What Does Adderall Look Like?

An infographic representing What Does Adderall Look Like?

Updated December 18, 2024

Authored By:

Joe Gilmore

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

An image of Karena Mathis, author for gratitude lodge
Authored By:

Karena Mathis

Edited By

Amy Leifeste

Medically Reviewed By

Javier Rodriguez-Winter

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An infographic representing What Does Adderall Look Like?

What Does Adderall Look Like?

Adderall is a medication used to treat ADHD and other conditions. It’s available in many different shapes, sizes, and dosages. Adderall comes in IR (immediate release) and XR (extended release) form. Increasingly, counterfeit medications are entering the market, making it beneficial to know what Adderall looks like if you’re planning to use this Schedule II controlled substance [1].

This guide highlights the appearance of different types of Adderall – IR, XR, and generic forms of the drug. You can also learn more about the dangers of Adderall abuse and how to get effective treatment for stimulant addiction [2].

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Images of Adderall

Here are some images of different versions of Adderall to help you identify this medication.

images of adderall pills and tablets

What Does Adderall Look Like?

Adderall is a medication used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy (a condition associated with daytime sleepiness). It helps people focus, stay awake, and control their impulses.

Because it’s a powerful drug that contains both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine [3], it’s helpful to know what it looks like to ensure you are taking the correct medication – any misuse of this medication can be dangerous and possibly deadly.

What Does an Adderall Pill Look Like?

Adderall is a quick-actingmedication that comes in small, pressed tablets. These tablets come in different colors and shapes, depending on the dose. The doses range from 5mgto 30mg and are available in both brand-name and generic versions. What does Adderall pill look like in immediate release form?

  • 5mg Adderall: This is a small, round, white pill. It has AD on one side and 5 on the other.
  • 7.5mg Adderall: This pill is oval and blue. It has AD on one side and 7.5 on the other.
  • 10mg Adderall: This is a round, blue pill. It has AD on one side and 10 on the other.
  • 12.5mg Adderall: This pill is round and peach-colored. It has AD on one side and 12.5 on the other.
  • 15mg Adderall: This is an oval, orange pill. It has AD on one side and 15 on the other.
  • 20mg Adderall: This pill is round and orange. It has AD on one side and 20 on the other.
  • 30mg Adderall: This is an oval, light orange pill. It has AD on one side and 30 on the other.

images of adderall pills and tablets representing what does an adderall pill look like?

Adderall XR (extended release) looks different from immediate release Adderall. It comes in capsules that are blue, white, or orange. Here’s what Adderall XR looks like:

  • 5mg Adderall XR: This capsule is blue and clear. It has Adderall XR printed on the solid blue part and 5mg on the clear part.
  • 10mg Adderall XR: This capsule is blue, with one half see-through and one half solid blue. It has Adderall XR on the solid part and 10mg on the see-through part.
  • 15mg Adderall XR: This capsule is blue and white. It has one half see-through blue and one half solid white. It says Adderall XR on the white part and 15mg on the blue part.
  • 20mg Adderall XR: This capsule is orange and solid all over. It has Adderall XR on one side and 20mg on the other.
  • 25mg Adderall XR: This capsule is white and orange, with both halves solid. It has Adderall XR on the white half and 25mg on the orange half.
  • 30mg Adderall XR: This capsule is orange and clear. It has Adderall XR on the solid orange part and 30mg on the clear part.

images of adderall xr pills representing what does an adderall XR pill look like?

These capsules look different to help you recognize the extended-release version of Adderall at a glance.

What Does Generic Adderall Look Like?

Generic Adderall looks similar to the brand-name version, but there are some differences. Instead of having AD on one side of the pill, generic versions have dp imprinted. The other side of the pill still shows the dosage number, so you can see how much of the active ingredients (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) are in each pill. The colors and shapes of the generic pills are usually the same as the brand-name ones, making them easy to recognize

images of generic adderall pills

What Color Is Adderall?

Adderall comes in different colors depending on the dosage and type. Knowing the color can help you make sure you are taking the right medication – see below.

What Are Common Adderall Pill Colors?

Here are the most common colors for Adderall pills:

  • White: 5mg Adderall is a small, round, white pill.
  • Blue: 7.5mg and 10mg Adderall pills are blue. The 7.5mg pill is oval, and the 10mg pill is round.
  • Peach: 12.5mg Adderall is round and peach-colored.
  • Orange: 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg Adderall pills are orange. The 15mg pill is oval, and the 20mg pill is round. The 30mg pill is light orange and oval.

Knowing these colors helps you recognize the correct Adderall dosage you need to take.

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What Does Adderall 30MG Look Like?

Adderall 30mg is a light orange, oval pill. It has AD on one side and 30 on the other. This is the highest dose available for the immediate-release form of Adderall.

an image of 30mg adderall

What Does Adderall Xr Look Like?

Adderall XR is the extended-release version of Adderall. It comes in capsules that can be blue, white, or orange. These capsules have Adderall XR printed on one part and the dosage on the other.

an image of adderall xr representing what does 25mg adderall look like?

What Does Adderall 20MG Look Like?

Adderall 20mg is an orange, round pill. It has AD on one side and 20 on the other. This is a mid-range dose for the immediate-release form of Adderall.

An image of adderall 20mg representing what does adderall 20mg look like?

 

What Does Adderall 10MG Look Like?

Adderall 10mg is a blue, round pill. It has AD on one side and 10 on the other. This dose is often used to start treatment for ADHD.

An image of 10mg adderall

What Does 25MG Adderall Look Like?

