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Central Nervous System Stimulants

Central nervous system stimulants are used to treat ADHD, narcolepsy, and obesity. They work by increasing certain activity in the brain to speed up mental and physical processes and decrease appetite.

Why are central nervous system stimulants prescribed?

  1. ADHD (62%)
  2. Narcolepsy (30%)
  3. Binge Eating Disorder (8%)
  4. Weight Loss (0%)
  5. Sleep Apnea (0%)

Key takeaways

Central nervous system stimulants are used to treat several health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. They also have other uses. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain that help improve focus, attention, and energy levels. They come in different forms, including oral pills and extended-release capsules. Examples include amphetamine salt combo (Adderall, Adderall XR), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and methylphenidate ER (Concerta).

Prices for popular Central Nervous System Stimulants medications
Viewing 25 of 31 medications
Amphetamine salt combo (Adderall) is a moderately priced drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (uncontrollable desire for sleep or sudden attacks of deep sleep). Amphetamine salts are available in generic and brand versions. Generic Adderall is covered by some Medicare and insurance plans, but pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Amphetamine salt combo XR (Adderall XR) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions. Generic amphetamine salt combo XR is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Lisdexamfetamine (vyvanse) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available as a brand and generic.

GoodRx has partnered with InsideRx and Shire to reduce the price for this prescription. Check our savings tips for co-pay cards, assistance programs, and other ways to reduce your cost. Vyvanse is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans.
Methylphenidate (Daytrana) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. Daytrana is available in generic and brand versions. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
Methylphenidate (Methylin, Ritalin) is a moderately priced drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic methylphenidate is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Methylphenidate (Methylin, Ritalin) is a moderately priced drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic methylphenidate is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. The most common version of Focalin is covered by 73% of insurance plans at a co-pay of $60.00-$80.00, however, some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Methylphenidate SR (Methylin ER) is a moderately priced drug used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. This drug is less popular than comparable alternatives. It is available in multiple brand and generic versions. Generic methylphenidate SR is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Dextroamphetamine (Dextrostat, Dexedrine, Zenzedi) is a moderately priced drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic dextroamphetamine is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Dextroamphetamine ER (Dexedrine Spansule) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic dextroamphetamine ER is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Methylphenidate CD (Metadate CD) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than comparable alternatives. It is available in brand and generic versions. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
Methylphenidate ER (Concerta, Relexxii) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic methylphenidate er is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
Methylphenidate ER (Concerta, Relexxii) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy. This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic methylphenidate er is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Methylphenidate (Aptensio XR) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in generic and brand versions. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
Dexmethylphenidate ER (Focalin XR) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is slightly less popular than comparable alternatives. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic dexmethylphenidate ER is covered by some Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Methylphenidate LA (Ritalin LA) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. Generic methylphenidate LA is covered by some Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.
Amphetamine (Evekeo) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. It is also used as a short-term treatment, along with a reduced calorie diet and exercise, to help you lose weight. This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Evekeo. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
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Procentra

as low as$75
Dextroamphetamine (Procentra) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Procentra. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
CAFFEINE treats apnea, a condition that causes short pauses in breathing, in premature babies. It is often used for a short period of time. It works by stimulating the breathing center in the brain, which helps the lungs breathe consistently. It may also open the airways of the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
Methamphetamine (Desoxyn) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This drug may also be used together with diet and exercise in the short-term treatment of obesity. This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. It is available in brand and generic versions. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
AMPHETAMINE treats attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving focus and reducing impulsive behavior. It belongs to a group of medications called stimulants.
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than other central nervous system stimulants. There are currently no generic alternatives to Quillivant XR.

GoodRx has partnered with InsideRx and Tris Pharma to reduce the price for this prescription. Check our savings tips for co-pay cards, assistance programs, and other ways to reduce your cost. Quillivant XR is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans.
Quillichew ER (methylphenidate) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This drug is less popular than other central nervous system stimulants. There are currently no generic alternatives to Quillichew ER.

GoodRx has partnered with InsideRx and Pfizer to reduce the price for this prescription. Check our savings tips for co-pay cards, assistance programs, and other ways to reduce your cost. Quillichew ER is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans.
Amphetamine (Adzenys XR-OTD) is an expensive drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This drug is less popular than comparable drugs. There are currently no generic alternatives to Adzenys XR-ODT. It is not covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
Disclaimer: Popularity is based on total prescriptions for the brand and generic versions of each drug, regardless of the condition being treated. Some drugs are prescribed for multiple conditions.

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