Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesStimulantsNon-StimulantsAntidepressantsMedication for Adults vs. Kids
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Stimulants
Non-Stimulants
Antidepressants
Medication for Adults vs. Kids
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) medications are prescribed to manage common ADHD symptoms, like difficulty focusing, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.
Medications approved to treat ADHD include stimulants, like Adderall and Ritalin, and non-stimulants, likeStratteraand Intuniv. Antidepressants, like Wellbutrin, are also prescribed off-label to treat ADHD.
This article discusses ADHD medication. It describes how different types of ADHD medicines work to manage ADHD symptoms. It also explains common ADHD medication side effects.
Understanding the Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Types of ADHD Medications
ADHD medications balanceneurotransmittersin the brain like norepinephrine and dopamine to reduce ADHD symptoms. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.
Stimulantsare the oldest and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. They work quickly to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants can increase a person’s energy, alertness, and attention and are available in short-acting and extended-release formulas.
Non-stimulantsare newer ADHD drugs that increase norepinephrine levels. There are two classes of non-stimulant ADHD medicines:serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs) and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These don’t work as quickly as stimulants, are not always effective, and may be used in combination with other ADHD medicines.
Antidepressantsare sometimes prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. They may be used in combination with other ADHD medications and are especially helpful when ADHD co-occurs with other conditions like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Stimulant ADHD Medicines
Stimulants increase brain levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are linked to focus and attention. Boosting these neurotransmitters helps manage ADHD symptoms.
Stimulant medications are derived from either amphetamine or methylphenidate. Both have similar effects but work slightly differently. For example, methylphenidate tends to work faster, but the effects don’t last as long.
Stimulants come in short-acting and extended-release formulas. Short-acting, immediate-release ADHD medications can last four to six hours, compared to long-acting, extended-release products that can last eight to 16 hours.Extended-release formulas typically have XR, ER, or LA in their name.
Stimulant ADHD medications are available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid formulas. A transdermal ADHD medication, Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine), was approved in 2022.
The following stimulant ADHD medications are available:
AmphetaminesAdderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine, extended release)Dyanavel XR (amphetamine)Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate)Mydayis (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, extended release)ProCentra (dextroamphetamine sulfate)Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine, extended release)Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine sulfate)MethylphenidatesAptensio XR (methylphenidate)Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate)Concerta (methylphenidate, extended release)Contempla XR (methylphenidate)Daytrana (methylphenidate, extended release)Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)Jornay PM (methylphenidate, extended release night formula)Metadate (methylphenidate, extended release)MethylinMethylphenidateQuilliChew ER (methylphenidate)Quillivant XR (methylphenidate)Ritalin (methylphenidate)Ritalin LA (methylphenidate)
AmphetaminesAdderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine, extended release)Dyanavel XR (amphetamine)Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate)Mydayis (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, extended release)ProCentra (dextroamphetamine sulfate)Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine, extended release)Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine sulfate)
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
Adderall XR (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine, extended release)
Dyanavel XR (amphetamine)
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Evekeo (amphetamine sulfate)
Mydayis (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, extended release)
ProCentra (dextroamphetamine sulfate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine, extended release)
Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine)
Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine sulfate)
MethylphenidatesAptensio XR (methylphenidate)Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate)Concerta (methylphenidate, extended release)Contempla XR (methylphenidate)Daytrana (methylphenidate, extended release)Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)Jornay PM (methylphenidate, extended release night formula)Metadate (methylphenidate, extended release)MethylinMethylphenidateQuilliChew ER (methylphenidate)Quillivant XR (methylphenidate)Ritalin (methylphenidate)Ritalin LA (methylphenidate)
Aptensio XR (methylphenidate)
Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate)
Concerta (methylphenidate, extended release)
Contempla XR (methylphenidate)
Daytrana (methylphenidate, extended release)
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
Jornay PM (methylphenidate, extended release night formula)
Metadate (methylphenidate, extended release)
Methylin
Methylphenidate
QuilliChew ER (methylphenidate)
Quillivant XR (methylphenidate)
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Ritalin LA (methylphenidate)
Side Effects of Stimulant ADHD Medicines
Stimulant medications have similar side effects, which are more common with higher doses. These include:
Stimulants can also trigger depression or even suicidal thoughts, though rare. Different formulas may have additional side effects.
Stimulants also carry a risk of addiction. However, that risk is low when taken as prescribed for the treatment of ADHD.In fact, some research suggests that treating ADHD may reduce a person’s risk forsubstance usedisorder.
Comparing Ritalin vs. Adderall Effects
Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications
There are four non-stimulant medications that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat ADHD:
Strattera
Strattera can be taken once a day or split into two doses (morning and evening). The medication can be taken with or without food. It is available in brand-name and generic atomoxetine.
Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adults.
Qelbree
Qelbree is only available in a brand-name formula. It is taken once a day, with or without food.
Qelbree is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older and adults.
Clonidine and Guanfacine
Clonidineand guanfacine have been used for years to treat health conditions like high blood pressure. Both drugs are alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, which act on norepinephrine in the brain. Brand-names include:
Long-acting guanfacine (Intuniv) can be taken as a single dose once daily.
Side Effects of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medicines
Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) are in the same drug class and share some similar potential side effects. Some of these include:
Onyda XR (clonidine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) also share some similar side effects, including:
Some of these symptoms may be less severe from taking Intuniv than others. Intuniv is also less likely to decrease appetite than other ADHD medications so that it may be a better option for underweight people.