Adderall 25mg is usually found in the extended-release form, known as Adderall XR. It is a capsule that is white and orange, with Adderall XR on the white part and 25mg on the orange part.

an image of adderall xr representing what does 25mg adderall look like?

What Does Teva Adderall Look Like?

Teva is a company that makes generic Adderall. The pills look similar to the brand-name version but have dp instead of AD on one side. The colors and shapes of Teva Adderall are the same as the brand-name pills, making them easy to recognize.

an image of teva adderall

 

How To Spot Fake Adderall

Spotting fake Adderall can help you avoid potentially dangerous pills. Here are some tips to help you identify real Adderall:

  • Check the imprint: Real Adderall has specific letters and numbers imprinted on the pill. For example, it might say AD and the dosage number. Fake pills might have different or no imprints.
  • Look at the color and shape: Real Adderall comes in specific colors and shapes for each dose. If the color or shape doesn’t match the known descriptions, it might be fake.
  • Examine the packaging: Authentic Adderall comes in a proper prescription bottle with a label from the pharmacy. Be wary of pills in blister packs or without proper packaging. Also, avoid medications with spelling mistakes on the packaging.
  • Feel the pill: Real Adderall pills have a consistent texture. If the pill feels too smooth, too rough, or crumbly, it might be fake.
  • Buy from a licensed pharmacy: Always get your medication from a licensed pharmacy. This reduces the risk of receiving counterfeit drugs.

The Orange Round Fake Pill

One common fake Adderall pill is the orange round one – this pill may contain meth [3], an illicit and dangerous stimulant. Here’s how to tell if an orange round pill is fake:

  • Color: Check the shade of orange. Fake pills might have a slightly different color that looks off when compared to the real one.
  • Imprint: Real orange round Adderall has AD and the dosage number (like 20) clearly imprinted – all of the variations are listed above. If the imprint is missing, smudged, or looks different, it could be fake.
  • Shape: The real orange round Adderall has a specific size and round shape. If the pill is not perfectly round or is a different size, it might be fake.
  • Consistency: Real Adderall pills are not crumbly. If the pill breaks easily or feels too hard, it might be fake.
  • Smell: Some counterfeit pills have a strange smell. Real Adderall does not have a strong or unusual smell.

By knowing these signs, you can help protect yourself from the dangers of fake Adderall pills. Always verify your medication and consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Adderall Dangers & Risks

Adderall is a strong medication that can be very helpful for people with ADHD and narcolepsy. However, it also comes with a number of dangers and risks that are important to understand – this is why it’s a Schedule II controlled substance.

Misuse & Overdose

Adderall misuse happens when someone takes the medication in a way that is not prescribed by a doctor. This could mean taking too much, taking it too often, or taking the medication without a prescription. Misusing Adderall can lead to serious health problems.

  • Health complications: Misusing Adderall can cause many different health problems. These can include high blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and even heart attacks. It can also lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
  • Overdose: If you take too much Adderall, it can trigger an overdose. This is very dangerous and can be life-threatening. Signs of an overdose include shaking, fever, confusion, and seizures. If you think someone is having an overdose, call 911 right away.
  • Effects on the brain: Misusing Adderall can change the way the brain works [4]. This can make it hard to think clearly or make good decisions. It can also lead to addiction, which makes it very hard to stop using the drug.
  • Mixing with other substances: Taking Adderall with other drugs or alcohol can be highly dangerous. It can increase the risk of heart problems and other health issues. Talk to your doctor before mixing medications.

Addiction Risk

Adderall has a high risk for addiction, especially if it’s misused. Addiction means you have a strong need to take the drug, even if it causes problems in your life. Here are some signs of addiction and the risks involved:

  • Signs of addiction: If you are addicted to Adderall, you might feel like you need to take it all the time. You might take more than your prescribed dose or take it more often than you should. You might also feel very tired or sick when you don’t take it.
  • Behavior changes: Addiction can change the way you act. You might spend a lot of time thinking about Adderall or trying to get more of it. You might also stop doing things you used to enjoy or have trouble at school or work.
  • Physical health risks: Long-term Adderall use can cause serious physical and mental health problems.
  • Social problems: Addiction can cause problems with friends and family. You might lie about your Adderall use or get into fights. You might also have trouble with money or legal problems because of your addiction.
  • Withdrawal: When you stop taking Adderall, you might go through withdrawal. This can make you feel very tired, hungry, and depressed. It can also be hard to sleep. Withdrawal can be very uncomfortable, which makes it hard to stop using the drug.

What Are the Different Adderall Pills?

Adderall pills come in various shapes and sizes. Some are round, and some are oval. They also have different imprints – AD or dp – to show they are Adderall. The color of the pill can help you identify the right dose.

Get Adderall Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge

If you or someone you care about has been abusing prescription medications like Adderall, we can help you get back on track at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. We have luxury rehabs in Long Beach and Newport Beach dedicated to your recovery.

When you detox from Adderall at one of our rehabs by the beach, you can access 24/7 care and medications to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. While there are no FDA-approved medications to treat stimulant addictions, ongoing treatment will focus on the psychological side of addiction through various talk therapies and motivational therapies.

All Adderall addictions are different, so expect personalized treatment at Gratitude Lodge. Therapies may include:

  • Counseling
  • Talk therapies (CBT and DBT)
  • Motivational therapies
  • Family therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Holistic treatments
  • Medication-assisted treatment
  • Aftercare

For immediate help with substance abuse, call 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2797110/

[3] https://www.justice.gov/Usao-wdmi/pr/2022_0628_Wilson

[4] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

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Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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