Your ADHD medication guide for 2024 and beyond

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:

• How it works
• How to take it
• Potential side effects
• Contraindications (times you shouldn’t use a med)

Read this ADHD medication guide and be prepared to work with your healthcare clinician to find the perfect match for your needs.

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Why medicate ADHD?

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.

Main types of ADHD medications

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. 

Stimulants for ADHD

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). 

Stimulant medications for ADHD at a glance

Non-stimulant for ADHD

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. 

Non-stimulant medications for ADHD at a glance

ADHD medication chart at a glance

This ADHD medication chart gives you a quick look at most of the available ADHD medications.

The most common stimulant ADHD medications

There are several options for stimulant ADHD medication. But, they tend to fall into 4 main categories based on their active ingredient: 

1. Amphetamine
2. Dextroamphetamine
3. Methylphenidate and/or dexmethylphenidate
4. Lisdexamfetamine

Amphetamine-based ADHD medications

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-based ADHD medications

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- and dexmethylphenidate-based ADHD medications

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-based 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. 

What to know about stimulants for ADHD

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:

• Reduced appetite
• Increased blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Stomach pain or indigestion
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Irritability

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.

The most common non-stimulant ADHD medications

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.

Types of non-stimulant  medications for ADHD

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 for ADHD

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. 

What to know about non-stimulants for ADHD

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: 

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling tired

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. 

Which ADHD medication is right for you?

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.

Key takeaway

• There are 2 main types of medications for ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.
• Stimulants are usually prescribed first, and work for about 70% of people. But, they carry a risk of dependency.
• Non-stimulants, such as antidepressants and alpha-agonists, are a good second option if you can’t take stimulants or stimulants didn’t work well for you.
• There’s a wide range of ADHD medication, so you can make a choice based on what works best for you. There are a variety of forms, including oral capsules, liquid solutions, patches, and chewable and dissolvable tablets. And there’s extended-release versus immediate-release for how long you need the effects to last, or how confident you feel about remembering to take your medication.
• The best way to find the right ADHD medication and treatment plan for you is to talk to a licensed healthcare provider. You can do that through an online healthcare marketplace like Klarity Health.

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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.