What is Evekeo?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that disrupts attention and focus abilities and affects children and adults across the United States. But therapy and medication can treat most symptoms. You can learn more about ADHD and the treatment options at NIMH ADHD treatments.

Evekeo is an ADHD medication. It is the brand name for amphetamine sulfate, which is a stimulant in the amphetamine class that is used to manage symptoms of ADHD, including impulsivity, inattention, and focus issues. Evekeo is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 3 and up and individuals with narcolepsy. It's available in immediate-release form in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.

Because of the potential for misuse and dependence, Evekeo is a Schedule II controlled substance. It's important to note that ADHD Advisor only treats adults with ADHD ages 18 and older.

How Evekeo Works

Evekeo ADHD medication is an amphetamine, meaning it stimulates the central nervous system, particularly in the area of the brain known as the prefrontal cortex. Amphetamines boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. It also helps to block the reabsorption of these two neurotransmitters. Evekeo helps manage ADHD symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, which are crucial for attention, sleep, and focus.

Evekeo is an immediate-release, short-acting form of amphetamine. The effects typically last around 4 to 6 hours. You may need multiple doses a day to treat ADHD symptoms. 

When comparing Evekeo vs other stimulant amphetamines, the amphetamine preparations are different. Evekeo is an equal mixture of d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine. Dexedrine is solely dextroamphetamine. Adderall is composed of four different mixed amphetamine salts. All three are available in short-acting preparations, but are chemically distinct from one another.

Who Can Take Evekeo

Evekeo is approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD in children aged three and older. It is also FDA-approved to treat individuals with narcolepsy and as a very short-term treatment for individuals with exogenous obesity in certain cases.

Evekeo ADHD medication is not for everyone, and it is a Schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II controlled substances have a high tendency to lead to abuse and addiction. It's important that you let your medical provider know if you struggle with substance use disorder before starting Evekeo.

Please note that ADHD Advisor provides treatment exclusively for adults who are 18 years of age or older.

Contraindications

Some people shouldn't take Evekeo. Evekeo is contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions or who use certain medications. For example, individuals who take MAOIs should not take Evekeo or any amphetamines, as this medication combination could lead to fatal injuries.

Some other people who shouldn't take Evekeo include people with the following medical conditions:

• Arteriosclerosis
  
  
• An allergy to amphetamines
  
  
• Cardiovascular disease
  
  
• Hyperthyroidism
  
  
• Glaucoma
  
  
• Agitation
  
  
• History of substance use disorder
  
  
• Psychiatric or bipolar disorders
  
  
• Heart rhythm issues
  
  
• Hypertension
  
  
• History of strokes
  
  
• Seizures
  
  
• Tourette syndrome
  
  
• Depression

2025 FDA-update

As of July 2025, all extended-release stimulants used for the treatment of ADHD will come with an expanded labeling for weight loss risk in children younger than 6 years of age. Children under the age of 6 have a greater risk of adverse effects from stimulants, including weight loss. Any child younger than 6 should be closely monitored for weight loss and growth suppression.

Dosages and Administration

It's important to remember that only a clinician can safely determine Evekeo dosage. However, the following are typical starting doses for various age groups, and your actual prescribed dosage may differ from these.

Children 3–5 years

For children ages 3 to 5, the starting dose of Evekeo is 2.5 mg per day. Your healthcare provider may increase the dose if necessary. Remember, at ADHD Advisor, we only treat adults ages 18 and older.

Children 6+

Children six and up are started at 5mg once a day, usually in the morning.  Your clinician may increase the dosage by 5 mg increments if necessary, or prescribe 5 mg twice a day. Again, ADHD Advisor only treats adults ages 18 and older.

Adults 18+

Adults ages 18 and up typically begin at 5 mg once or twice a day. Adult doses may increase to approximately 40 mg per day, administered in divided doses throughout the day.

Doses for all ages are typically taken in the morning and early afternoon, as taking them at night can disrupt normal sleep patterns.

Side Effects and Risks

As with any medication, there can be some side effects to consider. Let's look at the Evekeo side effects, including both common and more serious ones.

Common Side Effects

Some of the more common Evekeo side effects can include the following: (MedlinePlus: amphetamine sulfate)

• Appetite suppression
  
• Weight loss
  
• Insomnia
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Trouble urinating or frequent urge to urinate
  
• Upset stomach and nausea
  
• Cloudy urine
  
• Anxiety
  
• Agitation
  
• Headache

Cardiovascular Side Effects

There are some cardiovascular side effects that can result from taking Evekeo. Patients with hypertension or pre-existing heart health issues may be at a greater risk. These include:

• Rapid heart rate and palpitations
  
• Chest pain
  
• Hypertension
  
• Tachycardia
  
• Stroke
  
• Heart attack
  
• Sudden death in vulnerable populations

Some serious cardiovascular issues can result in sudden death.

