Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRequest a GenericShop AroundAsk About AlternativesCoupons and Assistance ProgramsDrug Discount CardsA Word of Caution

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Table of Contents

Request a Generic

Shop Around

Ask About Alternatives

Coupons and Assistance Programs

Drug Discount Cards

A Word of Caution

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Once-a-dayattention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medicinessuch as Adderall XR, Daytrana, Concerta, Vyvanse, and Dyanavel XR are convenient and generally work well. However, for roughly 38% of patients and their families, cost is a main barrier to ADHD treatment.

Even with insurance coverage, high medication prices can be taxing on a family’s budget. Here are a few ways to help make ADHD medications more affordable, which can also make it easier to stick to your treatment plan.

How Much Is ADHD Medication?Brand name ADHD medication costs can vary but, as an example, a one-month supply of Qelbree (viloxazine) is roughly $330.

How Much Is ADHD Medication?

Brand name ADHD medication costs can vary but, as an example, a one-month supply of Qelbree (viloxazine) is roughly $330.

Request a Generic ADHD Medication

Choosing a generic medicine over a brand name is often a good way to save money on prescription drugs.Although there can be a great deal of variability in cost, if you or your child is able to take ageneric ADHD medication, you will likely pay (before insurance or any coupons):

To get a generic drug when available, ask your healthcare provider to allow for this when writing the prescription. Talk with them first to ensure that the generic will be as effective as the brand-name drug they want to prescribe.

In addition to choosing generic ADHD medication when you can, there are other money-saving strategies that may help.

Prices at different pharmacies can vary widely, depending on the medication. After using the website GoodRx to compare drug prices for 10 generic and 6 brand-name drugs, researchers noted that large-chain pharmacies often have better pricing than small-chain options.

To help find the lowest price possible for the ADHD medicine you or your child has been prescribed, use a drug pricing site to compare your options. This enables you to find a local pharmacy that offers the medication needed at the lowest rate. Don’t forget to checkonline pharmaciesas well.

Ask About Alternative ADHD Medications

Some name-brand ADHD medications don’t have generics, such as Vyvanse and Daytrana. In cases such as this, talk with your healthcare provider about other alternatives. They may be able to prescribe a different medication that works as well fortreating ADHDbut is less expensive.

Your provider may also be able to give you free samples of a different medicine, so ask about this option. This gives you the opportunity to try the drug first and see if it works for you or your child.

IF free samples aren’t available, ask the provider to prescribe a 90-day supply, if feasible, as this is sometimes a little cheaper (and also allows you to lock in a good price for three months if you find one).

Look for Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs

Some manufacturers offer a patient assistance program to assist with the cost of their drugs. Alternatively, you can check to see if you are eligible for a broader prescription assistance program through sites such asNeedyMeds.

When ADHD Medications Aren’t Working

Get a Prescription Drug Discount Card

Prescription drug discount cards are similar to patient assistance programs in that they can help reduce the prices of many drugs you purchase. Some options, such as SingleCare, are open to anyone, regardless of income.

Most national pharmacies allow you to use a discount drug card when purchasing your medication. However, if you have insurance, check the price through your carrier first to see which is cheaper as you cannot use a discount card and insurance prescription coverage together.

Also, avoid unproven or non-evidence-based ADHD treatments. These can cost you more in the long run without effectively treating yourADHD symptoms, along with potentially being unsafe due to the unknown short- and long-term risks of their use.

ADHD medications aren’t without side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you find the best and safest ADHD treatment for you according to your budget and needs.

Top ADHD Resources for Adults

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Baweja R, Soutullo CA, Waxmonsky JG.Review of barriers and interventions to promote treatment engagement for pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder care.World J Psychiatry. 2021;11(12):1206-1227. doi:10.5498.wjp.v11.i12.1206

Goodell K, Erlich D.Viloxazine (Qelbree) for ADHD.Am Fam Physician. 2023;107(3):309-310.

Azmi Hassali M, Alrasheedy AA, McLachlan A, et al.The experiences of implementing generic medicine policy in eight countries: A review and recommendations for a successful promotion of generic medicine use.Saudi Pharmaceut J. 2014;22(6):491-503. doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2013.12.017

Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice.Generic drugs and low-cost prescriptions.

Vaswani S, Bogoch S, Schreiber-Gregory DN, et al.The emergency department GoodRx prescription discount card distribution program.Am J Emergency Med. 2022;62:129-131. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2022.08.049

Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4). doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528

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