Mydayis vs. Adderall: Similarities and Differences
Antidepressant ADHD Medications
Some providers use antidepressants “off-label” to treat ADHD, which means that while they have not been FDA-approved for this purpose, they can still be helpful.
Antidepressants are also non-stimulants. Even though they have not been studied enough to get FDA approval for ADHD treatments, some research suggests antidepressants are helpful for some people with ADHD.
Like other types of non-stimulants, antidepressants are an option when first-line ADHD treatments haven’t helped. Your provider may also recommend that you try taking an antidepressant along with ADHD medications.
Some of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for people with ADHD include:
Side Effects of Antidepressants
Possible side effects of antidepressants include:
Are ADHD Medications the Same for Adults and Children?
Both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications are approved for children and adults. While the drugs are the same, the doses and forms of ADHD drug treatments can be different for children than they are for adults. For example, a child may need a lower dose than an adult.
Some kids with ADHD benefit from taking a long-acting ADHD medication so they can take it before they go to school and have their symptoms managed throughout the day.
Certain capsule forms of ADHD medications can be opened and sprinkled on soft foods like applesauce, which makes them a great option for kids who have a hard time swallowing pills.
Summary
ADHD medications generally fall into one of two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulant medications such asAdderall and Ritalinare well-established treatments for ADHD, and they are safe and effective for most people.
Newer, non-stimulant medications, such as Strattera, are also an option. Some providers also recommend trying antidepressants either on their own or with ADHD medications.
As with all medications, ADHD medications come with side effects and risks. But there are also risks of having untreated ADHD. Work with your provider to come up with an effective ADHD treatment plan and decide whether medication would help you manage your symptoms.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Faraone SV, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, et al.The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;128:789-818. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022Wolraich ML, Hagan JF Jr, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.What medications are used to treat ADHD?Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, et al.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456–64.Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001Young JL, Goodman DW.Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderdiagnosis, management, and treatment in the DSM-5 era.Prim Care CompanionCNS Disord. 2016;18(6). doi:10.4088/PCC.16r02000U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) transdermal system.Chang Z, Lichtenstein P, Halldner L, et al.Stimulant ADHD medication and risk for substance abuse.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(8):878-885.doi:10.1111/jcpp.12164U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of Prescribing Information: Strattera (atomoxetine).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Qelbree (viloxazine).Food and Drug Administration.Onyda XR label.Food and Drug Administration.Intuniv label.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common ADHD medications & treatments for children.Additional ReadingNorthwell Health.The ADHD medication guide.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Faraone SV, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, et al.The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;128:789-818. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022Wolraich ML, Hagan JF Jr, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.What medications are used to treat ADHD?Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, et al.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456–64.Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001Young JL, Goodman DW.Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderdiagnosis, management, and treatment in the DSM-5 era.Prim Care CompanionCNS Disord. 2016;18(6). doi:10.4088/PCC.16r02000U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) transdermal system.Chang Z, Lichtenstein P, Halldner L, et al.Stimulant ADHD medication and risk for substance abuse.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(8):878-885.doi:10.1111/jcpp.12164U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of Prescribing Information: Strattera (atomoxetine).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Qelbree (viloxazine).Food and Drug Administration.Onyda XR label.Food and Drug Administration.Intuniv label.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common ADHD medications & treatments for children.Additional ReadingNorthwell Health.The ADHD medication guide.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Faraone SV, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, et al.The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;128:789-818. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022Wolraich ML, Hagan JF Jr, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.What medications are used to treat ADHD?Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, et al.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456–64.Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001Young JL, Goodman DW.Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderdiagnosis, management, and treatment in the DSM-5 era.Prim Care CompanionCNS Disord. 2016;18(6). doi:10.4088/PCC.16r02000U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) transdermal system.Chang Z, Lichtenstein P, Halldner L, et al.Stimulant ADHD medication and risk for substance abuse.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(8):878-885.doi:10.1111/jcpp.12164U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of Prescribing Information: Strattera (atomoxetine).U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Qelbree (viloxazine).Food and Drug Administration.Onyda XR label.Food and Drug Administration.Intuniv label.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.American Academy of Pediatrics.Common ADHD medications & treatments for children.
Faraone SV, Banaschewski T, Coghill D, et al.The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2021;128:789-818. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022
Wolraich ML, Hagan JF Jr, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20192528. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.What medications are used to treat ADHD?
Felt BT, Biermann B, Christner JG, et al.Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children.Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(7):456–64.
Faraone SV.The pharmacology of amphetamine and methylphenidate: Relevance to the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric comorbidities.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2018;87:255-270. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.02.001
Young JL, Goodman DW.Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderdiagnosis, management, and treatment in the DSM-5 era.Prim Care CompanionCNS Disord. 2016;18(6). doi:10.4088/PCC.16r02000
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine) transdermal system.
Chang Z, Lichtenstein P, Halldner L, et al.Stimulant ADHD medication and risk for substance abuse.J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014;55(8):878-885.doi:10.1111/jcpp.12164
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of Prescribing Information: Strattera (atomoxetine).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Qelbree (viloxazine).
Food and Drug Administration.Onyda XR label.
Food and Drug Administration.Intuniv label.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Common ADHD medications & treatments for children.
Northwell Health.The ADHD medication guide.
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