Adderall XR vs. Jornay PM
See how Adderall XR and Jornay PM compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Adderall XR is taken once each morning, while Jornay PM is taken in the evening so it starts working overnight and controls symptoms from the moment you wake up.
Both are Schedule II stimulants with a boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction, and neither is approved for children under 6 years old.
Adderall XR comes in three dose strengths and has a generic version, while Jornay PM offers five higher-milligram strengths and has no generic available yet.
Adderall XR vs. Jornay PM Drug Summary
Adderall XR
Adderall XR is a CNS stimulant that combines four amphetamine salts to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 and older. It's an extended-release capsule taken once in the morning, with effects meant to last through the day.
Jornay PM
Jornay PM is a CNS stimulant containing methylphenidate, also approved for ADHD in people 6 and older. It's a delayed-release, extended-release capsule taken once each evening, so it works overnight and controls symptoms starting at wake-up.
Adderall XR vs. Jornay PM Side Effects
Adderall XR
Jornay PM
Adderall XR vs. Jornay PM Dosage
Adderall XR
Jornay PM
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 30 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Adderall XR
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 30 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Jornay PM
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Adderall XR vs. Jornay PM Indications
Adderall XR
Adderall XR is FDA-approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children ages 6 and up. It combines four amphetamine salts in one extended-release capsule to provide steady symptom control across the day.
ADHD in adults
ADHD in children 6 years and older
Not approved for children under 6
Not approved for patients with end-stage renal disease
Jornay PM
Jornay PM is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in people ages 6 and older. It uses a delayed-release, extended-release methylphenidate formulation taken the night before, so symptom control is already active when you wake up.
ADHD in adults
ADHD in children 6 years and older
Not approved for children under 6
Not approved for narcolepsy
Adderall XR vs. Jornay PM Pros and Cons
Adderall XR
Adderall XR has decades of clinical use and is approved across a wide age range, with three dose strengths for straightforward titration. It's generally less expensive than Jornay PM and available generically, but its once-daily morning dosing means effects can wear off before evening tasks that need symptom control.
Pros
Available generically, often lower cost
Long track record since 2001 approval
Simple three-strength titration schedule
Cons
Symptom control may fade before evening
Not designed to control symptoms right at wake-up
Higher appetite-loss rate reported in trials
Jornay PM
Jornay PM's evening dosing is designed so symptoms are already under control the moment a patient wakes up, which can help with the difficult morning routine many people with ADHD face. It costs more than Adderall XR and has no generic version, and its insomnia rate is notably high given it's taken at night.
Pros
Controls symptoms starting at wake-up
Five dose strengths for fine-tuned titration
Evening dosing avoids midday dosing at school or work
Cons
Roughly $340 to $620 a month, no generic available
Higher rate of insomnia reported in trials
Must be taken the night before, requires planning
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.