Treatment for ADHD will often include the use of medications, along with therapy. Current ADHD medicine available for treatment includes stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants. Today, stimulants are the most widely-prescribed medications for ADHD. However, some people do not respond well to them or cannot tolerate their side effects. Instead, people may need to explore using other ADHD medications to find the right fit for them.
ADHD in Adults & Children
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.1 Symptoms of ADHD may include trouble with focus, task completion, excessive movement, and self-control. ADHD starts in childhood but can continue with symptoms into adulthood and affect a person’s ability to function at work, school, and in other areas of life. Treatment for ADHD usually involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.
Medication for ADHD
There are several different ADHD medications available, including stimulants and non-stimulants.1 These medications can help decrease hyperactivity and impulsive behavior while improving attention. Medications for ADHD are recommended in conjunction with therapy. This way, people can develop the tools necessary to manage their symptoms and control their behavior, rather than relying on medication alone or poor coping mechanisms like ADHD Masking.
Therapy With ADHD Medications
Therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy may help treat ADHD. If you are seeking treatment for ADHD, finding a therapist specializing in this area and who is neurodiversity-affirming can be beneficial.
What Do ADHD Medications Do?
ADHD medications reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD and improve someone’s ability to function and regulate their attention, helping to prevent the chances of ADHD Paralysis.1 The way these medications affect the body depends on the type of medication. For example, Stimulant medications, such as Adderall and Ritalin, influence neurotransmitters in the brain that play a role in focus and attention.2 Stimulants are effective but also have serious health risks that require a black box warning from the FDA. Non-stimulant ADHD drugs, like Strattera, which don’t pose the same risk, are also available but might not drastically change people’s ability to function and focus as stimulants do.
Some of the most common ADHD medications include:3
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)
- Amphetamine (Adderall, Vyvanse)
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex)
*These medications have a black box warning, the most serious warning from the FDA for the risk of medication misuse or abuse and risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting these medications.
ADHD Medications for Adults vs. Children
Medication can be a part of treatment for adults with ADHD and children.4 The significant difference between ADHD medication for adults vs. children lies in the dosage since each group metabolizes medications differently. It is also important to note that ADHD symptoms may change for people as they age and their brain’s biochemistry and structure change.
For example, hyperactivity may decrease in children as they approach adolescence. At the same time, difficulty paying attention may continue to impact their functioning into adulthood. The medication type and dosage may need to be adjusted over time so that a person with ADHD can continue to manage their condition as it changes with age.
Types of ADHD Medication
There are many different ADHD medications available.4 Stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs for ADHD in children, teens, and adults. Often, prescribers will start with a trial dose of a stimulant. If a person cannot tolerate side effects or does not respond to the first option, prescribers will consider a stimulant vs. a non-stimulant as the next route for medication treatment.
Stimulants
Stimulants used for ADHD increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are both involved in your body’s attention regulation.1 Using stimulant medications to treat ADHD is sometimes called “stimulant therapy.” Many different stimulant medications are available and grouped into three categories: short, intermediate, and long-acting. These categories differ in how quickly the medicines work to take effect in the body and for how long they provide symptom relief.
Stimulants can be safe and effective when taken as prescribed.1 However, they can cause uncomfortable side effects, such as tics and sleeping problems.3 They may also be abused by people hoping to be more productive or feel more energized.4 A prescriber will help you consider the benefits and risks of stimulant medications for ADHD and decide whether this type of medication is right for you.
*The stimulant medication class has a black box warning, the most serious warning from the FDA for the risk of medication misuse or abuse.
Short-Acting Stimulant Medications
The ADHD medication is released immediately into the bloodstream when a person takes a short-acting stimulant. These medications are also called “instant-release.” Their effects typically begin within 30 to 45 minutes after taking them and last a few hours.4,5
Some of the most commonly prescribed short-term brand name stimulants include:4
- Ritalin (Methylphenidate)
- Adderall (Mixed Amphetamine Salts)
- Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)
- Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine)
- Methylin (Methylphenidate)
Intermediate or Long-Acting Stimulant Medications
Intermediate and long-acting stimulants are slowly released into the bloodstream over time rather than all at once. These long-acting (LA) stimulants can also go by other names, including extended-release (ER/XR) and sustained-release (SR). These medications are usually taken once in the morning and may last for up to 12 hours.4,5
Some of the most commonly-prescribed intermediate and long-term brand name stimulants include:4
- Ritalin LA (Methylphenidate)
- Ritalin SR (Methylphenidate)
- Concerta (Methylphenidate)
- Adderall XR (Mixed Amphetamine Salts)
- Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)
- Focalin XR (Dexmethylphenidate)
- Metadate ER (Methylphenidate)
- Metadate CD (Methylphenidate)
- Quillivant XR (Methylphenidate)
- Daytrana (Methylphenidate)
- Dexedrine Spansule (Dextroamphetamine)
Non-Stimulants
Non-Stimulants for ADHD are used as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), improving behavior by increasing their levels in the brain.3 By preventing the brain from reabsorbing norepinephrine (associated with controlling your fight or flight instincts), the neurotransmitter is available longer, increasing one’s ability to maintain attention.3
Though stimulants are the most common medication treatment for ADHD, non-stimulants are another viable option. These medications may be helpful for people who do not benefit from or do not like the side effects caused by stimulants.4 Two of these medications, Intuniv and Kapvay, were initially developed to treat high blood pressure but were also found to be effective at reducing symptoms of ADHD.
