How Parents Can Save Money on ADHD Medications

Once-a-day attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medicines such 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.

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 a generic ADHD medication, you will likely pay (before insurance or any coupons):

• Amphetamine salt combo (generic Adderall): $85 to $120 for 60 tablets
• Amphetamine salt combo XR (generic Adderall XR): $180 to $200 for 30 capsules
• Dexmethylphenidate (generic Focalin): $85 to $100 for 60 tablets
• Dexmethylphenidate XR (generic Focalin XR): $200 for 30 capsules
• Methylphenidate ER (generic Concerta): $250 for 30 tablets
• Methylphenidate (generic Ritalin): $75 to $90 for 60 tablets

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.

Shop Around

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 check online pharmacies as 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 for treating ADHD but 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.

Look for Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs

Coupons are available for many name-brand ADHD medications that don't have generic versions. You can find coupons for prescription medicines on GoodRx or by checking the drug manufacturer's website.

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 as NeedyMeds.

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.

A Word of Caution

Some people try to save money by ordering an ADHD medication from an illegal or foreign website. However, doing this puts you or your child at risk. In addition to getting scammed out of your money, you may receive a contaminated or counterfeit product, the wrong product, or an incorrect dose.

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