How to Tell if Adderall is Fake

Recognizing the Differences Between Real vs Counterfeit Adderall

Adderall is a common prescription medication for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. According to recent headlines, ADHD medication demands are on the rise. And unfortunately, there are shortages due to manufacturing issues.

In the midst, there is a growing supply of fake Adderall pills. For one, fake Adderall pills have smudged inscriptions, dosages, and other details. Plus, the colorings and textures are often inconsistent – sometimes, within the same pack.

You should be aware that counterfeit medications like fake Adderall pills also often contain addictive and toxic substances such as meth or even fentanyl, leading to the potential for overdose and other serious side effects.

In order to stay safe, you have to know how to tell if Adderall is fake.

Let’s get into all the details, and remember we are here at any time if you would like to get a confidential consultation at Icarus Behavioral Health to help you deal with substance abuse risks through compassionate counseling care and treatment programs.

How to Identify Authentic Adderall Pills?

According to professionals, fake drugs can lead to significant risks to your health because they often include dangerous substances – sometimes even meth!

So, to spot counterfeit Adderall pills, you need to know what legitimate Adderall pills look like. It’s that simple.

Authentic prescription drugs like Adderall come in various dosages, here’s how to identify them:

• Adderall 5mg

These are blue and clear capsules with “Adderall XR” and “5 mg” imprints on each opaque side.

• Adderall 10mg

The 10mg capsules have one transparent blue half and one opaque blue half. Again, it has an “Adderall XR” and “10 mg” print.

• Adderall 15mg

These are white and blue capsules. They have one transparent blue half and one opaque white half with “Adderall XR” and “15 mg” imprints on each side.

• Adderall 20mg

The 20mg pill is very different from counterfeit versions because it is a circular orange pill with “AD” or “dp” on one side. The other side has “20” imprinted on it.

• Adderall 25mg

This 25mg prescription medication comes in a white and orange capsule with one transparent and clear half. The other half is opaque orange. The real Adderall 25mg has “Adderall XR” and “25 mg” imprints on each part.

• Adderall 30mg

These are oval-shaped pills. They’re usually either peach or orange in color with “AD” or “dp” imprinted on one side, while the other side has “30” imprinted on it.

Spot Fake Adderall Pills Based on Physical Appearance

According to Reuters, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about counterfeit Adderall. The source confirms what we mentioned at the outset of our blog, that misspellings, color and texture inconsistencies, and improper shapes are the most common signs of counterfeit pills.

These visible differences make it easy to spot counterfeit Adderall from authentic ones. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also confirmed that. It also confirmed that counterfeit medications contain harmful substances that pose significant risks to consumers.

Overall, the packaging and appearance – along with the quality – are what separates counterfeit Adderall pills from the real ones. Here’s how to spot fake Adderall based on physical appearance:

• Color Discrepancies

You will find authentic Adderall pills in specific colors and shades: blue, orange, white, and peach. If the color of your pill looks off, it is time to ‘trash your stash’ and report the seller or dealer to law enforcement agencies.

• Shape and Size

Genuine Adderall pills have consistent shapes and sizes. So, if you notice irregularities that indicate you consumed a fake, get immediate medical attention.

• Texture Differences

Next, you should note the subtle yet noticeable differences (up close) in the texture. They have a smooth texture but are not too silky. Meanwhile, a texture that is too rough can also indicate that you’ve got counterfeit Adderall.

• Imprints and Logos

Most of the time, counterfeit medicines come with wrong imprints or printing inconsistencies. There could be noticeable differences in font style, size, and shape on the pills or capsules. Misspellings and unusual logos are also why you should avoid purchasing medications because they could be fake.

• Packaging Quality

All reputable pharmacy and online sellers will deal authentic medication in high-quality packaging. If there’s a sign of poor printing or unusual packaging materials, it’s most likely a counterfeit product.

Packaging and Labels to Identify Counterfeit Drugs (Counterfeit Pills)

Did you know that 6 out of 10 fake pills with fentanyl might contain a lethal dose? The DEA revealed that illegal counterfeit pills, especially illegal counterfeit versions of Adderall, are more lethal than before.

To help you stay safe from counterfeit Adderall pills, you should also pay attention to the packaging and labeling.

Here are some factors, including incorrect dosages imprinted on fake pills, to spot fake pills, from fentapills to knock-off Adderall:

• Official Branding

Check for the brand name and logo. On counterfeit pills, there’s often a discrepancy, misspelling, or similar issue. With known products, however, such packaging inconsistencies are very rare and usually reported.

• Batch Numbers and Expiration Dates

You can also check for legitimate batch numbers and expiration dates to spot counterfeit pills from real Adderall tablets. There are often incorrect details but you can also check in with your healthcare provider to confirm if you have the real medication.