Some of the most commonly-prescribed brand name non-stimulants include:4
- Strattera (Atomoxetine)
- Intuniv (Guanfacine)
- Kapvay (Clonidine)
*SNRI medications like Strattera carry a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting this medication.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD.4 These medications are not technically FDA-approved for treating ADHD; however, studies show they can help reduce symptoms associated with ADHD. Some providers may prescribe these medications with stimulants or non-stimulants to manage symptoms more effectively. Or providers might prescribe these independently for people who cannot tolerate side effects from other ADHD medications, do not respond to stimulants, or have a dual diagnosis of ADHD and depression.1
Some of the most commonly-prescribed brand-name antidepressants include:
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
- Imipramine (Tofranil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
*Some antidepressants carry a black box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting this medication.
ADHD Medication Side Effects for Adults and Children
Mild side effects while taking ADHD medications are common.4 Stimulants often cause changes in appetite and weight. In contrast, Non-stimulant medicines can cause drowsiness, blood pressure and heart rate drops and fainting. Side effects, such as headaches and sleeping problems, usually resolve within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medications.6 Prescribers can also manage side effects by changing the dose or the drug altogether, adding another medication, or taking medication breaks on the weekends and holidays.
ADHD medication for children may also cause a delay in growth in height initially, but this tends to resolve within two years. There is mixed opinion on whether or not stimulants can cause tics in children.4 Children with a personal or family history of tics are usually not treated with stimulants. If a child does develop tics, then a prescriber should switch them to a non-stimulant.3
General side effects from stimulants include:4
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
- Delayed growth
General side effects from non-stimulants include:4
- Decreased heart rate
- Decreased blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fainting
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Low energy
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe side effects, such as fainting, call 911 right away. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or your child’s doctor if you have any concerns about side effects due to ADHD medication.
How to Determine Which ADHD Meds Are Best for You
There are many different ADHD medications available, but what works for one person may not work for another. When finding the proper medication, your doctor will gather information about your ADHD symptoms and what meds you have tried in the past. Some people respond well to stimulants, while others cannot tolerate the side effects or cannot get relief from their symptoms.
Your doctor will discuss the different options and help you select a medication that is best for you. They may consider changing the medication or dose if it doesn’t work or causes too many side effects. Patience is vital for this process, as it can take a few trial runs to find the right one that works best for your specific body.
What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting ADHD Medication
Before starting ADHD medication, your doctor will evaluate you and ask several interview questions. It is important to share as much information as possible about your personal, medical, and family history so that the doctor can understand your needs fully. This information will give your doctor the best chance of finding the proper medication for you.
A list of topics to discuss with your prescribing doctor to help them determine which ADHD medication to prescribe include:
- What type of symptoms you have, and how long you’ve been experiencing them
- Any other medications you have tried for ADHD and your experience with them
- Your medical and psychiatric history
- If you have ever had an addiction
- Your family’s mental health and addiction history
- If you are taking any other medications
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are planning to become pregnant
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About ADHD Meds
During an evaluation, your healthcare provider will share if they feel you could benefit from medication for your ADHD. Before taking medication, you will probably have questions for them about how to take it and what side effects to expect. It may be helpful to write down your questions and bring them to your appointment.
A list of questions to consider asking your care team about before taking ADHD medication include:
- Which ADHD medications are suitable for my symptoms?
- How much and how often should I take these medications?
- What kind of side effects are common with this medication?
- What should I do if I experience side effects?
- Are there other medications or substances I should avoid while taking them?
- What should I do if I want to stop taking the medication?
Final Thoughts
If you have ADHD, you should talk to your doctor about whether or not these medications are right for you. There are many different medications to choose from that can help manage your ADHD, along with therapy and lifestyle changes. Many medications for adults with ADHD are also prescribed for children but in smaller doses. Children have some increased side effects with ADHD medication that should be considered. Don’t wait to inform your treatment team of any side effects or functioning changes to ensure the best results for yourself or your children.
For Further Reading
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- Mental Health America
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- MentalHealth.gov
- Best ADHD Books
- Best ADHD Podcasts
- Best ADHD Youtube Channels
- Best ADHD Blogs
- Is ADHD Genetic?
- What Is Neurodiversity?
