Mallinckrodt Adderall vs. Teva/Barr Adderall (30 mg)?
Question posted by thetooshay on 12 Nov 2018
Last updated on 17 April 2024
Does anyone else feel that adderall by Mallinckrodt is like taking a sugar pill? I don't feel anything but except tired unfocussed and cloudy. I do not think that this brand contains the same ingredients as my usual brand. Is anyone else experiencing this and know what I can do or if my doctor will write me a new script?
I've been taking 30mg instant release adderall for years by the manufacturer Teva. They're orange and oval shaped. On 11/9/2018, I took my prescription to three different pharmacies and all had NONE in stock. I finally found one with adderall in stock but was informed that it is a different manufacturer. She told me it possesses the same ingredients and has the same effects but IT IS NOT. I received adderall from the manufacturer MALLINCKRODT and it is white and shaped like an octagon. I do not feel anything.
This stuff is nothing short of worthless. I have taken Teva Barr for approximately 10 years and when my pharmacy switched to this brand it is like having nothing at all. I am right back where I started from. This company should be held accountable for the harm it has caused the general public. I am on the verge of losing my job. My home is in shambles. My friends and family think I am crazy. For a long time I have asked my pharmacist about the quality of these pills with the response we can’t control the brand we are sent. I am convinced they are getting what they pay for - a dirt cheap worthless product. Why is the FDA not taking this stuff off the market? Mallinckrodt should be shut down!
Votes: +0
DA
Daid
11 Dec 2019
If you want something done you must complain to the FDA and after they get enough complaints they will investigate.
FA
familythree7
11 June 2019
I have been reading a lot of the above answers over the last few months and am looking for those who did well on Aurolife. I was on 30mg x2 daily and did great then they were discontinued and Zydus took over. Made me super sick, vomiting etc. switched to Teva after many here seem to like it, however it works for like an hour and then poof it’s gone. Being on 60mg daily I don’t understand how I still will fall asleep. This obviously being a huge hindrance so to any of those that did well on a Aurolife have you found a replacement? I could settle for Teva but it’s not doing it’s job therefore I can’t do my job
Votes: +0
GR
Gray731
11 June 2019
Sorry I can’t help much but I feel the same way. Mallinckrodt has made me feel awful and I can fall asleep after taking Teva. I hope you find something to help soon!!
AK
AK6354
9 June 2019
I am usually given the Teva pills when I fill my prescription. I was given the generic adderall pills by Mallinckrodt once & I hated them. I agree with everyone who said it has no effect and it feels like they are taking basically sugar pills. I don’t understand why they continue to allow a company to manufacture pills that don’t work. I made it a point to always ask the tech or pharmacist who the manufacturer is or what the description of the pill looks like before handing them my prescription bc I refuse to take the useless little white hexagon pills in the future.
Votes: +0
AD
Adashak
24 May 2019
I did my research and the Mallinckrodt company has been sued for being “not up to par with brand” but they still sell them??? I saw them once in Louisiana. Now they are all over here in Texas. They must be cheap! I’ll never take that sugar pill again. I took them to my doc and they flushed them and gave me a new RX for brand name. Teva is the most similar to brand name there is. If you can’t get that, keep looking. Don’t waste your money and month of non-productivity! The white pills are a joke. Do not accept them!!!
Votes: +0
CH
Christy0512
22 April 2019
I have the same problem!!! I've been taking adderall since I was in 8th grade (I'm almost 30 years old) and have NEVER had this problem with other adderall manufacturers except for Mallinckrodt. I'm convinced they are sugar pills.
Votes: +2
ME
meg1217
16 March 2019
I’ve never had Mallinckrodt but I’ve had the worst time trying to fine the orange oval shaped ones (Teva or Barr) Not to mention trying to find IR 20 mg is nearly impossible in the town I live in right now. I finally found them the day my script was ready. Last month I had these peach colored circle ones from Aurobindo that were HORRIBLE! Did nothing.
Votes: +1
PU
PugnWheatenMom
8 March 2019
Absolutely! I've been taking the Teva orange for years. The past 2 months, my pharmacy has given me MALLINCKRODT because of manufacturer shortage of Teva. I can't function! I called my pharmacist and was told they hear that a lot.
