Mydayis Vs Adderall Comparison

Key Differences Between Mydayis & Adderall

Mydayis and Adderall are both medications used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. Both medications are classified as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, and while they both have similarities, they are not interchangeable. The main differences between these medications are in what age these medications are approved for and how long their effects last. For the purpose of this article, we will be comparing Mydayis with Adderall XR, the extended-release version of Adderall.

The table below summarizes the key differences between Mydayis versus Adderall:^{1, 2, 3, 4}

What Is Mydayis?

Mydayis is FDA-approved to treat the symptoms of ADHD in those 13 years and older. It is given in an extended-release capsule, meaning that the drug is formulated to release medication slowly over time. This is why Mydayis is taken once by mouth in the morning, as the effects may last up to 16 hours. How Mydayis works in the body is by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, natural chemicals made by the body, by the neurons so that there is more of the chemical for the body to use in managing the symptoms of ADHD. It should also be noted that there is currently no generic version of this medication available.^{1, 2}

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD in ages 6 years and older, and the immediate-release version of it is also approved to treat narcolepsy. Adderall interacts with the body in a similar manner to Mydayis, where it blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so that the body has more of it to use. The difference with this medication is that the extended-release formulation releases medication to have an effect up to 12 hours after the dose. Adderall is available as an immediate-release and extended-release medication, and there are generic versions available.^{3, 4}

What Are Mydayis & Adderall Used to Treat?

Mydayis and Adderall are FDA-approved in the use of ADHD. This means that the FDA has looked at all the data and determined that the medications are both safe and efficacious for the use that they’re indicated for. Medications can also be used for off-label reasons. This is when a doctor prescribes a medication outside of its FDA-approved indication, using their professional judgment to weigh the benefits and risks.

Although it may be beneficial for these medications to be used off-label, more research is needed to determine if it is efficacious. If you are interested in using Mydayis or Adderall for uses other than ADHD, talk with your doctor.^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

The table below compares the medical and mental health conditions Mydayis and Adderall are used to treat:

Which Is More Effective: Mydayis or Adderall?

Both medications are efficient and safe, as determined by the FDA. They both effectively control the symptoms of ADHD. Adderall is designed with two types of beads in it, one that immediately releases while the other is delayed to give you medication over an extended period of time.

Mydayis has 3 types of beads in it: immediate release that works quickly after being taken, delayed-release beads that release sometime around mid-day, and delayed-release beads that release in the evening. The two medications are effective, but it depends on the person which medication is appropriate for them.^{2, 4}: clinical pharmacology)

Mydayis & Adderall Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

As with every medication, dosages can vary for each individual as it is based on the response you have to the medication. Typical dosage ranges for Mydayis start from 12.5 mg to 50 mg per day for adults, while the maximum for pediatric patients, ages 13 to 17, is 25 mg. Adderall’s dosage ranges from 10 mg to 30 mg per day, or a maximum of 20 mg per day for those 13 years and older. Factors that can affect dosages for a person are personal, like your age, severity of symptoms, and what other medications you are currently taking.

Mydayis Forms & Strengths

Mydayis is offered in four different strengths as extended-release capsules taken by mouth. The right dosage for an individual looks different from person to person as it is dependent on personal factors like your age and severity of symptoms. You can typically see relief in symptoms for up to 16 hours.

Mydayis is available in the following forms and strengths:^{1, 2}

• 12.5 milligrams (mg) oral extended-release capsule
• 25 milligrams (mg) oral extended-release capsule
• 37.5 milligrams (mg) oral extended-release capsule
• 50 milligrams (mg) oral extended-release capsule

Adderall Forms & Strengths

Adderall is offered in six different strengths, these extended-release capsules are to be taken by mouth. Typically, patients will see Adderall start to work 30 minutes to an hour after their dose. Effects can last up to 12 hours after they have taken their medication. Adderall also comes in an immediate-release formulation as tablets.

Adderall is available in the following forms and strengths:^{3, 4}

• Oral extended-release capsule: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg
• Oral immediate-release tablet: 5 milligrams (mg), 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg

Medications should be taken as prescribed and should not be shared with others. If you miss a dose, do not double the dosage. Avoid taking these medications later in the day since they are extended-release and can cause difficulty sleeping. If you have any questions on how to take these medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

Side Effects of Mydayis & Adderall

As with all medications, there are side effects associated with Mydayis and Adderall. Most times, side effects are mild and go away as your body adjusts to the medication, but sometimes the side effects can be serious and require medical attention. For the common side effects listed below, they occurred in 2% or more of patients in clinical trials for Mydayis and 5% or more for Adderall. This is not a comprehensive list of side effects. You should talk with your prescriber and pharmacist about any potential side effects of either medication.

The table below compares the most common side effects of Mydayis and Adderall:*^{1, 2, 3, 4}: Adverse reactions)

The table below compares serious side effects of Mydayis and Adderall:*^{1, 2, 3, 4}: warnings and precautions)

*All medications, including Mydayis and Adderall, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Warnings & Precautions for Mydayis & Adderall

There are warnings and precautions to be aware of for ADHD medications, including Mydayis and Adderall. These are side effects that can occur, but they are not guaranteed to happen. Being knowledgeable of precautions associated with your medication can make you aware if you or someone you know is experiencing an unintended side effect.

If you experience any of these symptoms, then seek appropriate medical attention since some of these symptoms can be life-threatening. If you have concerns about your medication, you should talk with your doctor and pharmacist.

