ADHD
33 min read
Written by Amelia Willson
Published: Sep 12, 2024
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Paul Hetrick
With so many attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications to choose from, it can be tough to know which one will work best for you. That’s where this ADHD medication guide for adults comes in.
Inside, find details about each medication, including:
Read this ADHD medication guide and be prepared to work with your healthcare clinician to find the perfect match for your needs.
Find a provider on Klarity Health now for help treating your ADHD symptoms. Some are available in as little as 24 hours.* Find a doctor or specialist for ADHD treatment and book an online or in-person appointment today for help figuring out the right ADHD medication for you.
ADHD medications don’t cure ADHD. But they are an important treatment of ADHD. And they can help you manage your symptoms and enjoy improved focus and concentration, reduced impulsivity, and an increased sense of calmness while you take them. For some people, ADHD medication is enough. For others, they’re part of a more holistic ADHD treatment plan that combines medication with ADHD therapy, behavior therapy, behavior management, and lifestyle changes.
There are 2 main types of ADHD medication: stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are typically the first-line treatment for ADHD because they work for 70% of people who experience symptoms. Stimulants calm ADHD symptoms, but they also tend to have more side effects.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications, on the other hand, usually have fewer side effects. This can make them a better fit for people who shouldn’t take stimulants, such as those with heart conditions or who are prone to addiction. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe non-stimulants if you’ve already tried stimulants and experienced negative side effects, like an increased heart rate, anxiety, or loss of appetite.
Stimulant ADHD medications increase the levels of certain chemicals or neurotransmitters (basically chemical messengers) in the brain, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve focus and concentration.
These medications can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature, which may make you feel like you need less sleep, and less food. Because stimulants are controlled substances, there’s a risk of dependency when you take them. Some common stimulants include methylphenidate (like Ritalin), amphetamines (like Adderall), and dextroamphetamine (like Dexedrine).
Mechanism of action | Common active ingredients/generic name | Pros | Cons |
Increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain | Methylphenidate, amphetamines, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine | Rapid onset of symptom relief Improved focus and concentration | Side effects can include higher blood pressure, reduced sleep and appetite, and a risk of dependency |
Non-stimulant medications are typically the second-line treatment option for ADHD because they can take longer to work and aren’t as effective for everyone.
Like stimulants, non-stimulant ADHD medications increase levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, usually norepinephrine. Non-stimulant medications include antidepressants and alpha-agonists like atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Intuniv). These medications may be prescribed as an alternative for people who don’t respond well to stimulants.
Mechanism of action | Common active ingredients | Pros | Cons |
Increase levels of norepinephrine in the brain | Atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine, bupropion | Improved focus and concentration, mild antidepressant effect, milder side effects compared to stimulants, lower risk of dependency | May be less effective in treating ADHD, take longer to become fully effective |
This ADHD medication chart gives you a quick look at most of the available ADHD medications.
Medication | Generic | Formulation(s) | Pros/Cons | Duration |
Stimulants | ||||
Adderall (amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine) | Yes | Tablet taken 1–3x a day, with or without food | Can be taken 1–3x per day | 4–6 hours |
Adderall XR (amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Mydayis (amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine) | No | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 16 full hours | 16 hours |
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate) | Yes | Tablet taken 1–3x a day, with or without food | Can be taken 1–3x per day | 4–6 hours |
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) | No | Extended-release dissolvable tablet taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Dissolves on the tongue, lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Dyanavel XR (amphetamine) | No | Extended-release or oral solution tablet taken 1x a day in the morning with or without food | Shown to offer symptom control for up to 13 hours | Up to 13 hours |
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine) | Yes | Tablet taken 1–3x a day, with or without food | Can be taken 1–3x per day | 4–6 hours |
ProCentra (dextroamphetamine sulfate) | No | Liquid solution taken 1–3x a day, with or without food | Bubblegum flavor, can be taken 1–3x per day | 4–6 hours |
Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) | No | Extended-release patch applied 2 hours before needed and removed within 9 hours of wearing it | Wearable patch, lasts up to 9 full hours | 9 hours |
Ritalin (methylphenidate) | Yes | Tablet taken 2–3x a day, 30–45 minutes before eating and no later than 6:00 p.m. | Have to time with food, Has to be taken 2–3x per day | 3–4 hours |
Ritalin LA (methylphenidate) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning | Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Concerta (methylphenidate) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Cotempla XR-ODT (methylphenidate) | No | Extended-release dissolvable tablet taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Dissolves on the tongue, Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) | Yes | Tablet taken 2x a day, at least 4 hours apart, with or without food | Has to be taken 2x a day | 4–6 hours |
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate) | No | Extended-release liquid solution taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Liquid solution, Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Quillichew ER (methylphenidate) | No | Extended-release chewable tablet taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Chewable option, Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Aptensio XR (methylphenidate) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Daytrana (methylphenidate) | Yes | Extended-release patch applied to the hip 2 hours before needed and removed within 9 hours of wearing it | Wearable patch, Lasts up to 9 full hours | 9 hours |
Metadate CD (methylphenidate) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, before eating | Have to time with food, Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Methylin (methylphenidate) | Yes | Liquid solution taken 2–3x a day, 30–45 minutes before eating and no later than 6:00 p.m. | Have to take with food, Has to be taken 2–3x per day | 4–6 hours |
Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate) | No | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Jornay PM (methylphenidate) | No | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the evening, with or without food | Evening dose, Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) | Yes | Extended-release capsule or chewable tablet taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Chewable option, Lasts up to 12 full hours | 12 hours |
Non-stimulants | ||||
Atomoxetine (formerly Strattera) | Yes | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day in the morning or split into 2 doses, with or without food | Lasts up to 24 hours* | 24 hours* |
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) | Yes | Tablet taken 2x a day at least 8 hours apart, with or without food | Has to be taken 2x per day | 24 hours* |
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion) | Yes | Extended-release tablet taken 1x a day in the morning, with or without food | Lasts up to 24 hours* | 24 hours* |
Qelbree (viloxazine) | No | Extended-release capsule taken 1x a day, with or without food | Lasts up to 24 hours* | 24 hours* |
Intuniv (guanfacine) | Yes | Extended-release tablet taken 1x a day, without a high-fat meal | Have to plan around food, Lasts up to 24 hours* | 24 hours* |
Clonidine (formerly Kapvay) | Yes | Extended-release tablet taken 2x a day, with or without food | Lasts up to 24 hours* | 24 hours* |
There are several options for stimulant ADHD medication. But, they tend to fall into 4 main categories based on their active ingredient:
Amphetamine-based ADHD medications contain amphetamine (and sometimes dextroamphetamine), which are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants associated with improved hyperactivity and impulse control. Like other stimulants, these medications increase the presence of neurotransmitters in your brain to help you pay attention, stay awake, and focus.