Votes: +3
JW
Jwright7784
15 April 2019
One thing I would suggest, try calling around to different pharmacies and see which brands they carry. It's kind of a pain in the butt but its better than getting a garbage brand like Mallinckrodt. My pharmacy is using Aurobindo. I hope it works for me. I'd even take it at half the strength of the Mallinckrodt if it didn't give me a headache and severe nausea.
AB
ABCteach
16 Feb 2019
Mallinckrodt is absolutely the worst generic adderall substitute I have EVER taken in my life. I have taken adderall for over 19 years. I take 30mg 2x a day for Narcolepsy. I was given the white octagon Mallinckrodt brand pill a little over a month ago and that is exactly when I can trace my symptoms back to starting. The first thing I noticed was that I did not feel like this medication gave me nearly the energy and extra boost I was used to with my regular orange adderall pill, but of course probably like everyone else, I just attributed this to being overworked/overly tired and dismissed it. However, more noticeable symptoms then did cause me to begin to take notice.
Every day around early evening when my medication is normally wearing off, my symptoms would begin including: getting achy all over (back pain, neck pain, legs, arms, literally all over), headaches, fever (started taking it whenever I felt like I knew I had one and sure enough every time 100+), chills, sweating, constipation, nauseous, lethargic, low blood pressure (checked frequently with cuff), etc.* Since it is flu season, I legitimately thought I had the flu. I realized it wasn't the flu when the symptoms persisted but never developed into anything more. However, the symptoms did keep me from several events with family and friends because I didn't feel well enough or physically up to doing anything, but lay in bed. Additionally, before I knew it wasn't the flu, I didn't want to give any germs to family/friends so I missed out on some pretty special time. I came across this website this morning and feel confident after reading these posts that it could definitely be related to this switch in manufacturers for the adderall. In over 19 years I have NEVER ever had this happen and I have taken the orange oval shaped one, orange circle, and a pink circle versions of generic adderall. I have never written as much as a review on a product much less a personal post like this, but I feel this situation is so serious that I have to share my experience with this manufacturer, Mallinckrodt. I even tried to contact the FDA today, but unfortunately they are only open Monday-Friday. I will be calling first thing next week. I also have a scheduled appointment with my general practitioner next week to have blood work drawn. I made the appointment before reading the posts on this site, but I still would like to rule out any other causes of these persistent daily symptoms.
*Although most of those on this post who take adderall are not taking for Narcolepsy and this symptom may not apply to you, I have also noticed for the past month I have also been having very vivid dreams that I can remember the next morning. Having Narcolepsy, this is VERY abnormal as I never ever dream.
Votes: +4
JW
Jwright7784
15 April 2019
I know this is an old post but I'm going to reply anyway. I take Adderall for excessive daytime sleepiness caused by severe sleep apnea. I use a CPAP every night and my numbers look great but I am just so fatigued every day to the point I can't function. Anyway, enough about that. I take 30 mg ER in the morning and 10 mg IR as a booster in the afternoon. The ER version is fine (not sure what brand it is, suspect it is Actavis). The IR version is absolute trash (it's mallinckrodt). I have never, ever, taken adderall this bad. I don't know what they do to their formulation but I get really bad headaches, abdominal pain and the nausea, omg the nausea... Fortunately my doc was kind enough to give me a script for Zofran. I read on the FDA website that some generic adderall manufactures were given the ok to use their own, proprietary formulations. On top of that the FDA website states generics can be 40% weaker or 20% stronger than the name brand. That is not what I call bioequivalent.
ST
STLhockeyBLUES
13 May 2019
I couldn't of said it better myself. You have listed about every symptom I have experienced over the last couple of weeks. My normal script is two 15mg of Teva a day, however, I was prescribed Mallinckrodt this past month due to pharmacy shortage. I thought it was my every day work and personal life that resulted in these symptoms but heard from a few friends that it was normal and to do some research. It wasn't long until I ran across numerous site with people experiencing the same side effects as myself. I called my doctor today of which they informed that they receive this new quite often and it wasn't abnormal. All they have to do is rewrite a new script with a note saying "wrong manufacturing company," and they will get you or request for the same company you used before.