Risks to consider when taking Mydayis and Adderall include:^{1, 2, 3, 4}

• Interactions with alcohol: The risk of consuming alcohol while on Mydayis or Adderall is that these substances can mix together, creating unintended side effects. Mydayis and Adderall may also mask the signs of alcohol, leading someone to drink more than is safe.
• Use while pregnant or breastfeeding: Medications like Mydayis and Adderall may cause fetal harm based on animal data conducted during research. Talk with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of continued use of these medications.
• Allergic reactions: Some may be allergic to components of the medication, causing them to have symptoms like difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the face or neck. Seek immediate medical care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction.
• Serious cardiovascular reactions: For those with heart issues, Mydayis and Adderall have been reported to cause serious reactions like heart attack, stroke, and sudden death.
• Long-term suppression of growth: In patients 6 years to 17 years, both medications can cause children in these age ranges not to grow or gain weight. If you suspect this to be the case, discuss with your doctor about these observations as they may need to interrupt the treatment process.
• Potential for abuse and dependence: Mydayis and Adderall are both medications that have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Those with a current or past history of substance use disorder should be cautious.
• Seizures: There is clinical evidence that stimulants can lower the threshold in patients with a prior history of seizures and, very rarely, in patients without a history of seizures.
• Serotonin Syndrome: This is a potentially life-threatening reaction observed in both medications. When in combination with other medications that increase your levels of serotonin, it can cause serious adverse effects.
• Psychiatric adverse reactions: Both Mydayis and Adderall can cause new or worsening of prior psychosis or manic symptoms in patients.

Potential Drug Interactions With Mydayis & Adderall

It is important to be honest with your doctor and let them know about every substance that you’re on, both legal and illegal. All drugs have a potential for interactions, so doctors must weigh the risks and benefits of all therapies that you are on, especially in combination with one another. Both of these medications have the same active ingredients, so they will have similar drug interactions.

Some of these interactions change how well your medication works, while others are more serious, requiring medical attention. Be sure to update your doctor and pharmacist with your current medication list to ensure that they are checking for potential drug interactions.

Disclaimer: Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Mydayis and Adderall can change how these medications work in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Medications and substances that have harmful interactions with Mydayis and Adderall include:^{1, 2, 3, 4}

Costs & Insurance Coverage

The cost of these medications can variety of factors. If you are paying with your insurance, then the type of plan you have largely dictates the cost of your medications. Those who are paying with cash will typically see that Adderall’s generic is the cheapest option, especially if a copay savings card is used to help with the costs.

Mydayis is only available as a brand-name medication currently, which is typically more expensive than generic alternatives if it were to be available. Adderall does have a generic version. If you have commercial insurance, you can use a savings card from Mydayis’s website, where you can pay as little as $30. Mydayis coupons are also available.

Which Is Right for You: Mydayis or Adderall?

Which medication is right for you depends on many factors. A doctor considers factors like your age, severity of symptoms, current health conditions, and current medications. A treatment that works well for one person may not yield the same results in another. It is important to discuss with your doctor your concerns and goals for treatment. If you are unable to see a provider in person, then you may need to consider online psychiatry services.

How to Get a Prescription for Mydayis & Adderall

All medications in the United States require a valid prescription in order for them to be filled at a pharmacy. Mydayis and Adderall are only available by prescription, and since they are both strictly regulated medications, only certain providers are allowed to prescribe them. To obtain a prescription for either medication, you first must have a diagnosis from a licensed prescriber, who will then determine if Mydayis or Adderall is a good choice for you. If they decide that to be the case, then they will write you a prescription.

Not all providers are able to write prescriptions for Mydayis and Adderall. Licensed healthcare providers need to have a special registration with the DEA in order to write these prescriptions. There are also state laws that differ, allowing some providers to write these prescriptions while others may not. Physicians and psychiatrists are able to give you these prescriptions, but providers like physician assistants and Nurse practitioners may not be able to, depending on the state’s laws. Regardless of who you get your prescription from, they should be able to help a patient consider ADHD medications as treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Mydayis & Adderall

As with all medications, it is important to have an open line of communication with your doctor. Being honest and forthcoming with your concerns and medical history can help doctors make a more informed choice in regard to your care. Advocating for yourself will help you in finding the treatment that is best for you. You should come to your appointment prepared with any questions or concerns you have.

Questions to ask your prescriber about Mydayis and Adderall include:

• Is it safe to take Mydayis or Adderall with my other medications?
• Will Mydayis or Adderall be covered by my insurance?
• Which one has the best results as a treatment for ADHD?
• Does my medical history increase my risk of side effects for either?
• How long can I expect side effects to last?
• How often should I see you for checkups while taking Mydayis or Adderall?
• What should I do if I am unsure whether ADHD medications are right for me?
• How long should I try this medication before deciding it is not for me?

In My Experience

In my experience, I’ve seen Adderall prescribed more. Both medications are useful in the treatment of ADHD, but the cost can be a barrier for some patients. I have seen insurance cover Adderall, especially generic Adderall prescriptions, more than Mydayis, and those who filled Mydayis were typically paying a higher cost on average than Adderall patients.

Outside of costs, patients tolerated the therapies well, and it helped to control their symptoms with little to no side effects, especially when it was combined with a non-medication therapy in certain populations such as children. If you feel that you have concerns or questions about starting either of these medications, you should discuss it with your doctor.