14+ List of Countries Where Adderall is Illegal (Updated)

The legality of Adderall varies from country to country. Hence, your concern is noble! 

In this article, you will find the list of countries where Adderall is illegal. 

We have also included why having Adderall and some other medications for ADHD might be considered illegal.

Hey! You won’t go without a bonus point: Explore ADHD medications by country in the final subheading. 

14 List of Countries Where Adderall is Illegal

Adderall is not illegal. However, it is a prescription medication. Hence, without a prescription, possessing it is illegal. 

Here is the complete list of countries where the possession of Adderall without a prescription is illegal:

1. Canada 

As a controlled substance, its use in Canada without a prescription is illegal! 

Are you or your loved ones with ADHD traveling to Canada? Get the drug from a licensed medical professional.

2. United Kingdom

Considered as a Class B controlled drug in the UK, its possession without a prescription is illegal.

3. Australia 

Adderall is a Schedule 8 controlled substance, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

Searching for ADHD Therapy Activities? Here is a complete list of ADHD Therapy Activities for adults & kids.

4. Germany

Adderall is classified as a controlled substance in Germany, and its possession without a prescription is illegal.

5. Japan

In Japan, Adderall is classified as a narcotic. 

There is more, the medication is subject to strict regulations, and its use without a prescription is generally illegal.

6. Singapore

It is also considered a controlled drug in Singapore, and its possession without a prescription is illegal.

7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Adderall, though a regular prescription in other locations, is not available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

As a controlled substance, its possession without a prescription is illegal. 

For visitors or international students, you might need to renew prescriptions monthly.

This prescription must be signed by a UAE Psychiatrist.

8. Sweden

The use of Adderall in Sweden without a prescription by a licensed medical practitioner is illegal.

9. Norway 

Adderall, like other ADHD medications, is considered a prescription medication in Norway.

Hence, its use is controlled, and possession can only be legal if it is with a prescription.

10. South Korea

In South Korea, Adderall is a psychotropic drug. Therefore, its use without a prescription is generally illegal.

11. Brazil 

Adderall is a prescription medication, and its possession without a prescription is illegal.

12. China

As a controlled substance in China, Adderall’s use without a prescription is illegal.

13. India

Adderall is a prescription medication in India, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

14. South Africa

South Africa made the list of the countries where Adderall is considered illegal. 

The medication is considered a Schedule 7 controlled substance, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

Since laws change over time, check the current laws and regulations in the countries we have highlighted.

In addition, when traveling to a country you consider might have laws governing the treatment of ADHD individuals, check with the country’s regulations. 

Finally, regularly consult local healthcare professionals and legal authorities for the most up-to-date information. This step is vital before traveling to the location. 

Did you find any European country in the list? Then, why is Adderall illegal there? 

Why is Adderall Illegal In Europe?

It is because of its high potential for abuse and addiction. Additionally, the European medical industry has a different philosophy regarding the best treatment for ADHD. 

Let’s get into more details. 

In most parts of the world, Adderall is a morning coffee for those with ADHD. Hence, it is surprising that in that part of the world, it is illegal.

Adderall, in the science community, is a combination of amphetamine salts. The salts, on the other hand, are regarded as psychostimulants. 

Of course, a psychostimulant will help improve concentration and focus. Thus, many professionals and students often result in this even if they do not have ADHD. 

Hence, due to its high potential for addiction and abuse among those who are not diagnosed with ADHD, the European health regulation has a firm stance on it. 

Due to the keen concern for the masses, this restriction will keep the usage at bay. 

Hence, the approach puts the health of the general public into consideration over a few. 

I want to talk more about why the country subscribes to a different path of treatment. 

It is vital to mention that this doesn’t mean that the European land is a land with a non-medical approach to ADHD. 

The fact, however, is that they have a different treatment that offers the same help as Adderall. 

First, they invest in behavioral therapies. 

This approach helps address the root instead of prescribing pills. That way, only individuals with ADHD are being attended to. 

Their holistic approach involves addressing mental health, lifestyle, and diet. This prevents individuals from relying solely on medications.  

Please be informed that medications like Concerta or Ritalin are considered legal. These medications have methylphenidate in them, and they are usually prescribed. 

These medications have similar effects to Adderall. However, they have minimized the risk of abuse and dependence. 

List of Countries Where Vyvanse is Illegal

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is regulated as a prescription medication in many countries. 

Currently, it is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. 

Below is the list of countries where its possession is considered illegal: 

1. United States

Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance. Thus, it has a high potential for abuse. 

In the United States, it is available only with a prescription from a licensed medical health care provider. 

2. Canada

Regarded as a prescription medication, Vyvanse’s use without a prescription is illegal.

3. United Kingdom

Vyvanse is a Class B controlled drug. Like Adderall, its possession without a prescription in the United Kingdom is illegal.

4. Australia

Vyvanse is a Schedule 8 controlled substance, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

5. Germany

In Germany, Vyvanse is classified as a prescription-only medication.

6. Japan

The Medical community regulates the purchase and use of Vyvanse. As a  prescription medication, its use without a prescription is generally illegal.

7. Singapore

As a prescription medication in Singapore, you cannot use it legally without a prescription.  

8. Sweden

Vyvanse is a prescription drug, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

9. Norway

Vyvanse is a prescription medication, and its possession without a prescription is illegal.

