Is L-Dopa A Good Substitute For Adderall?

Posted on Thu, 1 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 1 Mar 2018 Answered on

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : currently I am taking 10mg Adderall. I read someplace of a drug L-Dopha or something similar that might be able to be substituted for Adderall. Do you have any info regarding this drug?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation.

Detailed Answer:

Hello, and thanks for your question.

There are no good substitutions for Adderall available. Stimulants are, per clinical trials, much more effective than other similar medications. L-Dopa has never been shown to be nearly as effective as Adderall. It would be reasonable to discuss lowering the dose with your prescribing doctor, although this dose of Adderall is already quite low. Overall, it sounds like you are on the correct medication and I don't recommend any particular substitute.

Regards,
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe, Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad