Amphetamine liquids, dissolving tablets and the patch: which are approved for adults?

Not everyone can or wants to swallow a capsule, and some adults need a medication that can be started or stopped at a set time. Several amphetamine products come in other forms: a liquid, tablets that dissolve on the tongue, a chewable tablet, and a skin patch. Their FDA labels differ a lot on one question that matters here: whether adults are covered. This page checks each current label, as of October 2026. It is general information, not a recommendation for any product.

At a glance

All of these are CNS stimulants and Schedule II controlled substances, and the active labels carry the class boxed warning on abuse, misuse and addiction that the FDA required on May 11, 2023. Two other non-capsule options appear elsewhere in this guide: the dextroamphetamine oral solution (labeled for ADHD only up to age 16) in dextroamphetamine for adults, and Vyvanse chewable tablets (labeled for adults) in Vyvanse for adults.

Xelstrym: the dextroamphetamine patch

Adult status: labeled for adults. The indication reads ADHD "in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older."

The label bases adult effectiveness on its own study in children and teens plus earlier studies of lisdexamfetamine in adults. How it is used, per the label: apply one patch 2 hours before an effect is needed and remove it within 9 hours, placing it on the hip, upper arm, chest, upper back or flank and changing the site each time.

The patch carries warnings the oral products do not:

• Contact sensitization: allergic skin reactions can develop. Redness alone is common and is not by itself a sign of sensitization, but swelling, bumps or blisters that do not improve within 48 hours or spread beyond the patch site should be reported.
• Application site reactions: pain, itching, burning, redness or swelling during or right after wear.
• External heat: heat increases absorption. In one test a heating pad raised exposure about 1.5 times, so the label says to avoid hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets and heated water beds while wearing it.

For adults, the label's common side effect list comes from adult lisdexamfetamine studies: decreased appetite, insomnia, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea and anxiety.

Adzenys XR-ODT: an extended-release tablet that dissolves

Adult status: covered. The label indicates it for ADHD "in patients 6 years and older" and gives separate dosing directions for adults.

The tablet is placed whole on the tongue and allowed to disintegrate in saliva, then swallowed, without chewing or crushing. The label says to keep it in its blister until ready, open the blister with dry hands, and peel the backing rather than pushing the tablet through the foil. It can be taken with or without food.

Its effectiveness rests on studies of mixed amphetamine salts extended-release capsules (Adderall XR), and the label lists the same most common adult side effects: dry mouth, loss of appetite, insomnia, headache, weight loss, nausea, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, fast heart rate, diarrhea, weakness and urinary tract infections. The label says people taking Adderall XR may be switched at an equivalent amount, but warns against substituting other amphetamine products unit for unit because the amphetamine content differs. It also says Adzenys XR-ODT has not been studied in older adults.

Dyanavel XR: liquid and tablet

Adult status: by wording, yes. The label indicates it for ADHD "in patients 6 years and older" with no upper age limit.

That said, the label's own effectiveness study was a laboratory classroom study in 108 children aged 6 to 12, and its adult-related side effect information comes from studies of other amphetamine products. Adults may want to ask a prescriber how much weight to give that. The liquid must be shaken before each use, and the tablets may be chewed or swallowed whole. The label says not to substitute it unit for unit for other amphetamine products, because their salt makeup and release profiles differ.

Evekeo: an older amphetamine tablet

Adult status for ADHD: not covered. Evekeo is racemic amphetamine sulfate, an immediate-release tablet. Its label lists three indications: narcolepsy; ADHD "in children" as part of a total treatment program; and short-term use for exogenous obesity alongside a calorie-restricted diet. Its ADHD dosing directions cover only children 3 and older. Using it for ADHD in an adult is off-label.

Drugs@FDA lists Evekeo ODT, the dissolving version, as discontinued.

Adzenys ER: discontinued

Adzenys ER, an extended-release amphetamine liquid, is listed as discontinued on Drugs@FDA as of October 2026. Older articles online may still describe it as an option.

What all of these share

• Contraindications: known hypersensitivity to amphetamine, and use with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping one, because of hypertensive crisis risk.
• Class warnings: risk with serious heart disease, raised blood pressure and heart rate, mania or psychosis, circulation problems in fingers and toes, serotonin syndrome, and tics. See heart health and blood pressure.
• Interactions: MAOIs, serotonergic drugs, CYP2D6 inhibitors, and agents that change stomach or urine acidity. See ADHD medication drug interactions.
• Breastfeeding: the newer labels advise that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment; the Evekeo label advises mothers to refrain from nursing. NIH LactMed summarizes a range of expert views. See ADHD in pregnancy and postpartum.

Cost and coverage

This page does not give prices. Ask your insurer whether the specific product is covered and whether prior authorization applies, and ask the pharmacy whether it stocks it. The New York cost guide and New Jersey cost guide list the questions to ask.

New York and New Jersey rules

The form does not change the schedule. A patch or a liquid is still a Schedule II stimulant: no refills under federal rules, though a prescriber may issue multiple dated prescriptions covering up to 90 days.

• New York: an I-STOP registry check before prescribing, plus state rules on supply and timing: New York's stimulant rules.
• New Jersey: P.L.2026, c.40 (effective July 8, 2026) requires adults located in New Jersey who start a Schedule II stimulant by telehealth to have an in-person visit within 30 days, a contact every three months and an in-person visit at least yearly. See New Jersey's rules.
• Federal telehealth: as of October 2026, DEA telemedicine flexibilities run through December 31, 2026.

Dr. Shershow, a psychiatrist licensed in New York and New Jersey, provides medication management for adults when medication is appropriate. The office can explain how visits are arranged for patients located in New Jersey.

Questions to ask your prescriber

• Is this form labeled for adults, and if not, why is it the right choice for me?
• For the patch: what should I do about skin irritation, showers, exercise and heat?
• Is it covered by my plan, and is it stocked nearby?
• If I switch from a capsule, how will the change be worked out?

More in questions to ask before starting ADHD medication. Never start, stop or change a medication without your prescriber.