10. Brazil

The same law binding Adderall in Brazil is the same binding Vyvanse! 

It is recognized as a prescription drug, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

11. China

Vyvanse is regulated as a prescription medication in China. It is illegal to use without a prescription from a medical professional. 

12. India

As a prescription medication, it is illegal in India without a prescription.

13. South Africa

Vyvanse is a prescription medication, and its use without a prescription is also illegal.

As with Adderall, regulations can change, and this information is not exhaustive. 

Therefore, I encourage you to speak with local healthcare professionals and legal authorities for the most up-to-date information on the legal status of Vyvanse in any country of your choice. 

List of Countries Where Concerta is Illegal 

Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) is regulated as a prescription medication in many countries for the treatment of ADHD. 

However, the legal status of Concerta varies, and it’s vital to note that regulations may change with time.

Below is the list of countries with some general principles:

1. United States 

Concerta is available by prescription in the U.S. This medication is often prescribed for ADHD.

2. Canada

Concerta is also a prescription medication in Canada. Those treating ADHD are not allowed to obtain the drug without a prescription.

3. United Kingdom

Concerta is a prescription medication and is used for treating ADHD.

4. Australia

Concerta is a prescription medication in Australia. It is only legal to have and use with a prescription.

5. Germany

Concerta is available with a prescription and is widely used for ADHD treatment.

6. Japan

Concerta is only available in Japan with a prescription for those treating ADHD.

7. Singapore

Concerta is a prescription medication, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

8. Sweden

Concerta is available with a prescription for ADHD treatment.

9. Norway

In Norway, it is illegal to purchase and use Concerta without a prescription. 

10. Brazil

Concerta is a prescription drug in Brazil. Hence, the government banned its distribution, unless it has been prescribed. 

11. China

Concerta is available in China only with a prescription for ADHD treatment. So it is illegal to have it with a prescription. 

12. India

You can find Concerta in India. However, it is only legal to use with a prescription. 

13. South Africa

Concerta is not illegal in South Africa. However, possessing it must come with a prescription for treating ADHD.

List of Countries Where Ritalin is Illegal 

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is generally regulated as a prescription medication in many countries of the world. 

It is notable for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 

Ritalin is typically not considered illegal, but rather available by prescription in most countries.

Here are some regulations by countries: 

1. United States

Ritalin, like other prescription drugs for ADHD, is available and legal by prescription.

2. Canada

Because of its strict law on drug abuse, Canada limits the distribution of Ritalin to only medical professionals. 

3. United Kingdom

Regarded as a prescription medication in the UK, Ritalin is only legal if prescribed by medical professionals. 

4. Australia

Ritalin is a prescription medication in Australia, and its use without a prescription is illegal.

5. Germany

Ritalin is used for addressing ADHD in Germany. Nonetheless, it is only available with a prescription. 

6. Japan

Available with a prescription for ADHD treatment, Ritalin is legal in Japan!

7. Singapore

Ritalin is a prescription medication, and its use without a prescription is illegal in Singapore. 

8. Sweden

Sweden is home to Ritalin. Nonetheless, it is only available with a prescription for the treatment of ADHD.

9. Norway

Ritalin is a prescription drug in Norway. Hence, you have to obtain it through a licensed medical professional.

10. Brazil

Ritalin is not illegal in Brazil only if it is prescribed. 

11. China

Ritalin is available with a prescription for ADHD treatment in China.

12. India 

In India, you can get access to Ritalin. But it is only legal to possess if it is only prescribed. 

13. South Africa

Ritalin is one of the drugs available with a prescription for treating ADHD in South Africa. 

List of ADHD Medications by Country

Medications for treating ADHD vary by country. Find the country you hope to visit and the list of drugs available in that country below: 

1. United States

As one of the countries with the leading number of people with ADHD, Common ADHD medications in the United States include:

• Adderall
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Strattera

2. Canada

Canada has similar medications to the United States. This includes: 

• Adderall
• Ritalin
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Strattera

3. United Kingdom

Medications commonly prescribed to ADHD individuals include: 

• Concerta
• Ritalin
• Strattera

4. Australia

Australia has similar medications to the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Common ADHD medications include: 

• Ritalin
• Concerta
• Vyvanse
• Strattera

5. Germany

Medications prescribed for ADHD include: 

• Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) 
• Atomoxetine (Strattera) 

6. Japan

Medications include: 

• Methylphenidate 
• Atomoxetine

7. Singapore

Just like in Japan, the two medications usually prescribed for ADHD are: 

• Methylphenidate
• Atomoxetine

8. Sweden

Medications include: 

• Methylphenidate 
• Atomoxetine

9. Norway

Two of the common medications for ADHD include: 

• Methylphenidate
• Atomoxetine

10. Brazil

ADHD individuals can choose between Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine. However, it has to be prescribed by a medical professional. 

11. China

Often the medical community approves the prescription of Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine for ADHD.

12. India

Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine are among the medications prescribed for ADHD.

13. South Africa

It is common for ADHD folks to find medications like Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine to treat ADHD symptoms. 

New medications may have been introduced after the compilation of this list. 

You can explore the community healthcare website for further information.

Conclusion

Please be aware that regulations change from time to time. 

Hence, it is vital to check with local healthcare professionals or regulatory authorities for updated information on the legal status of ADHD medications in any country. 

Also, there are other countries you can research about here!