’s no way to say for certain which one is “best,” but you can guestimate with your clinician based on your needs. Here’s when each one might work better for you: 

Mydayis

• Long workdays
• Evening work is demanding and takes focus
• Once-daily dosing is easier to remember and manage
• A slower, steadier release with fewer morning spikes and afternoon crashes. 

Adderall

• Cost-effective 
• Variable workdays
• Flexibility for daily energy level changes
• Only needed for a certain part of your day
• Wears off earlier, allowing you to get better sleep

Comparing Side Effects: What to Expect

Side effects tend to be similar, since they use the same main ingredients. You might notice: 

• Dry mouth
• Chest pain 
• Trouble sleeping
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased appetite
• Anxiety, irritability, paranoia, jitteriness
• Increased heart rate, cardiovascular issues
• Headaches, stomachaches, nausea, sweating
• “Rebound effect” of bad mood once it wears off

The dosage strength and your individual factors (age, health condition, etc.) will influence how it impacts you. In the case of misuse (like taking a higher dosage than prescribed), your risks of severe side effects, addiction, overdose, and death increase dramatically. 

With their varying duration, you might also notice side effects lasting longer with ER stimulants. IR tends to be stronger earlier on and wears off sooner. 

Switching Between Mydayis and Adderall

If you’ve already tried ADHD meds, chances are it was Adderall. It’s usually the first recommendation clinicians prescribe, thanks to its high efficacy rate. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the one you’ll stick with. It tends to be a starting point, giving the clinician more info about what other meds might be a better fit if Adderall doesn’t work out.

Mydayis is usually prescribed after learning that other doses don’t last long enough. It’s something you’d bring up to your clinician during your check-ins, as you report side effects and usage. Once they switch you, it can take a week or two to adapt. 

Cost Comparisons

The exact cost depends on your location and insurance, but in general, off-brand options tend to be cheaper. Adderall has generic forms, making it more available and cost-effective. Without insurance, a generic version can be less than $50 a month. Meanwhile, the brand Adderall can cost anywhere from $200 to $400 plus for a month. 

Mydayis, on the other hand, is only available as its brand name, so you can expect to pay more. Without insurance, a month’s supply can range between $350 to $400 or more. 

Safety Notes to Keep in Mind

All stimulants come with risks. They’re classified as a controlled substance for a reason — they have a high risk of misuse. This means they can have serious side effects when not taken exactly as prescribed, including heart problems and sudden death. 

Even when taking stimulants as prescribed, there are still risks. For example, taking them for long periods of time can also lead to dependency. That means your body gets used to the medication, leading to withdrawal when stopped suddenly. 

Addiction is also a major concern, which is different from dependence. Addiction is compulsively using medication, despite harm. That can look like an extra dose for a high or using it for non ADHD reasons. 

Before starting stimulants, always tell your doctor about:

• Heart conditions
• High blood pressure
• Anxiety or bipolar symptoms
• Supplements (especially anything stimulating)
• Antidepressants, other stimulants, and medications in general
• Personal or family history of misuse, dependence, and addiction

Your doctor will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and mental health to adjust dosing as needed. Regular check-ins, honest communication about side effects, and tracking your response can keep you safe while getting the benefits of your meds.

Getting Started: Next Steps in Your ADHD Treatment Journey

Finding a good fit for your ADHD meds can be a bit of a journey. It’s usually a process that will take some time as you feel out which one suits you. The most important thing is to work with your clinician, giving them as much detail as possible about your symptoms, history, and needs. 

Preparing for Your Doctor's Appointment

Before your appointment, do some observation to notice: 

• Symptoms that affect you most
• What your typical day looks like
• When you find it hardest to focus
• Sleep, appetite, or anxiety problems 
• When your energy levels naturally dip 
• What exactly you expect from medication 

At ADHD Advisor, we’ve streamlined the process as much as possible to make getting an online ADHD prescription simple. You can schedule a consultation, sometimes same-day, where you get a diagnosis and potentially a prescription. 

Keep in mind that prescriptions are entirely up to your clinician. Also, not every state can get stimulants prescribed online with ADHD Advisor. Check your state-specific stimulant availability page on ADHD Advisor. 

Finding Support Beyond Medication: Why Comprehensive Care Matters

If you take a look at the research, medication plus behavioral changes create the most improvements. This includes therapy or similar methods like ADHD coaching. The goal is to also build routines, learn coping tools, and develop emotional regulation strategies. 

Because in the end, ADHD isn’t just about focus — it impacts emotions, relationships, work, physical health, and overall daily life. A well-rounded treatment plan supports all of it, and sets you up with strategies that can last long past when the meds wear off (or you wean off). 

FAQs

What is the difference between Mydayis and Adderall?

They have the same active ingredients but release the medication differently, so they last different amounts of time. 

How long does Mydayis last compared to Adderall?

Mydayis lasts the longest, about 16 hours. Adderall IR lasts 4-6 hours, and XR lasts around 12 hours. 

Is Mydayis better than Adderall for ADHD?

One is not better than the other; it all depends on your lifestyle and needs. For example, if you need something to last 16 hours, Mydayis could be a better option for you. If shorter lengths and flexibility in dosing fit your day best, Adderall is likely a better choice. 

What are the side effects of Mydayis vs Adderall?

Since they’re both stimulants, side effects are similar: appetite changes, sleep problems, dry mouth, and anxiety. They can differ in their intensity and timing. 

How much does Mydayis cost compared to Adderall?

Adderall has generic options and is usually more affordable. Mydayis is a brand-name only product and typically costs more.