What Does Adderall Look Like? | Identifying Adderall

Adderall is a brand-name prescription stimulant medication used to treat narcolepsy and (more commonly) attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Adderall is available in two forms, Adderall and Adderall XR, in a range of dosages. Generic versions of this medication are also widely available.

Adderall pills are round or oval-shaped and come in several different colors, with each pill embossed with “AD” or “dp” as well as the dosage.

Identifying Adderall Tablets

Adderall immediate release pills are round or oval-shaped with an “AD” (Adderall) or “dp” (drug product) imprinted on one side of the pill, along with a cleft and the dosage printed on the opposite side.

Specific examples of Adderall Pills include:

• Adderall 5 mg: a white round tablet
• Adderall 7.5 mg: a blue oval tablet
• Adderall 10 mg: a blue round tablet
• Adderall 12.5 mg: a peach round tablet
• Adderall 15 mg: a peach or orange oval tablet
• Adderall 20 mg: a peach or orange round tablet
• Adderall 30 mg: a peach or orange round tablet

Immediate release Adderall works faster than extended-release Adderall and has effects that last around four to six hours. Because of this, many individuals will take a dose in the morning and a second dose in the afternoon.

Identifying Adderall XR Capsules

Adderall XR is made as capsules colored blue, white, and/or orange. A portion of the tablet may also be clear, allowing you to see tiny medication balls loaded inside.

In addition, the word “Adderall” or “SHIRE 381” (for the manufacturer) will be printed on each capsule along with the dosage.

Examples include:

• Adderall XR 5 mg: a blue capsule
• Adderall XR 10 mg: a blue capsule
• Adderall XR 10 mg: a blue capsule
• Adderall XR 15 mg: a blue and white capsule
• Adderall XR 20 mg: an orange capsule
• Adderall XR 25 mg: an orange and white capsule
• Adderall XR 30 mg: an orange capsule

Adderall XR provides around twelve hours of effect.

Identifying Fake Adderall

In recent years Adderall has been increasingly counterfeited, with fake Adderall products being sold face-to-face and through fraudulent internet pharmacies.

Active ingredients in these pills, if any, have included acetaminophen, tramadol (an opioid pain reliever), the illicit drug methamphetamine, and others.

Signs that an Adderall pill may be counterfeit include:

• changes or misspellings to the pill or packaging
• changes in pill color or shape
• changes to the shape or depth of different imprinted letters or numbers

For the average person, however, the best way to avoid taking counterfeit Adderall is to have your prescriptions filled at your local pharmacy and to avoid taking any medications not specifically prescribed for your personal use.

Adderall’s Effects On The Body

When taken, the amphetamine salts in Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the brain, where they act as central nervous system stimulants, interacting with receptors for the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

This ultimately increases a person’s mental and physical activity all across the body with effects that range from helpful to harmful depending on the individual dosage taken.

When Adderall is used in low or therapeutic doses by those with ADHD, the medication has been found to have minimal side effects while greatly improving mental clarity, concentration, self-control, and motivation over time.

Recognizing Adderall Abuse

At high doses, Adderall abuse can trigger a euphoric high similar to methamphetamine use. But many who don’t have ADHD, especially high schoolers, college students, and young professionals, take diverted medication for a variety of other reasons as well.

These can include:

• increasing focus, concentration, or energy level
• decreasing fatigue
• increasing athletic performance
• decreasing appetite for weight loss

Common side-effects and signs of Adderall drug abuse include:

• talkativeness
• excitability
• confusion and racing thoughts
• loss of appetite
• mood changes
• secretive behavior
• periods of alternating high and low energy
• unusual weight loss
• memory loss
• dry mouth
• disorientation
• impulsiveness
• chest pain
• declining mental health

Recognizing Adderall Overdose

While rare, Adderall overdoses can occur, especially if Adderall is taken with other drugs or if the pills or capsules are modified (crushed) before being swallowed, snorted, or dissolved and injected.

Overdose effects can include:

• convulsions
• loss of consciousness
• amphetamine psychosis with hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions
• overly high blood pressure and fast heart rate
• sudden death from heart attack, stroke, or liver failure

Adderall Addiction Treatment

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance for a reason, and improper use of Adderall can have serious physical and mental consequences including psychosis, heart problems, and Adderall addiction.

But approved detox and substance abuse treatment programs can help you or your loved one work past Adderall addiction safely.

For more information, contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.