Psychiatric Side Effects

As with most amphetamines, there are some psychiatric and mental health side effects that can occur. Individuals with bipolar disorder or another psychiatric disorder are more prone to developing additional psychiatric side effects.  

If any of these serious mental health side effects occur, seek help right away. Some psychiatric side effects that can occur when taking Evekeo include:

• Hearing or seeing things that are not there, or delusions
  
• Being overly suspicious of others/paranoia
  
• Aggression
  
• Mood changes
  
• Symptoms of mania
  
• Extreme nervousness or anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Irritability
  
• Clouding of judgment
  

To learn about additional potential side effects, please visit DailyMed: Evekeo.

If you experience any side effects, please discuss them with your clinician immediately. If you experience adverse side effects, you can report them to the FDA MedWatch.

FDA Boxed Warning

The FDA Evekeo label (2023) has a boxed warning on Evekeo emphasizing its potential for misuse, abuse, and physical dependence. Amphetamines, including Evekeo, are Schedule II controlled substances.

The DEA controlled substances schedules stimulants like amphetamines as Schedule II substances because of their potential for abuse and misuse. The warning also states that misuse of stimulants like Evekeo may result in overdose or sudden death.

Evekeo vs. Other ADHD Medications

Let’s compare Evekeo with other ADHD medications

Evekeo vs Adderall

Evekeo and Adderall are both stimulant medications in the amphetamine family, but they come in different formulations. Evekeo contains a 1:1 mixture of active isomers, dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, whereas Adderall has a 3-to-1 ratio of dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine. 

Evekeo is also a single salt, amphetamine sulfate, and Adderall is composed of four amphetamine salts. Both stimulant drugs work on norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, so they help to increase attention and focus in individuals with ADHD. Adderall is also available in both immediate and extended-release forms, whereas Evekeo is only offered in an immediate-release formula.

Evekeo vs Dexedrine

Evekeo and Dexedrine are both stimulant medications for ADHD that fall under the "amphetamines" class of drugs, but with different chemical compositions. Dexedrine is pure dextroamphetamine, and Evekeo is racemic and contains a 50/50 ratio of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. 

Both medications treat similar ADHD symptoms with similar side effect profiles. Dexedrine is available in both extended-release and immediate-release forms, while Evekeo is only available in immediate-release form.

Evekeo vs Vyvanse

Evekeo and Vyvanse are both stimulant drugs, but with different mechanisms of action and chemical makeup. Vyvanse is a "prodrug," meaning that it will not release the medication into the body until the body metabolizes it. 

Vyvanse has a slower onset and smoother effects, providing prolonged action compared to other stimulants. The prodrug found in Vyvanse is called lisdexamfetamine, but as the body breaks it down, it converts into dextroamphetamine. 

Evekeo is an immediate-release medication, so its onset is quicker than Vyvanse. However, it also wears off faster and may require multiple doses, while Vyvanse’s effects can last throughout the whole day.

Evekeo vs Methylphenidate-based medications (Concerta and Ritalin)

Evekeo and methylphenidate-based medications, such as Ritalin and Concerta, are both stimulant medications used to manage symptoms of ADHD, but in different drug classes. Evekeo is an amphetamine, and Concerta and Ritalin are methylphenidate-based drugs. 

These drugs are not only different classes, but they also differ in their mechanism of action. Evekeo increases dopamine and norepinephrine by stimulating their release, and methylphenidate-based drugs increase these two neurotransmitters as well, but by blocking their reuptake. 

Methylphenidate-based medications are also available in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations, and Evekeo is only available in an immediate-release formulation.

ADHD Care with ADHD Advisor: Therapy, Non-Stimulants, and Stimulant Availability

ADHD is a manageable condition, and according to the CDC ADHD treatment guidance, therapy, non-stimulant, and stimulant medications can treat it successfully. At ADHD Advisor, we offer ADHD treatment nationwide, including non-stimulant medications and therapy for adults aged 18 and older.

We also provide stimulant medications, like an Evekeo prescription online in select states, at the healthcare provider's discretion.

At ADHD Advisor, you can receive your therapy and ADHD medication online. We help with prescription fulfillment throughout the entire process to ensure your medication arrives smoothly.

