Adderall: A Controlled Substance

Overview of Adderall as a Controlled Substance

Adderall^® (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Adderall XR^® (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release) are prescription medications that are classified as controlled substances. Controlled substances are medications or drugs that are very habit-forming or are very likely to be abused. Certain prescription medications and most illegal street drugs are controlled substances. There are special rules for medications that are controlled substances. Also, there are five different groups (or "schedules") of controlled substances. Each schedule has its own specific rules.

 

Adderall as a Schedule II Controlled Substance

Adderall, along with most other stimulants, is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means that Adderall has a legitimate medical purpose, but it is very likely to be abused (see Adderall Abuse for more information). Because it is a Schedule II controlled substance, there are special rules for Adderall. Prescriptions for Adderall must be written in "hard copy" form (they cannot be phoned or faxed to a pharmacy). Also, Adderall prescriptions cannot have any refills (you must get a new prescription each month).

 

All the special rules and "red tape" surrounding the use of Adderall may seem inconvenient, but they were put in place to prevent abuse of medications like Adderall. There may be other rules that your healthcare providers must follow for Adderall, depending on the laws of your particular state.