First synthesized by Lazar Edeleanu in Germany in 1887, amphetamine remained quietly under the radar until it came to the attention of chemist Gordon Alles in 1929. Alles was looking for an asthma medication that was better than the drugs available at the time.

When was Adderall first introduced?

Adderall was introduced in 1996 by Richwood Pharmaceuticals, which later merged with Shire Pharmaceuticals. In 2001, a slow-release capsule called Adderall XR became available as an alternative to the original quick-release tablet.

When was dextroamphetamine discovered?

He didn't know it at the time, but the drug had been first synthesized in 1887 by Romanian chemist Lazar Edeleanu.