What mixed‑salt amphetamine stimulant medications are available?

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Last updated: September 24, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Mixed Amphetamine Salt Medications

The primary mixed amphetamine salt medications available are Adderall (immediate-release mixed amphetamine salts), Adderall XR (extended-release mixed amphetamine salts), and Mydayis/SHP465 (triple-bead extended-release mixed amphetamine salts).

Available Formulations

Immediate-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts (MAS IR)

  • Brand name: Adderall
  • Composition: Contains a 3:1 ratio of dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine 1
  • Components: Dextroamphetamine sulfate, dextro- and levoamphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine aspartate, levoamphetamine aspartate, and dextroamphetamine saccharate 2
  • Duration: Requires twice-daily dosing

Extended-Release Mixed Amphetamine Salts (MAS XR)

  • Brand name: Adderall XR
  • Mechanism: Dual-release system with immediate-release pellets that deliver half the dose upon ingestion and delayed-release pellets that release approximately 4 hours later 1
  • Duration: Provides 12-hour coverage with onset within 1.5 hours 1
  • Composition: Same 3:1 dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine ratio as immediate-release formulation 1

Triple-Bead Mixed Amphetamine Salts (SHP465)

  • Brand name: Mydayis
  • Duration: Enhanced extended-release formulation designed for up to 16 hours of action 3
  • Dosing: Available in 12.5-25 mg doses 4
  • Evidence: Demonstrated efficacy in both children/adolescents 4 and adults 3, with significant improvements in ADHD symptoms extending into late afternoon and evening hours 3

Clinical Context

Mixed amphetamine salts are FDA-approved stimulant medications for ADHD treatment. While guidelines recommend stimulants as first-line therapy 5, the specific choice between methylphenidate-based and amphetamine-based formulations should consider individual patient factors including symptom severity, duration of coverage needed, and comorbidities 5.

Important caveat: Although amphetamine has FDA approval for use in children younger than 6 years, this authorization predates current stringent approval criteria, and evidence for dextroamphetamine in preschool-aged children is insufficient to recommend it as initial treatment 6. Methylphenidate remains the recommended first-line medication for preschool-aged children when pharmacotherapy is indicated 6.

References

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