Amphetamine-based ADHD medication options come in several brand names, including Adderall, Mydayis, Evekeo, and Adzenys. Some of these, like Adderall and Evekeo, are short-acting immediate-release forms, so you take them a few times throughout the day.
Others, like Mydayis and Adderall XR, are long-acting extended-release medications, so you only have to take them once in the morning and the effects last throughout the day. Of these, Mydayis lasts the longest, which may cause trouble sleeping for some people.
Dextroamphetamine is another type of stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. Medications with dextroamphetamine help you stay focused and awake during the day. They also help you manage impulsive behaviors.
You can find both immediate-release and extended-release versions of medications that use dextroamphetamine. Zenzedi and ProCentra are immediate-release, so you take them a few times during the day. Extended-release options include Dexedrine, an oral capsule you swallow, as well as Xelstrym, which is a patch you apply to your skin.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for ADHD. Methylphenidate- and dexmethylphenidate-based ADHD medications increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, so you can stay focused and concentrate.
Methylphenidate is available in several brand names, with Ritalin being the most recognizable. Other brand names include Concerta, Cotempla, Focalin, Quillivant XR, Quillichew ER, Aptensio XR, Daytrana, Metadate CD, Methylin, Azstarys, and Jornay PM.
There are several different kinds of methylphenidate- and dexmethylphenidate-based ADHD medications. They come in a variety of forms, from immediate-release tablets to extended-release capsules, liquid solutions, and even chewable tablets. Some are designed to help you focus in the morning, like Jornay PM, which is taken at night as opposed to the morning, like many other ADHD medications.
Lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorders. It increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps improve focus and inattention while reducing impulsivity.
Stimulants activate your central nervous system (CNS). This makes them effective at managing ADHD symptoms in adults and children, as they can help you feel more awake, more focused, and more energized. It also means they can create side effects like trouble sleeping, anxiety, or restlessness. Other side effects of stimulant ADHD medication may include:
In some cases, ADHD stimulants can cause more serious side effects, such as heart problems or dependency. These medications work by altering brain chemistry to improve focus and attention. For some individuals, they can also be habit-forming, and misuse of these medications can lead to dependence, tolerance, and potential addiction. That’s why stimulants have a boxed warning on their prescription label, which is the most serious warning the FDA assigns to a prescription drug.
It’s important to take stimulant medications exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to minimize the risk of dependency. Don’t increase your dosage without medical guidance. Regularly communicate with your healthcare provider about your medication’s effectiveness and any concerns you may have.
You should also avoid stimulants if you’ve taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of starting the new medication, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you can’t take stimulants, or if you’ve tried them and they didn’t work well for you, you still have options for treating ADHD. Non-stimulant ADHD medications typically include antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, or alpha-agonists like clonidine.
Certain antidepressants can be an effective treatment for ADHD, including atomoxetine, Wellbutrin, and Qelbree. These medications work by increasing levels of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. This helps to improve focus and attention while giving you more control over impulsive behaviors.
Antidepressants can also be helpful for people who have ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Depending on the medication, they may be taken once or twice a day.
Alpha and alpha-2 agonists are another group of non-stimulants that treat symptoms of ADHD. These medications work by activating alpha-2 receptors in the brain, relaxing blood vessels to reduce blood pressure, improving focus and attention, and reducing impulsivity. Examples include Intuniv and clonidine.
Non-stimulant medications for ADHD have a lower risk of dependency compared to stimulant medications. They should still be taken as prescribed to avoid complications. While complaints vary depending on the medication, common side effects of non-stimulant ADHD medications include:
Additionally, antidepressants like atomoxetine, Wellbutrin, and Qelbree carry a boxed warning because they can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. If you start having thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm, tell your healthcare provider right away.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD because they tend to be more effective at treating ADHD than non-stimulant ADHD medications. But they may not work for everyone. And you may not be able to take them if you have a history of addiction or a heart condition or other medical conditions.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications can take longer to work, but they can be useful for people who can’t take stimulants or don’t respond well to them.
Ultimately, which ADHD medication works best for you depends on your current symptoms, health history, and your tolerance for side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. They can help you find the right ADHD medication for you.
With the right medication, ADHD is manageable. Book an online appointment on Klarity Health today to speak to a qualified medical professional about which ADHD medication is right for you. Find a provider now.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
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