In regards to ABCteach's comment, one thing I wanted to highlight that never crossed my mind is the vivid dreams. I do suffer from severe insomnia of which I have been prescribed trazodone for the last few years. Dreams are rare and hardly ever do i ever remember them but for the last few weeks it has been the complete opposite. Each and ever dream feels so surreal of which in turn effects my body upon waking up. Some times it will take hours or even the whole day to convince my body it was just a dream. It really does effect my emotions throughout the day and keeps me mind boggled as to why and how I still have these dreams.
BA
Bancroft
12 Feb 2019
I am currently taking this brand for the first time. There is definitely a difference that at first it felt like it was doing nothing. Continued taking and it seemed to get better. For me it seemed like the energy rush I normally get was more gradual and it seemed to stay with me longer throughout the day. I am almost hoping when I go to refill, this is the brand I get. I had a problem with another brand, so my Dr. Wrote me another prescription but I had to turn over the ones that were not working and I had to of course, pay for it myself. I do experience the headaches as well. Hope things have gotten better for you.
Votes: +1
MA
marzboy777
31 Jan 2019
Hi gang! Sorry to hear about the lousy experiences some of our group members have been having. Seems that Mallinckrodt gets the worst press. I take Adderall 20mg twice daily (not the XR version). Either TEVA or Sandoz works fine for me, although I favor Sandoz--just a personal pref, don't think one's better than the other. Hey thetooshay! Your pharmacist apparently misinformed you (e.g. that Mallinckrodt possesses the same ingredients as does TEVA); not all pharmacists, nay, not all human beings, are honest. Best suggestion I'll offer is absolutely speak to your doctor, say you're sick of getting the runaround (after all, it's YOUR $$ you're spending), and have him or her find a pharmacy which will prescribe the brand of Adderall you want.
Votes: +1
SC
SCPharmacist
31 Jan 2019
You are so correct, the Mallinckrodt generic amphetamine is without exception suboptimal and ineffective as reported by many of my pharmacy patients. The only way that this problem will be investigated and resolved if you the patient or health provider report the product problem to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088 Do it today for yourself and the many others so affected. I am a community pharmacist since 1972 and this has been recently a very hot topic. It must be resolved and all lots must be recalled in my humble opinion
Votes: +9
XI
Xiaupe
29 June 2023
I completely agree and I did file a written complaint on the FDA website. We should not be expected to take an inferior medication. I join SCOharmacidt in urging others to do so as well
It’s awesome to hear pharmacists agreeing with us. Some people have not had their concerns validated by their pharmacists. My two excellent local pharmacists also validate this; one of them has a husband who’s prescribed Adderall and also has had trouble with the Mallinckrodt version.
The other one informed me that they did have the Teva brand in a different dosage than I was prescribed (10 mg vs 5 mg) and that I should ask my provider to write the prescription for 10 mg , which I did. She gave me 30 - 10 mg tablets to split rather than 60 - 5 mg. I am very grateful that they had any of the Teva version! Now I just need to be in touch with my local pharmacists before the next prescription is due to figure out what to request.
The more people who file legitimate complaints the more this issue can be fully investigated!
BE
Bellemaz
15 Jan 2019
YES! I always get the Teva Brand (oval orange shaped) however this month my pharmacy didn’t have any in stock for days. Not any brand at all so I had to wait for a shipment. I got those octagon nightmares. I am prescribed 20mg 3x daily. I can not feel anything unless I take 2 at a time. I’m going to talk to my doctor because now I’m going to be short for the month. there is no possible way that these pills contain the same active ingredients. There’s just no way. I saw a post that was dated back to 2014 regarding this very issue in which I believe there was some sort of confrontation with the manufacturer regarding the authenticity of these pills. I’ll see if I can find it again to post.
Votes: +2
OR
OrlandoFLTunaMan
22 Jan 2019
I have to say that the best brand for me has been Aurobindo. I get 30mg 2 times daily and usually only take one a day some days and a half of one more if I have a huge workload. I have gotten Teva 30mg they are ok and seem to last half as long as Aurobindo and I have been stiffed by Mallinckrodt one time. I instantly had stomach pain, I got all jittery and confused. I though I was coming down with flu but after 2nd dose it was a repeat. Total garbage medication.
So, what I have to do is either get lucky to have a pharmacy let me know over the phone what brand they have in stock or drive to every CVS in Central Florida until I find one that even carries 30mg. For some reason a lot do not even carry 30s. The ones that do, I make sure before I even leave my prescription there is ask what manufacturer. I have 1 CVS that always has Aurobindo as long as it is at the first of the month or they get sold out by mid month.
