Most ADHD medications wear off by mid-afternoon. You take your morning dose, get a few productive hours, and then watch your focus disappear right when you still have half a day left. Mydayis was built to fix that.
Mydayis (mixed amphetamine salts) is an extended-release stimulant that lasts up to 16 hours. That's not marketing fluff--it uses a triple-bead release system that delivers medication in three waves throughout the day. Morning, afternoon, and evening. One capsule.
If you've tried Adderall XR or Vyvanse and found yourself crashing by 3 PM, Mydayis might be the answer. Here's everything you need to know.
How Mydayis works
Mydayis contains the same active ingredients as Adderall--mixed amphetamine salts--but the delivery system is completely different. Where Adderall XR uses two beads (immediate + delayed), Mydayis uses three:
First bead: Releases immediately after you take it. You feel the effect within 30--60 minutes.
Second bead: Releases around 4 hours later, extending coverage through midday.
Third bead: Releases around 8 hours in, carrying you through the late afternoon and evening.
This triple-release design means no "crash" between doses and no second pill to remember. For people who need consistent focus from early morning through evening activities--work, school, parenting, studying--this is a genuine advantage.
Who Mydayis is for
Mydayis is FDA-approved for patients 13 and older with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis. It's especially worth considering if:
• Your current medication wears off too early in the day
• You need focus for evening responsibilities (homework, second-shift work, parenting)
• You're tired of taking a second dose every afternoon
• You've tried shorter-acting stimulants and they worked but didn't last long enough
It's not the right choice for everyone. Your provider will avoid Mydayis if you have serious heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or a history of substance misuse. It also can't be taken with MAOIs (a type of antidepressant).
Mydayis vs. Adderall XR vs. Vyvanse
These three medications overlap but serve different needs. Here's how they compare for the things that actually matter:
Duration: Adderall XR lasts 10--12 hours. Vyvanse lasts 12--14 hours. Mydayis lasts up to 16 hours. If afternoon coverage is your problem, Mydayis wins on duration alone.
Onset: Adderall XR and Mydayis both kick in within about an hour. Vyvanse takes slightly longer (1--2 hours) because it's a prodrug--your body has to convert it before it works.
Abuse potential: All three are Schedule II controlled substances. However, Vyvanse has an extra layer of protection since it can't be activated without digestion. Mydayis and Adderall XR have similar profiles here.
Cost: Mydayis tends to be more expensive, and generic availability is limited. Your provider can check insurance coverage and discuss alternatives if cost is a barrier. For a full breakdown of how stimulant and non-stimulant medications stack up, check our complete medication comparison guide.
Dosing and what to expect
Mydayis comes in four strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg. Your provider will almost always start at 12.5 mg and increase gradually based on how you respond.
The goal is finding the dose where your focus improves without significant side effects. This process (called titration) typically takes 2--4 weeks. Be patient with it--jumping to a higher dose too fast increases side effects without necessarily improving results.
Important: Take Mydayis in the morning. Because it lasts up to 16 hours, taking it after noon can seriously disrupt sleep. Capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on applesauce (don't crush or chew the beads).
Side effects
Mydayis shares side effects with other amphetamine-based stimulants. The most commonly reported ones in clinical trials:
• Decreased appetite -- the most common. Eating a solid breakfast before your dose helps.
• Insomnia -- especially if taken too late. Stick to morning dosing.
• Dry mouth -- stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Increased heart rate -- your provider will monitor this, especially early on.
• Mood changes -- irritability or anxiety can occur, particularly at higher doses.
Less common but more serious: chest pain, shortness of breath, or signs of circulation problems (numbness in fingers/toes). Report these to your provider immediately. Like all amphetamine medications, Mydayis carries a boxed warning for potential misuse and dependence.
If stimulant side effects have been a problem for you in the past, newer non-stimulant options like Qelbree offer a completely different approach with no abuse potential.
Is Mydayis right for you?
If your ADHD doesn't clock out at 5 PM, your medication shouldn't either. Mydayis fills a specific gap in ADHD treatment--16-hour coverage from a single morning dose. It won't be the right fit for everyone, but for people who need all-day symptom control, it can be a real difference-maker.
The only way to know for sure is to talk with a provider who specializes in ADHD medication management. At ADHD One, evaluations are thorough, and you can be seen the same day you reach out. If Mydayis makes clinical sense for your situation, your provider can prescribe it and monitor your response over time. If it doesn't, they'll find what does.
Take our free 2-minute screening--same test doctors use.
Take the Free ADHD Test →Frequently asked questions
How long does Mydayis last compared to Adderall XR?
Mydayis lasts up to 16 hours, while Adderall XR typically provides 10--12 hours of coverage. The difference comes from Mydayis using a triple-bead release system instead of Adderall XR's two-bead design. For people whose symptoms extend into the evening, this extra coverage can eliminate the need for a booster dose.
Can kids under 13 take Mydayis?
No. Mydayis is FDA-approved only for patients 13 and older. For younger children, providers typically prescribe shorter-acting options like Adderall XR, Vyvanse, or Concerta. Your provider will recommend the most right medication based on your child's age, weight, and symptom severity.
What if I miss a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember--but only if it's still early in the day. Because Mydayis lasts 16 hours, taking it in the afternoon will likely keep you up at night. If it's past noon, skip that day's dose and resume the next morning. Never double up.
Is Mydayis a controlled substance?
Yes. Mydayis is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, the same category as Adderall and Vyvanse. This means prescriptions require monthly check-ins, no automatic refills, and electronic prescribing. Learn more about how the refill process works to stay on track with your medication.
Does Mydayis cause weight loss?
Appetite suppression is the most common side effect, which can lead to weight loss--especially in the first few months. Eating a full breakfast before your morning dose and scheduling meals rather than relying on hunger cues can help. Your provider will monitor your weight at follow-up visits and adjust the plan if needed.