• Tamper-Evident Seals

When you buy from a verified and valid prescription dealer, you’ll notice that real Adderall comes in tamper-proof packaging. For that reason, if the seak looks broken or is missing entirely, proceed with caution.

• Missing (or Poorly Printed) Leaflets

Genuine medication packets or boxes contain informational inserts, you may already have a few at hand. To spot a fake Adderall made from “unknown substances” to “treat ADHD and narcolepsy”, check for leaflets. They’re often missing or so poorly printed that it’s easy to spot a fake.

• Ambiguous or Incorrect Contact Info

Often, the contact information about the manufacturer is either incorrect or missing entirely, like other packaging components. Unverified online sources (especially on the dark web) are where sellers promise “improved focus” and other benefits, but aren’t easy to contact or verify their credibility.

How Does Adderall Work?

The real Adderall contains a few active ingredients – i.e., controlled substances – for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. For one, it has four main types of amphetamines:

1. Dextroamphetamine saccharate
2. Amphetamine aspartate
3. Dextroamphetamine sulfate
4. Amphetamine sulfate

It stimulates nerve cells and certain neurotransmitters: mainly dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals improve focus and attention, which helps you with impulse control.

What Are the Risks of Taking Fake Adderall Pills?

If you notice that you’re not experiencing the appropriate treatment effects through your Adderall, it could be a fake.

Know that fake pills of any kind can lead to harmful effects and sometimes, fatal overdoses. In this case, overdose is usually due to the presence of other substances like methamphetamine, fentanyl, and so on.

Here are the most common symptoms of counterfeit pills sold as Adderall:

• Unusual drowsiness or sedation (often due to stimulants like methamphetamine)
• Increased anxiety or agitation
• Lack of focus
• Cognitive impairment
• Withdrawal symptoms when you stop (due to methamphetamine and similar psychoactive substances)
• Abnormal heart rate
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Difficulty sleeping or insomnia

Are there Harmful Substances in Fake Pills?

Yes, as we have touched on a number of times above, there are harmful substances in counterfeit pills that lead to negative health risks.

These risks typically include issues like blood pressure, heart attacks, hallucinations, and mental health issues. The harmful substances that lead to those risks include:

• Toxic fillers like heavy metals and industrial chemicals (also a risk to public health)
• Incorrect dosages of active ingredients (absence of controlled substance infusion)
• Synthetic drugs like bath salts
• Fentanyl and other substances commonly referred to under the banner of “opioid epidemic”
• Benzodiazepines which lead to increased sedation and dangerous drug interactions

How to Avoid Fake Adderall Pills and Get Authentic Adderall?

Be proactive and go to only licensed pharmacies to safeguard your well-being. FDA-approved sellers deal in Adderall pills that have undergone strict quality control and controlled production processes.

Look for Licensed Pharmacies

Go to a licensed pharmacy. They will have an FDA approval certificate and strict quality control guidelines. Also, avoid purchasing medications from online pharmacies or websites that don’t require a prescription.

Verify With Your Healthcare Provider

Your healthcare provider can help you verify the authenticity of your Adderall prescription. So, if you’re concerned, don’t wait. Reach out for laboratory testing to check if the pills are authentic.

Check for FDA Approval

Before buying, also check if the medication is FDA-approved. There’s a list of approved drug labels for Adderall by the FDA.

What to Do If You Have Fake Adderall?

It takes lab laboratory testing and quality control verification to truly ensure whether a pill is real Adderall or not.

But in case you notice the wrong expiration date or other indications of counterfeit pills, here’s what to do.

Stop Taking the Medication Immediately

Instead of risking serious health complications, discontinue the use of medication immediately.

Get Medical Attention

Seek a healthcare provider and discuss treatment options if you continue experiencing adverse side effects due to the unpredictable composition of fake pills.

Report the Incident and the Seller of Counterfeit Pills

Make sure you notify the law enforcement agencies. This is because fake Adderall sellers are often aware of legal risks and the threat of dealing with law enforcement can prevent them from continuing illicit pill operations.

Protect Your Health from Counterfeit Drugs and Fake Pills, Keep Addiction Risks at Bay

At Icarus Behavioral Health, you or your loved one can undergo tailored a treatment process to eliminate your physical dependence on Adderall or other drugs.

We understand that over-relying even on prescription medication like Adderall can lead to serious health risks. It can lead to addictive behaviors, adverse cardiovascular health, and other negative effects.

With the right help, in a supportive environment at Icarus Behavioral Health, we can help you overcome abuse or addiction and associated mental health and dual diagnosis issues as well.

Don’t wait, seek help today. Schedule a confidential consultation with a reliable healthcare professional at our rehab facility, right here in New Mexico.