U31 is an orange, round tablet of mixed amphetamine salts (MAS) manufactured by Aurolife Pharma — the generic equivalent of Adderall 30mg. It is a Schedule II central nervous system stimulant prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. As the highest commonly prescribed immediate-release amphetamine strength, it carries significant cardiovascular, psychiatric, and abuse-potential warnings.
U31 Pill: Mixed Amphetamine Salts 30mg — Generic Adderall Identification and Safety Guide
The small orange tablet marked "U31" is a generic version of Adderall 30mg — one of the most widely recognized prescription medications in the United States. It contains mixed amphetamine salts, a combination of amphetamine compounds that is the active ingredient in the Adderall brand product. Manufactured by Aurolife Pharma (a subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma), the U31 tablet is dispensed through licensed pharmacies with a valid Schedule II prescription and is used primarily to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Pill Identification
U31 at a glance: Orange · Round · Imprint "U31" · Mixed Amphetamine Salts (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) 30mg · Schedule II Controlled Substance · Manufactured by Aurolife Pharma LLC
Aurolife Pharma LLC is the U.S. generics subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma, one of the world's largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturers. The "U" series imprints identify Aurolife products. The U31 tablet is a small, round tablet in characteristic orange color, debossed with "U31" on one face, consistent with the color convention for the highest commonly dispensed immediate-release amphetamine salts strength.
Mixed amphetamine salts contain a specific ratio of amphetamine salt forms — including amphetamine aspartate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and dextroamphetamine sulfate — that together produce a pharmacological profile that has been studied extensively in the treatment of ADHD. The brand Adderall (manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals) uses the same 3:1 ratio of dextroamphetamine to levoamphetamine salts. Generic versions are required by FDA regulations to be bioequivalent to the brand product.
What Mixed Amphetamine Salts Are Used For
Amphetamine salts are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that work primarily by increasing the release and blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These catecholamines are involved in attention, executive function, impulse control, and the regulation of arousal. In people with ADHD, whose dopaminergic and noradrenergic signaling is dysregulated, stimulant medications can normalize neurotransmitter function in prefrontal circuits that govern attention and behavior.
FDA-approved indications for mixed amphetamine salts include:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents, and adults
- Narcolepsy
Mixed amphetamine salts are available in immediate-release formulations (like the U31 tablet) and extended-release capsule formulations (Adderall XR and its generics). Immediate-release formulations have a shorter duration of action, typically 4–6 hours, while extended-release formulations are designed to provide effect throughout the day from a single morning administration.
Important Safety Information
⚠ FDA BLACK BOX WARNING: Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. Administration of amphetamines for prolonged periods of time may lead to drug dependence. Misuse of amphetamines may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events. Prescribing or dispensing amphetamines should be done sparingly. Mixed amphetamine salts are Schedule II and require a new prescription for each fill.
Cardiovascular Effects
Stimulants including amphetamines increase heart rate and blood pressure. In patients with pre-existing structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, or serious cardiac arrhythmias, stimulants can increase the risk of sudden death. A careful cardiac history and evaluation is recommended before starting amphetamine therapy. Patients who develop palpitations, chest pain, or fainting during treatment should have a prompt cardiac evaluation.
Psychiatric Effects
Amphetamines can exacerbate symptoms of existing psychiatric conditions and in some cases precipitate new psychiatric symptoms in people with no prior history — including psychosis, mania, aggression, and anxiety. Patients who develop new psychiatric symptoms during stimulant treatment should be evaluated promptly, and the medication may need to be discontinued.
Growth in Children
Long-term stimulant use in children has been associated with modest suppression of growth velocity. Height and weight should be monitored in children receiving long-term stimulant therapy. Prescribers may consider periodic treatment interruptions (such as "drug holidays" during summers) to allow growth to normalize.
Abuse and Diversion Potential
Mixed amphetamine salts have significant abuse potential, particularly in non-prescribed individuals, students seeking cognitive enhancement, and people with substance use disorders. The drug's euphoric effects at higher amounts drive its diversion from legitimate prescriptions. Schedule II status means strict legal controls on prescribing and dispensing, but diversion remains common. Taking amphetamines without a valid prescription is both illegal and medically risky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the U31 pill exactly the same as brand-name Adderall?
U31 manufactured by Aurolife contains the same active ingredients (mixed amphetamine salts) in the same 30mg amount. FDA bioequivalence standards require generic versions to be absorbed into the body at a rate and to an extent comparable to the brand product. Some patients report subjective differences between brand and generic formulations, though the pharmacological equivalence is supported by regulatory standards. Patients with concerns about generic substitution should discuss options with their prescriber and pharmacist.
What does it mean that amphetamines are Schedule II?
Schedule II is the most restrictive classification for drugs with an accepted medical use. It means the drug has been recognized as having a high potential for abuse that may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Prescriptions for Schedule II drugs cannot be refilled — a new prescription is required each time. Prescribers must be DEA-registered and, in most states, must check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program before prescribing.
Can amphetamines be prescribed to adults?
Yes. ADHD in adults is widely recognized as a clinical condition, and stimulant medications including mixed amphetamine salts are FDA-approved for adult patients. Adult ADHD diagnosis and prescribing has increased substantially over the past decade, and mixed amphetamine salts are among the most commonly prescribed medications in this population.
What should I do if I find a U31 pill that wasn't prescribed to me?
Do not take it. Amphetamine salts are powerful medications that require individualized medical oversight. Taking a stimulant not prescribed to you — regardless of whether you believe you have ADHD — is illegal and carries cardiovascular and psychiatric risks that a prescriber would normally screen for. If you believe you have ADHD, speak with a licensed clinician who can properly evaluate and diagnose you.
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