Consult the DEA’s 2025 Telemedicine rules and the HHS Telehealth: Controlled Substances sites frequently because telehealth laws are still changing and evolving. 

Please note that at ADHD Advisor, we only serve individuals 18 years of age and older. We also do not bill any insurance companies. We can provide you with a superbill, which will include an itemized list of the services you received. You may be able to submit this to your insurance company for reimbursement, if applicable.

If you are wondering how to get diagnosed with ADHD online, then let's go over our simple process.

Step-by-Step Process

You can take the following steps to learn how to get tested for ADHD online with ADHD Advisor.

1. The first step is to fill out our online intake form and let us know about your current and past ADHD symptoms.
   
   
2. Next, you will meet with a licensed clinician to have a thorough evaluation, where they will go over your intake form and determine if you have ADHD.
   
   
3. After your evaluation, your clinician will put together a unique and personalized treatment plan. This treatment plan could include therapy, non-stimulants, and stimulant medications if appropriate and if you live in select states.
   
   
4. If you do live in one of our select states and the provider determines that you would benefit from a prescription of Evekeo, then ADHD Advisor would assist in prescription fulfillment for you each month.
   
   
5. Finally, we will continue treating you with follow-up appointments. These appointments provide an opportunity for you and your provider to monitor and discuss symptom relief, potential side effects, and adjust the dosage as needed.
   
   

State Availability Examples

Let’s take a look at a couple of states where stimulant prescribing is available.

Texas

If you live in Texas, ADHD Advisor does provide stimulant prescriptions if the clinician determines that it is necessary. For example, online Adderall in Texas is a potential treatment option if your doctor would prescribe it.

Florida

Similarly, in Florida, stimulant medications for ADHD treatment are available. For example, your online ADHD doctor in Florida could prescribe you Evekeo online as a part of your treatment plan.

As a reminder, the laws governing the telehealth landscape are constantly changing, so it's a good idea to check with your specific state's page for the most updated information.

Access, Cost & Insurance

The brand name Evekeo is a little bit pricier than the generic version. The average Evekeo cost is around $250 a month without insurance. The generic version, amphetamine sulfate, is available for less, averaging around $30 a month. 

Some insurance companies may not cover Evekeo, and those that do may require prior authorization.

As Evekeo is an amphetamine, there is a chance of shortages at pharmacies around the U.S. Shortages of ADHD medications are possible due to manufacturing limits, and if that happens, you can discuss alternatives with your medical provider. 

Your doctor may be able to find you an alternative medication or other options. You may also need to switch pharmacies to find one that may have your prescription in stock.`

2025 FDA Label Update

In July of 2025, the FDA updated the label on all extended-release stimulants, including amphetamines, to include a warning about weight loss and growth suppression and other adverse side effects in young children ages six and younger.

Children younger than six years old were found to have higher levels of the drug in their bodies than older children, and some experienced weight loss in clinical studies.

We only treat adults aged 18 and older at ADHD Advisor.

FAQs

Is Evekeo addictive?

Yes, Evekeo is considered to be addictive, and it comes with a Schedule II controlled substance warning. Evekeo is a stimulant drug that has a relatively high potential for abuse, misuse, or development of physical and psychological dependence. It's important that if you have a substance use disorder, you let your doctor know before you begin taking Evekeo.

How long does Evekeo last?

Evekeo is rather short-acting as it is an immediate-release formulation. The effects of this drug usually last around 4 to 6 hours, which is why many doctors prescribe it in multiple doses throughout the day for all-day symptom relief of ADHD.

Can I get Evekeo through ADHD Advisor?

Yes, ADHD Advisor can prescribe Evekeo to adults ages 18 and older in certain states. If your medical provider determines that Evekeo is a good fit for your ADHD symptoms and you live in a state where we prescribe stimulants, then you can potentially receive a prescription for it.

What if I miss a dose?

If you forget or miss a dose of Evekeo, simply take your next scheduled dose at the regular time. It's important that you never double up on stimulant medications, as this can lead to adverse side effects or overdose.

How is Evekeo different from Adderall?

Evekeo and Adderall are very similar drugs and both belong to the amphetamine class, but they have different formulations. Evekeo is a single salt, amphetamine sulfate, and Adderall is a mixed salt formulation with four different amphetamine salts. 

Both drugs are offered in immediate-release form, but Adderall also has an extended-release form. Both Adderall and Evekeo treat inattention and focus in children and adults with ADHD.