Last refill they only had 54 left so I had to forfeit the other 6 which is fine with me as a month supply lasts me a lot longer during the slower months of the year. Teva I remember taking 30 at 5 a.m. then having to take 30 around 11 a.m. and then sometimes another 30 at 3 p.m. I would come home, eat, shower and fall asleep. If I took that much Aurobindo, sleep would not be an option. 45 mg a day I can barely fall asleep after doing the same routine.
LI
limpingpony
11 Jan 2019
Can't find any at all here in Florida. My Walgreen's says they've been out of 20mg for a month. Trying to switch to another size. Other pharmacies also seem to be out. I hope it's not the trade issues with China that's causing this.
Votes: +0
LI
limpingpony
11 Jan 2019
Cancel that. Went to my regular store today, and back in stock. Haven't picked up, but the web site says its the usual Teva which have always worked well for me. So, all is well, and I guess they were just waiting for the truck. Also, I believe that pharmacists are rightly suspicious of everyone getting adderall because it is often misused. They always say they will see if it is in stock while they size you up and check their records. If you're not a regular customer, your chances are slim. I try always to go to the same pharmacy and have a reputable psychiatrist with a well known clinic. Almost never wait for it to be filled while tapping nervously. And insurance pays. I hope I do not one day find myself without those advantages,
MY
MysteriousMarissa
10 Jan 2019
Rodger that! On January 9, 2019 I picked up my regular monthly prescription of generic Adderall 30MG at my local CVS and found it to be Mallinckrodt.
I’ve never had (what feels like) an underhanded switch up like this. I have taken the orange ones (TEVA or by AUROBINDO) for over 3 years and have experienced zero to no side effects.
I am also currently experiencing a headache with this new manufacturer.
I don’t have expert experience with headaches or migraines, but this is what I believe to be experiencing. I dont take Tylenol or any over the counter pain relieving drugs either.
I just took my second pill (earlier than my normal 4 hours apart / or as needed) and it seemed to help the side effect go astray for now.
Best of luck to you all and next time I will have my doctor write a note on my prescriptions about what manufacturers are acceptable. I will also do my research on other pharmacies near me and call them to make sure they can fill what I would need that day.
Votes: +4
JL
Jlrappa
10 Jan 2019
Oh no! Feel better!! Those fake adderall pills made by Mallinckodt gave me horrible stomach pain and terrible headaches! I too took them at earlier intervals because they werent working. They made me sleepy, irritable and I could not focus. My body hurt and I felt like I had the flu. Also, if you keep them in the pill bottle and carry it around with you they break up and turn to POWDER! Strange. What is in this stuff?? I saved a couple extra pills (just in case for testing) & I reported them to the FDA and to the company directly. The more people that report bad side effects the better chance we have to get this garbage off shelves. I suffered for months before realizing what it was. Thank goodness Im back on Teva.
BE
Bettertogether4never
24 Jan 2021
Can i ask what the conclusion u got back from the company and FDA was
RT
rtvb24
1 Jan 2019
When I filled my Med last month I was given a generic made my Epic Pharma. I have never felt so bad in my life. I have only been on adderall for 4 months and finally thought I was getting my life back. Well, these pink pills I was given this month have made me irritable, sleepy, bloated, and so sick I have literally almost threw up. I have done some research and found out that my local Ingles only uses Teva generic and does not switch every month like CVS seems to be doing. I am scared to try any other brand other than that one because I know it worked for me and I truly can’t live another month like this one. I feel like a lot of these generics need to just be taken off the market. I’ve used generic drugs all my life and I’ve never had any reaction like this. I’m going to ask my Dr if she can put that only Teva can be used as a substitute. Idk if they. An do that but I really hope she can.
Votes: +3
TE
Tess21
5 June 2020
stick with Smaller Pharmacies or Walgreens is also Great
JO
john32q
14 May 2021
Dude going through the same thing same brand. I’m at a total loss this has happened before but never ever this bad. I can’t eat sleep barely can even move my body without yelling or feeling so nauseous I want to puke all over myself..these are poison not adderall and I’m straight angry u have to suffer like this. I’m glad I seeen your comment wow! explaining everything I have to a T. I need my freaking teva back gahh this garbage don’t work plain and simple..